Enhancing Mental Health in Student Life: Strategies for Well-being

Um, well, life isn't always "Hakuna Matata!"

And being a student, you are surrounded by mountains of books, feeling trapped under parent and peer pressure and hoping that some owl would just come and drop a Hogwarts acceptance letter on your lap!

Very well...even if that will not happen and wipe out your stress in a snap, here are some ways you can teach and incorporate in your life to boost your mental health.

But let's begin with understanding mental health.

 

Is mental health a thing?

 

Mental health refers to our psychological, emotional, and social health. It influences our thoughts, feelings, and behaviour when we face life. It also determines how we deal with stress, interact with others, and make decisions. Mental health is crucial at any stage of life, starting from early childhood and the adolescent years until adulthood and age.

 

What are the reasons why mental health is important?

 

The importance of mental health is that it can assist you in the following:

• Cope with the stress of daily life
• Maintain a healthy physical condition
• Build strong relations
• Give meaningfully to your community
• Be productive
• Discover your potential to the fullest

The health of your mind is important as it influences how your health is affected physically. For instance, mental illness increases your risk of physical health issues like stroke, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.

 

What factors can impact my mental well-being?

 

Many different elements could influence your mental health, such as:

• Biological factors, for instance, the brain's chemistry and genes
• Experiences in life like abuse or trauma
• Family background of mental health issues
• Your daily routine, including eating habits, physical activity, and use of substances

You can also improve your mental well-being by doing things to enhance it, like taking a meditation class or using relaxation techniques and cultivating gratitude.

 

What are mental illnesses?

 

Mental disorders are serious disorders that can alter your mood, thinking, and behaviour. They could be intermittent or persist for a long time. They may affect your ability to communicate with other people and function in the daytime. Mental disorders are widespread, with more than half of all Indians diagnosed with one at some point in their lives. But there are ways to treat them. Mental disorders sufferers can overcome their problems and, in many cases, get better.

 

Can my mental health change over time?

 

In time your mental state can alter. For example, you could have to deal with a stressful circumstance, like trying to cope with the effects of a chronic illness, taking care of an unwell relative, or battling financial issues. The stress of the situation could take you down and impede your capacity to deal with it. This can affect the mental state of your body. However, seeking therapy can boost your mental well-being.

 

What are the warning signs of an issue with my mental health?

 

When dealing with your feelings, it can be not easy to discern what is normal and what's not. Some indicators indicate you could be suffering from problems with your mental health, for example:

• Changes in your sleeping or eating habits
• Detaching yourself from people and activities you like
• Energy levels are low or absent
• The feeling of being numb or as if there is nothing to worry about
• Unfortuitously, I'm experiencing aches and pains
• Feeling hopeless, helpless, or helpless
• Alcohol, smoking, or using other substances more frequently than normal
• You're feeling a bit lost, confused, and angry. anxious, or scared
• You may experience extreme mood swings that can cause issues within your relationships
• You have thoughts and memories that are difficult to shake out of your mind
• Believing in things or hearing voices that are not real
• The thought of harming you or someone else
• Inability to do everyday tasks such as caring for your children or getting them to work going to school

 

How can I improve my mental health?

 

Here are 5 tips that will help you to improve your mental health –

1. Stay engaged

It may seem a bit obnoxious to many, but moderate exercise for just 20 minutes per day can help people who are depressed, even if it's walking fast to class. The endorphins released during exercise have been confirmed to make you feel happier, sleep better, and concentrate more.

2. Drink responsibly (or at least try!)

We get it. For some, living the student life involves partying at least twice or three times a week, but make sure you don't do it in a way that you're exhausted. Alcohol can be a depressant on its own. Be aware of your drinking levels, and don't think you need to be drunk to enjoy a great time. If you'd prefer to remain sober, that's great as well! Don't be shackled or pressured to follow a way of life that you don't like.

3. Enjoy some me time

It can be challenging to get time to yourself while trying to stay on top of everything else. However, take the time to relax and engage in something you enjoy to get your mind away from the stress of life. You can watch your favourite TV show, draw, or even enjoy music. Meditation is a wonderful way to relax your mind, even for 20 minutes daily.

4. Set goals for yourself, even if they are small.

A mental illness may make even seemingly simple tasks seem daunting therefore don't try to do too much. Create a list of feasible and achievable tasks regardless of how tiny the task may appear. It doesn't matter if it's cleaning your home and writing the first paragraph for your essay; the little wins count and will help you move further than you were before.

5. Take a nap!

It's not as easy as we're aware, but attempting to establish a sleep pattern can greatly benefit you. Research has proven that a consistent sleeping schedule can be more beneficial than getting more rest, so sleep and get up simultaneously every day. If you have trouble switching off, listen to calm and soothing music to get you to sleep or put on the night light (they're also suitable for adults!

 

One last but super effective tip –

Read books –

Books are not just an outlet for entertainment. They can be an opening to other realms, a bridge to the future or past, a philosophical reference point, and even a resource in crisis situations. There are several books on mental health and well-being for students. They can be categorized as follows:

· How to Thrive When the World Overwhelms You

· Loving bravely

· It Didn't Start with You: How Inherited Family Trauma Shapes Who We Are and How to End the Cycle

· 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

· Emotional First Aid

· Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle

· Change Your Brain, Change Your Life

· The Power of Habit

· The Body Keeps the Score

· Hope and Help for your Nerves: End Anxiety Now

 

You can begin reading any of your favourite books for 25-30 minutes each day, and soon you will notice the positive changes it brings about in your mood, feelings, and productivity. Furthermore, it will boost your focus and imagination.

 

We hope you know the importance of maintaining a healthy mental state for students. Make these suggestions in your own life. Let us know how they helped in improving your health. And if you need support and someone to help you with your mental health, we will be pleased to help!