Being in college is supposedly the best time of your life, but sometimes it can also be some of the most stressful times of your life. According to the American Psychological Association at least 41.6% of college students in the US suffer from anxiety. (Check out more info at apa.org.) So, what are some ways that you can take self-care precautions to make your college experience as positive as possible?
1. Don’t Be Afraid to Take Personal Days
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I know for me I get really swept up in the speed that a ten-week quarter flies by at. It’s really easy to push things like not getting enough sleep and feeling a little under the weather aside because you simply “can’t miss a day of school” or “can’t miss any of this class.” However, I have found that it really is a lot more possible to do so than you would think. Most teachers will be really understanding if you simply ping them an email explaining your situation and will be willing to help you cover any material you missed outside of class or in office hours.
2. Go to the Doctor/Therapist
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Many of us here at UC Davis have USHIP health insurance, with the Student Health and Wellness Center being located just off campus at the intersection of La Rue and Orchard. Making an appointment is as easy as picking up the phone to schedule a regular doctor’s appointment. I will say that the mental health advising is very difficult to get scheduled for because so many people are constantly scheduling appointments. For me, I don’t have USHIP insurance and so the task of finding a doctor for me seemed daunting and I didn’t know where to start. One way to get help finding a doctor in or around Davis is to call the number on the back of your health care provider insurance card and have them refer you to someone in your area who takes your insurance. The Sutter Health network is also a large presence in Davis and takes most insurance.
3. Exercise and Meditate
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Constantly being on the go, it’s important to stop and reflect or just get some fresh air. I try to exercise at least twice a week just for the sake of getting my circulation going and getting some positive endorphins flowing through my system. Exercising also gives me the energy to be more productive in other aspects of my day like homework or cleaning the house. During the winter I know it can be difficult to get outside with the weather, but alternatively, the ARC is free for students and offers a wide range of options for exercise from classes to running on the track. Meditation is also a way to help give my brain the focus and rest that it needs. Even if you are in the midst of assignments and papers, shutting off the computer, television, and phone and just disconnecting for a little while will do wonders.
Overall, taking care of yourself mentally and physically is extremely important in your college years. While it may seem a daunting task now that you’re not at home, just a few simple steps can help prevent you from letting your health go by the wayside while you’re in pursuit of your degree. We hope these tips help!