Check out our top strategies to help busy college students stay on top of their mental health and emotional wellbeing.
Being at college might be challenging at times, but it should not be overwhelmingly difficult or take a large toll on your mental health. If you’re struggling, it can be hard to know how to help yourself. Even if you’re doing well at the moment, proactively taking care of your mental health is so important.
Talk about it
A problem shared is a problem halved – so if you are having a difficult time, talk to someone! This could be a friend, a parent or other family member, a counsellor or therapist, your doctor, or a teacher or other adult you trust.
You might find that just getting the problem off your chest is all you need. The person you open up to might also have some useful advice or perspective that you hadn’t thought of. And if not, they might be able to signpost you to the right services.
Even if everything is going well, everyone benefits when we talk openly about mental health. So take the time to check in with your friends, share your own joys and challenges, and fight the taboo of talking about wellbeing.
Check out our list of UK student helplines where you can safely and privately discuss your mental wellbeing as a college student.
Make use of your college’s resources
Many colleges have a Student Services Zone, Student Centre, or similar place where students can go for help or advice on all kinds of issues. So whether it’s academic struggles, problems with family or friends, money worries, or something else entirely, they’ll listen sympathetically and help you to get the support or resources you need.
You might be able to access counselling, financial help, advice or resources, or whatever else you need to address your problem. Your college wants you to do well and has the systems in place to help you.
Look after your physical health
Your mental health will suffer if you do not take care of your body. This means eating well, taking regular exercise that meets your own personal levels of ability, and getting enough sleep.
Eating well can be challenging when you’re busy or on a budget, but it is possible. If in doubt, you can’t go wrong with adding more fruits and vegetables to your diet. Don’t forget to stay hydrated, too – we suggest carrying a bottle of water with you and refilling it regularly throughout the day. Finally, if you drink alcohol, do so in moderation.
Find a form of exercise you enjoy. This might be running, walking, cycling, swimming, or something else entirely. Check to see if your college has sports teams you can join or fitness facilities that you can take advantage of.
Sleep is a vital building block of mental and physical health. Everyone needs a slightly different amount, but 7-9 hours per night is a good range to aim for. Don’t do college work in bed if you can possibly avoid it, and resist the temptation to scroll through social media late at night, as this can keep your mind racing and keep you awake.
Laugh regularly
Laughter is good for the soul and is a small but significant way to nourish your mental health. Try to laugh at least a little every day. Watch a funny television show, listen to a comedy podcast, or spend time with that one friend who makes you howl with laughter.
According to HelpGuide, laughter can boost your immune system, fight anger, relax your whole body, and even improve heart health. So get giggling!
Make the time to play
Being dedicated to your studies is great, but it should not come at the expense of your mental health and wellbeing. All work and no play isn’t good for anyone. Make sure that you find ways to ENJOY yourself!
Build in time with loved ones who make you feel happy and uplifted, prioritise your hobbies and interests, and consider joining a club or trying out a new activity in your spare time. This time for yourself relieves pressure and can help to fight stress and depression.
Get to know yourself
If you know yourself really well, you will be able to tell when something is wrong and head it off as early as possible. So take the time to get to know your emotions, your responses, and your needs.
Try to learn how you feel when you’re in a good place and when you’re not. How does your body feel? Does your heart race, your chest feel tight, or your face feel hot? Contrast this with how you feel when you’re in a calm and relaxed state.
Our bodies are wise and often know our emotions and needs before our conscious minds do. Tuning into these cues can be a little like the warning lights on your car dashboard. They allow you to pause and figure out what’s wrong and what you need, before the situation gets worse.
Remember you’re not alone
An estimated one in four people have mental health struggles. This means you’re not alone. Whatever you’re going through, other people are feeling something similar or have been in the same position in the past.
If you talk to a friend or a trusted adult, you may find that they’ve been exactly where you are. Just knowing that can sometimes be a big help. Others have found a way through situations like yours, and they have come out stronger on the other side.
You don’t have to manage your mental health by yourself or struggle in silence. Reach out, talk to someone, and get the help and support you deserve. You’ve got this!
