How you take care of yourself now determines your health in the future, which is why developing good self-care habits now is essential for your future self.
10 tips to Take Care of Your Mental Health and Well-being
1. Talk About Your Feelings
Opening up and sharing with others is an instant way to get something off your chest. Connecting to someone can help you feel calmer, more secure, and happier.
2. Eat Well
Eating well will give your body the natural vitamins and nutrients it needs to thrive. Try incorporating a colorful variety fruits and vegetables and lean meats and proteins into your daily intake. Tips: Eat breakfast daily, drink plenty of water, and pack snacks for those long hours in the library and lab.
3. Stay Connected to Others
Having supportive relationships improves your mental health and well-being. Spend time with your friends on campus, call/visit supportive family members, and set aside time to have a social life. Creating these support systems will help you as you navigate your time at Georgia Tech.
4. Take a Break
Take periodic breaks to reenergize and recharge. It can help you refocus and increase productivity when you go back to work. Tip: Try the Pomodoro Technique - work on what you are trying to accomplish for 25 minutes and then give yourself a 5 minute break.
5. Ask For Help
Georgia Tech has a plethora of resources available to help you grow and thrive during your time here. Be proactive and utilize resources when you need them – that is what they are here for! You may need help in one or more areas of life, you can find a variety of campus resources below.
6. Accept Who You Are
While it’s common for college students to compare themselves to others, it’s important to focus on your strengths and values and accept yourself as you are. Tip: Try listing your 3 favorite things about yourself and say it out loud to your mirror.
7. Get Involved
Explore all that campus has to offer and try out two-three student organizations or pick up a hobby that focuses on something you are passionate about. This will not only help you meet and engage with new people, but it will be an outlet to take part in activities you love. Check out GT’s Student Organizations here.
8. Sleep
Remember, your body needs 8+ hours of sleep to function properly. Your body needs adequate sleep to stay healthy, support brain function, retain new information, handle stress, and perform at its best every day. Creating a healthy sleep routine will set you up for success.
9. Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness is a great way to build self-awareness and develop a strategy to manage stressors in college. Looking at yourself with compassion and positivity can help you achieve mindfulness. Practice mindfulness by finding a quiet space to take deep breaths and calm/refocus your mind. Other forms of relaxation could include listening to soothing music, reading for pleasure, or journaling.
10. Keep Active
Regular physical activity can help improve your mood, give you energy, and even extend your life span. As a general goal, aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity every day. It can be as simple as walking to class instead of taking the trolley, playing a pickup game of your favorite sport, or attending a group fitness class at the CRC. Tip: try new activities and do what you love – if you hate an activity, you will be less likely to do it consistently and grow to resent working out.