Embarking on your college journey is an exhilarating chapter of your life, filled with endless possibilities. However, it's crucial to acknowledge that it can also bring about various challenges and stressors. As a freshman, you'll enter a completely different realm where you'll encounter new faces and adjust to unfamiliar surroundings. It's completely normal to feel a wave of overwhelm and unease during this transitional period, and it's important to recognize the impact it can have on your mental well-being.
In high school, you were probably reminded by teachers and parents to eat well, get enough rest, and manage your time effectively. But in college, freedom and independence reign.
While this newfound freedom can be liberating, it also means taking on greater responsibilities. Managing academic workloads, building new relationships, and taking care of yourself are just a few of the things you'll have to juggle.
The good news is that with the right support and mindset, you can conquer these challenges and thrive in college. That's why it's crucial to prioritize your mental health throughout your college journey. Take a look at these six helpful tips for taking care of your mental well-being.
Know Your Limits
Late nights and alcohol consumption may seem like a rite of passage when attending university, but it's important to know your own limits and respect those. If you're someone who requires more sleep than others, then it's important to prioritize sleep and create a healthy pattern to support an optimum amount of sleep each day.
Create a plan for balancing schoolwork, social life, and self-care time to feel more at peace with your own rhythm. Make friends with someone with similar needs as you and support each other in saying no to going out when you know staying in is in your best interest.
Seek Support
The whole experience can make you feel overwhelmed and insecure. Sign up for counseling services on campus, communicate with a trusted friend or mentor, or use mental health apps like Headspace to track your emotions and get help effectively.
Campus counseling services are there to help students deal with any emotional challenge. Don't hesitate to reach out and ask for help. The earlier you reach out, the easier it will be to manage any stress or mental health challenge.
Get Involved
Get involved in extracurricular activities, clubs, and organizations that align with your interests and hobbies to help connect with like-minded individuals, make new friends, and build a support network. Attending events, and meetups is also helpful in alleviating stress as it serves as a distraction and creates bonding experiences.
Don't forget to also get to know your professors and student aides. Take advantage of office hours and ask questions when you need clarification. Professors love students who utilize all the resources available to them and are more willing to help when you're feeling a little stressed or behind.
Practice Mindfulness Activities
Consider practicing self-care activities regularly like meditation, yoga, journaling, listening to music or taking walks in nature. Creating a routine for activities that help alleviate stress, reduce anxiety, and promote relaxation is key to maintaining positive mental health.
Explore the Surrounding Communities
Academic work can isolate you within campus boundaries. Take time to check out interesting spots in the surrounding areas, visit the town/city, try new cultural cuisines, museums or parks for relaxation. This will help in exploring new things and improve mental wellbeing.
Connect with Family and Friends at Home
It's normal to get homesick! Lean on your new friends for comfort, advice, and strength but also maintain good connections with people back home.
Your friends and family at home provide foundational support and can provide you with a sense of grounding when you're feeling a bit lost. Planning calls, letters, or social media updates with family and friends helps a sense of security and connection while living away.
Final Thoughts
Embrace the excitement of college, but also be mindful of the potential challenges it may bring to your mental well-being. Prioritizing self-care and taking proactive steps to maintain your mental health is crucial during this transitional phase.
Remember to set boundaries, seek assistance when needed, engage in activities that bring you joy, venture into unexplored territory, and maintain strong connections with loved ones. By placing your mental health as a top priority, you can ensure a rewarding and manageable freshman year at college.
