This time of the semester is VERY draining. The end of the semester is near, but it still feels like we’re all drowning in busy work. We’re so busy and numb from doing countless hours of school that we might not be checking in on ourselves. I know that I am definitely at fault when it comes to checking up on my own mental health.
Below, I’ve created a list of 10 ways to have a productive mental health day. It’s super important to take time for yourself and take a break from school. I hope some of these are useful!
- Get enough sleep, but not too much!
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I really struggle with this one, so I feel like a hypocrite writing this. I am a huge night owl and sometimes that results in me getting too much sleep or too little sleep. Either way, I wake up in the morning feeling like shit. Try to find a happy medium! Doctors recommend around 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night. Try your best to change your routine so that you can achieve this goal!
- Drink water (THIS ACTUALLY WORKS SO MUCH)
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I have actively made drinking water a part of my routine over the past few months and I have seen so many benefits! I am an avid coffee drinker and would often drink almost as much coffee as I drank water in one day (WHICH IS AWFUL!). Here’s a tip for my fellow coffee drinkers: water is nature’s coffee! Drinking water genuinely makes me feel awake, alive, and ready to start the new day!
- Make a vision board
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Vision boards are every Pinterest lover’s dream. I made a vision board at the beginning of 2021, however, I really want to make a new one. A lot has changed in my life in just a few months and I have new aspirations and dreams that I want to achieve. I recommend making a vision board every few months to have a sit down conversation with yourself about what you want from your life. If you don’t know where to start, definitely check Pinterest! :)
- Meditate
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Again, I feel like a hypocrite writing this because this is another one I really need to work on. Our lives are so busy with so much going on that there is almost no time to sit down and catch your breath. Try to find 5 minutes of your day, whether it be in the morning when you wake up or right before you go to bed, to take some quiet time for yourself. There are so many quick meditation apps to try out if you need a place to start!
- Hang out with friends, but also learn to love spending time with yourself
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Become your own best friend. Hanging out with friends is so much fun and the memories are amazing, but you also need to learn how to love yourself and to love spending time with yourself. Go on a walk by yourself, workout by yourself, go on a drive, go treat yourself. Try to have some quiet time alone to self reflect.
- Watch your go-to comfort movie or tv show
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I always notice I’m in such a good mood after watching a nostalgic tv show or a favorite childhood movie. Go have a High School Musical movie marathon or binge watch Hannah Montana with your besties! Honestly, all Disney movies or shows are always a solid go-to.
- Go outside, get some sunshine
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I’m so happy it’s almost spring time and we’re about to get warmer weather. I know this time of the year is super stressful and busy, but make sure you take time EVERY DAY to go outside and get sunshine. Go get some Vitamin D!
- Listen to your go-to music playlist
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Music is amazing. There are so many different genres for whatever style or whatever kind of mood you’re in. I love listening to throwback playlists to get in a good head space and obviously Taylor Swift. Linked here are two of my playlists that I’ve been listening to if you want to try something new
- Do something special for YOU (paint your nails, do your eyebrows, do a facemask)
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It’s cliche to say, but self-care is self-love. Take care of yourself; you are the most permanent thing in YOUR life, so start putting yourself first. Do something special to make yourself feel good that you may not normally do. Paint your nails, do your eyebrows, do a face mask, take a bath, do your makeup. Whatever makes you happy, DO IT!
- Write down 5 things you’re thankful for in your life
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We take so many things in our lives for granted: our friends, our family, nature, education, and countless other things. I used to have a pretty pessimistic outlook on life, but over the last year, my perspective has really changed. If you also struggle keeping a positive perspective on things, write 5 things down that you’re thankful for. You could do this on your Notes app on your phone, or on sticky notes and make a sticky note wall of all the things that you’re thankful for!