Prioritizing your mental health in bachelor’s programs is extremely important. Nearly 76% of US college students suffer from depression and anxiety. According to CNN, over 40% of undergraduate students consider dropping out because of emotional stress and mental health.
If you’re one to burn out easily, this article is for you. We’ll give you quick and effective ways to practice mindful learning in college, which means balancing mental health and academics.
Strategies For Managing Stress and Anxiety
College admissions are hard, but it’s only the beginning of the journey. The real challenge starts when you’re sitting in a lecture hall with hundreds of students. You must focus on earning your bachelor’s degree and excelling in your career of choice. The pressure can be overwhelming. This is exactly why prioritizing your mental health in bachelor’s programs should start with managing your stress and anxiety levels.
A lot of students worry that if they focus more on their well-being, they might fall behind their class. The truth is, you need to pay attention to your mental health in order to excel academically. The NHA reports that 30% of students suffer from low academic performance because of physical ailments, ranging from allergies to bronchitis.
#1 Practice Regular Medical Checkup
Scheduling regular medical checkups helps you identify and address health issues promptly. This proactive approach prevents those problems from escalating and interfering with your studies.
You should also stay away from people with contagious illnesses. Washing your hands regularly is your first shield against basic health issues. If you become ill, give yourself time to heal properly. Get as much rest as you can before getting back to your regular academic schedule.
#2 Get Enough Sleep
College schedules can be very hectic. Students become so busy during exam weeks that they become sleep-deprived. In fact, many college students find themselves without proper sleep for 72 hours.
Sleep deprivation puts you at a disadvantage. It results in less productivity, lowered cognitive function, and impaired decision-making abilities. Get 7–9 hours of sleep each night to allow your body and mind to rejuvenate and prepare for the challenges ahead.
Establishing a consistent sleep schedule will regulate your body’s internal clock. Do you find it challenging to get enough rest due to academic demands or other commitments? Learn relaxation techniques. Create a conducive sleep environment.
A beautiful rest or a good night’s sleep is not a luxury. It is a necessity for academic success and overall well-being.
#3 Build Your Support Network
Many students face extreme pressure to excel in their bachelor’s program. Getting support and encouragement can help you thrive in the high-pressure college environment. Join a support network and maximize student mental health support services in your school. Sharing experiences with like-minded peers is key to overcoming your academic challenges.
#4 You Are What You Eat
It’s not uncommon for college students to eat unhealthy food. To combat stress, we look for quick and easy solutions, like takeout. People under stress tend to eat more, which results in mindless, indiscriminate eating.
Manage stress and anxiety in college through a well-balanced, nutritious diet. Eating right can curb lightheadedness and mood swings. It’s also a great way to stay in shape, which is a concern for many college students.
Here are quick tips that will help you make healthy choices:
- Carry a water bottle and drink at least 3.7 liters a day.
- Eat three times a day.
- Buy healthy snacks.
- Do not take caffeine if it is not necessary.
- Avoid nicotine and alcohol.
#5 Be Mindful
Some college students blame academic rigor or the school system for their mental health issues. While they are not exactly wrong, it also pays to reflect on and correct your habits as a student. Students who are self-aware and know their priorities are less likely to experience burnout.
Procrastination is one of the major contributors to stress and anxiety. It can feel like a never-ending cycle. Breaking free from this cycle starts with small, intentional steps. It all starts with setting specific goals and deadlines to accomplish what you need to.
Break an overwhelming project or assignment down into smaller, more manageable tasks. Doing this can lighten your workload. You’ll find that it is more achievable because you see your progress as you complete each small task.
Other things you can do to reduce stress are to practice progressive muscle relaxation and daily exercise.
Progressive muscle relaxation is a simple yet effective technique to overcome stress in college. It involves tensing and relaxing different muscle groups to release tension. It promotes relaxation to alleviate stress and calm the mind.
Importance of Self-Care During College
Maintaining great mental health in bachelor’s programs starts inside of you. A bachelor’s degree and mental well-being should come hand-in-hand. While college degrees aim to give you a better future, they shouldn’t cost mental well-being. Self-care during college isn’t just a luxury; it’s a necessity.
The most common mental health issues experienced by college students in the United States are depression and anxiety. Other problems include eating disorders, low self-esteem, suicidal intent, and substance abuse.
Mental health issues result in poor academic performance, resulting in dropouts. In contrast, self-care enables students to manage the challenges of college life.
There are several types of self-care you should practice in college to ensure a high-quality learning experience:
- Mental health self-care focuses on nurturing your psychological well-being. Each student should practice stress management techniques. They need to engage in activities promoting mental relaxation and clarity.
- Physical self-care involves caring for your body’s physical needs. It boils down to eating right, getting enough sleep, and exercising regularly. Healthy habits boost your energy and concentration, strengthen your immune system, and prevent illnesses that hinder academic progress.
- Emotional self-care involves acknowledging and processing your emotions in healthy ways. This cultivates emotional resilience and self-awareness.
- Spiritual self-care encompasses practices that nurture your sense of purpose, meaning, and connection. This can include attending church, praying, or joining a faith-based group.
Seeking Mental Health Resources on Campus
Mental health in bachelor’s programs is now a priority in major colleges and universities. The primary goal is to address the skyrocketing rates at which students experience mental health issues.
The increase in campus counseling centers signifies a positive shift in attitudes toward mental health. Rather than suffer in silence, students are encouraged to get the treatment they need.
You don’t need to wait until you’re suffering from extreme anxiety and depression. Today’s college students can seek help if they’re experiencing homesickness, struggling with academic pressure, feeling overwhelmed by social expectations, and facing other challenges affecting their well-being. Campus counseling centers offer a range of services. You can get individual therapy sessions. You can also join support groups and workshops.
Colleges typically offer free counseling services for students. The Affordable Care Act provides free health and parental insurance options until age 26. Most colleges offer health insurance, but some may only cover the academic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Students who prioritize their mental well-being not only reduce their risk of academic failure and dropout but also enhance their ability to navigate the challenges of college life. By maintaining a healthy mind, you’re equipping yourself with the resilience and strength needed to thrive academically and personally.
Avoid procrastination. Procrastination can contribute significantly to stress and anxiety, making it essential to develop strategies to overcome it, like breaking tasks into smaller, more manageable steps.
When college stress feels overwhelming, remember that you’re not alone. Seeking support from peers, family, or classmates who are also navigating these challenges can provide a sense of validation and perspective, making the journey less daunting.
Do not overthink things. It is easier to respond appropriately if you are more conscious of your feelings at the time rather than overthinking the future. Mindfulness-based stress management practices can reduce student stress, anxiety, and depression in college.
Managing your mental health in college doesn’t have to be complicated. Simple activities like regular medical checkups, getting enough sleep, seeking peer support, maintaining a nutritious diet, and practicing healthy study habits can go a long way in ensuring your mental well-being.
