Although the spring semester is in full swing, we are certainly still stuck in the drudges of winter. Below are some reminders and tips to help you take care of your mental health this semester.Â
- grab some sun whenever possible
-
The winter season is usually marked by a sudden and unfortunate decrease in sunlight. Although there isn’t much we can do about the length of time the sun spends in the sky, we can do our best to make the most of it. Take a short walk, choose the slightly longer walk home or to class or even just open your windows. The experts have spoken, and several studies have shown that sunlight can help improve sleep and mood and can decrease stress. So take all the sunlight you can get, but make sure to bundle up!
- Nourish Yourself
-
Nourishing your body is important during every season, including winter! It can be easy to skip a grocery store run or a dash to the dining hall when the weather is so cold, but make sure to eat three meals a day and honor your hunger! And of course, hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! You may not be sweating as much, but water is still important, no matter the temperature.
- Do Things You Love
-
As we dive into the spring semester, it can be easy to lose yourself in assignments, exams, and essays. Even if your workload feels overwhelming, or you feel like you can’t keep up, make sure to take time for yourself and do the things you love. This could be as small as watching an episode of your favorite TV show or reading ten pages of your current book, but it is essential to take a break from schoolwork in order to prevent burnout. So if you find yourself in the library late at night or sitting at your desk for several hours straight, make sure to pause and find something to do for fun and enjoyment!
- Find things to look forward to…even if they seem small
-
One of the best pieces of advice I was given for the winter months was to find things to look forward to, even if they seem small or irrelevant. Maybe you have weekend plans with friends or a break between classes tomorrow to nap. You can also make countdowns for things happening in a few months time, like a concert or vacation. Even if there seems to be nothing major in your schedule, each day that passes is one more day of the semester under your belt (and one more day closer to the weekend). You’ve got this!
- There is no shame in reaching out for help
-
Sometimes life throws you more things than you can handle, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with reaching out and asking for help. Mental health experts know that the winter season often comes with an extra dose of seasonal depression and stress, and they are prepared to help people who are struggling. There is also no shame in reaching out to friends and family. Maybe you just need to talk to a friend to get your mind off things, or maybe they have struggled with something similar in the past and can provide some advice. All in all, don’t be afraid to ask for help!
- Give yourself grace
-
Listen, sometimes things get overwhelming, and you may need to just put all the assignments away and work on them tomorrow, which is perfectly okay. There is no shame in giving yourself a break. Breaks help keep you healthier and happier in the long run, and a break now and then is so much better than an exhausted burnout right before the finish line. Take your time, take a break and take a deep breath. Give yourself grace, you’re doing the best you can!