Six ways to maintain your mental health while having a successful spring semester

The holiday season has ended and just like that we are back for the spring semester. Let’s face it college is hard, especially with the current state of the world. While still living in a pandemic where mental health-related illnesses have been on the rise it is imperative that we find ways to prioritize and become intentional about our mental well-being. Here are some tips that can help you feel your best this semester.

1. Prioritize your self-care

As a student, our schedules can get pretty hectic. It’s so easy to get caught up in the day-to-day hustle and bustle whether you are a first-year, soon-to-be graduate, or a mom of three continuing her education student like myself. During my own frequent burnouts, I learned that the quality of my work would solely depend on how well I took care of myself. Implementing intentional self-care means becoming aware of your own needs, taking good care of yourself so that you can show up as the best version of yourself in all areas of your life.

2. Develop a solid structure/routine

Life without structure can become very chaotic. Lack of structure sets the tone for distraction, procrastination, and becoming unmotivated. One of the solid structures I put in place is a morning routine that includes prayer, meditation, and exercise. This allows me to create space for myself to do the things that bring me joy, and fill my cup before I pour it into anyone or anything thing else. Creating structure can help declutter your mind, regain control, and create a solid foundation to develop healthy habits that will help you throughout the semester.

3. Set Boundaries

There was a time when I thought the longer I worked the more productive I would be, I learned the hard way that isn’t true. For me, this was only a trigger for anxiety and burnout. I had to set serious boundaries that helped me identify and become vocal about what I needed to be supported. Creating boundaries helps you get clear about your limits, increases your confidence, and manages stress.

4. Give Yourself Grace

Growth, changing habits, and creating new routines isn’t an overnight process. Life happens and there will be days where things don’t go as planned. Don’t beat yourself or focus on the things you can’t control. Stop, take a deep breath, pivot, focus on what’s in your control, get a good night’s rest, and try again the next day.

5. Practice Gratitude 

During overwhelming and stressful times practicing gratitude proves to be one of the best grounding techniques to see the light at the end of the tunnel. One thing that has worked for me is to change my language as it relates to what I have to do on a day-to-day basis. For example, instead of saying I have to get up and make my children breakfast, I say I get to get up and make my children breakfast. Doing this has helped me shift my mindset, and reminds me that I get to do something someone else may not have the opportunity to do. When you can find the good in all you do, the good gets better!

6. Celebrate Yourself

In my opinion, there is no such thing as a small or big win. A win is a win and all wins deserve to be celebrated. It doesn’t matter if you got one extra assignment done or five extra assignments are done, you went to bed five minutes earlier or one hour earlier, it’s all progress. Say kind words to yourself, light a candle, treat yourself to a nice meal or enjoy a quiet day at home with your favorite movie, and a warm cozy blanket. Whatever fits you, celebrate yourself every step of the way because you deserve it.

I hope one of these tips resonates with you and helps you have a joyful semester!