MAintaining Your Mental Health

As college students, we have many different commitments such as academics, work,

family, and extracurriculars. Oftentimes, we get so caught up in managing these

commitments that we tend to neglect a very important commitment to ourselves which is

self-care. Maintaining our mental health provides us with healthier lifestyles. It allows us

to increase our productivity, have a positive attitude, maintain a good self-image and

manage stress more effectively. When I was a freshman in college, I wasn’t tending to

my mental health as much as I should have. As a result, I always felt down because I

wasn’t managing my stress very well and had a negative self image. After incorporating

these tips in my life, I was able to improve my mental health. I now feel more productive,

have a better self-image, and overall feel happier facing the challenges of life. I hope

these tips will help you just as much as they’ve helped me:

1. Schedule some time for yourself.

It is very important to always set aside recreational time for yourself. Socialize

with friends, play a game, or do something you enjoy doing. Setting aside

recreational time is a great way to relax and destress. It helps increase your

productivity and improve your mood. Although recreational time has many

benefits, it is easy for many college students to lose productivity in it. This is why

scheduling your recreational time is important. This way you’ll maximize the

benefits of recreational time and won’t lose any productivity. Setting aside

recreational time everyday makes me feel refreshed.

2. Set goals.

Having realistic goals is a necessary aspect to maintaining mental health. It is

important to have a visualized pathway to achieving your goals. Know why you’re

doing what you are doing. Know what you want and the steps you will have to

take in order to achieve that. Having goals will give you a sense of purpose and

direction in life. This purpose and direction helps increase motivation to achieve

your goals. In difficult times, having these goals will help you remember what

you’re working towards. Achieving your goals will help boost your mental health

by giving you a sense of accomplishment.

3. Get enough sleep.

As college students, we spend countless nights staying up to study, party, etc.

We are often sleep deprived. Getting an adequate amount of sleep is essential to

maintaining a good mental health. Getting 6-8 hours of sleep will help improve

your mood, productivity and manage stress more effectively. Sleep helps our

brains feel refreshed allowing us to be more productive and less stressed.

4. Get out of your comfort zone.

Trying new things and challenging myself was one thing that helped improve my

mental health. In my spring semester of freshman year, I stepped out of my

comfort zone by joining the SJSU Marketing Association. Following this came

many challenges that I faced which were outside of my comfort zone. These

included being in many social settings, doing interviews and having new

responsibilities. However, I realized that I really enjoyed being in the club and

facing these challenges. Stepping out of my comfort zone helped build my self

confidence and reduce stress and anxiety from inevitable challenges that I’ll have

to face in life. Now I face every challenge with a positive, can-do attitude that’s an

opportunity to grow, rather than something that causes me a lot of stress. So

whether it’s joining that club, finding new hobbies or applying to that job, don’t be

afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Stepping out of your comfort zone often

will help you retain a positive attitude and manage your stress more effectively.

5. Love yourself!

Love all aspects of yourself. In order to maintain a good self-image, you should

be proud of yourself and all of your accomplishments. Focus on your strengths

rather than obsessing over your flaws. Prioritize self improvement and strengthen

your identity. Stop comparing yourself to others as it leads to feelings of

insecurities and unrealistic expectations. Don’t let others dictate your interests,

actions and how you should feel about yourself. Focus on your own personal

growth and progress. Know that everyone’s journey is unique and that you are amazing!