Imagine this: it’s a slightly chilly winter morning and you’re holding a nice, warm cup of hot chocolate as you look out into the crisp morning light. You hear the faint sound of lulling music and smell the heavenly muffins from last night. You glance down at your phone and OMG IT’S 9 AM AND THAT ZOOM LECTURE IS NOT WAITING FOR YOU!
University really hits you like a ton of bricks. It’s easy to get overwhelmed and nervous in regard to expectations for grades, a social life and other obligations, such as clubs, finances and family life, especially in times like this. It is always important to take life’s opportunities whenever they appear, but it is also important to take the time to hit that snooze button to get a handle on all aspects of your life. This can be as simple as putting on a face mask, unwinding to some calming music, taking a picnic to improve your mood or even calling a friend or loved one.
With unbelievably hectic university schedules, students often forget the importance of taking the time to appreciate the small moments and accomplishments that may seem trivial or insignificant. Procrastination and lack of motivation are major issues for many individuals, however, it is also completely normal to get so caught up in trying to succeed in the academic world that mental wellness is often an afterthought. Though no one is encouraging you to skip that zoom lecture or miss that midterm, in between all of this you should take the time to understand what gets you motivated and how to have a more positive attitude.
The snooze button doesn’t mean you are postponing or delaying your obligations, but that you understand the impact that mental health awareness can have on your mood and happiness. Though self-reflection is often seen as frustrating and time-consuming, mental wellness is not something to neglect. Simple things like rewarding your small efforts and taking charge of short-term goals can impact the rest of your day! It is imperative to recognize the things that you can control and the things that really matter.
When you think of your well-being, you shouldn’t just think of getting enough sleep and staying active. It is incredibly vital that you think of your purpose, goals, sense of community and how you can grow to develop self-acceptance and self-motivation. The mindset of taking it day by day will lead you to grow relentless and absorbed by your work; instead, try taking notice of what boosts your mood and what makes you feel good. Though having a positive mindset is not the cure to mental wellness, breaking down the barriers within yourself in order to self-discover and self-evaluate can improve your mental health.
Maybe that relaxing cup of hot chocolate is worth it. There’s only one way to find out!