College can be an incredibly exciting time for young adults – and it comes with potential stressors like financial burdens, academic pressure, homesickness and pandemic-related hardships like social isolation, any or all of which can lead to mental health challenges.A study by the American College Health Association found that 48% of college students reported moderate …
Seven Self-care Tips for College Students – Mental Health First Aid
College can be an incredibly exciting time for young adults – and it comes with potential stressors like financial burdens, academic pressure, homesickness and pandemic-related hardships like social isolation, any or all of which can lead to mental health challenges.
A study by the American College Health Association found that 48% of college students reported moderate or severe psychological stress, 53% reported being lonely, and 26% had considered suicide. It’s important for students to practice self-care to reduce stress, avoid burnout and maintain and enhance overall health and wellbeing. According to the Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) curriculum, practicing self-care helps you be able to adapt to changes, build strong relationships and recover from setbacks.
Keep these tips in mind to help you or someone you know practice self-care and take care of their mental wellbeing while in college.*
Creating a self-care plan can be helpful in keeping yourself on track. To get started on your plan, ask yourself these three questions from the MHFA curriculum: Have I decided what I will do for self-care? Who can I speak with now? Who can I call if I feel upset or distressed later?
Check out these related blogs and sign up for a MHFA training to learn more about how to practice self-care!
*These self-care tips are not a replacement for professional treatment. If you feel you or someone you know is in danger, call 911, a local mental health crisis hotline or one of the following national crisis resources for immediate assistance:
References
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An, H. Y., Chen, W., Wang, C. W., Yang, H. F., Huang, W. T., & Fan, S. Y. (2020, July 4). The relationships between physical activity and life satisfaction and happiness among young, middle-aged and older adults. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7369812/.
Cedars Sinai. (n.d.). Sleep deprivation. https://www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-conditions/s/sleep-deprivation.html
Cherry, K. (2020, April 26). The importance of maintaining structure and routine during stressful times. Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/the-importance-of-keeping-a-routine-during-stressful-times-4802638
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Gordon, S. (2021, Feb. 23). The relationship between mental health and cleaning. Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/how-mental-health-and-cleaning-are-connected-5097496.
Greater Good Science Center. (2016, March 23). A simple weekly mindfulness practice: Keep a gratitude journal. https://www.mindful.org/a-simple-weekly-mindfulness-practice-keep-a-gratitude-journal/.
Harvard Summer School. (2021, May 28). Why You Should Make a Good Night’s Sleep a Priority. https://summer.harvard.edu/blog/why-you-should-make-a-good-nights-sleep-a-priority/.
Kennedy, K. (2022, June 30). Hydration calculator: How much water do you need to drink a day? EverydayHealth.com. https://www.everydayhealth.com/dehydration/hydration-calculator/.
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2022, April 29). Meditation: A simple, fast way to reduce stress. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/meditation/in-depth/meditation/art-20045858.
Mindful Staff. (n.d.). How to practice gratitude. Mindful. https://www.mindful.org/how-to-practice-gratitude/.
Northstar Transitions. (2021, April 24). Can drinking water help improve mental health? Northstar Transitions. https://www.northstartransitions.com/post/can-drinking-water-help-improve-mental-health.
Suni, E. (2022, April 13). How much sleep do we really need? Sleep Foundation. https://www.sleepfoundation.org/how-sleep-works/how-much-sleep-do-we-really-need.
Sutter Health. (n.d.). Eating Well for Mental Health. https://www.sutterhealth.org/health/nutrition/eating-well-for-mental-health.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2019). Physical activity guidelines for Americans, second edition. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://health.gov/sites/default/files/2019-09/Physical_Activity_Guidelines_2nd_edition.pdf.
Yang, J. and Mufson, C. (2021, Nov. 2). College students’ stress levels are ‘bubbling over.’ Here’s why, and how schools can help. PBS News Hour. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/college-students-stress-levels-are-bubbling-over-heres-why-and-how-schools-can-help.
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