With a year as unprecedented as this one, it’s important to remember that prioritizing mental health is imperative for everyone—but especially students. Many of you have made the switch to online learning this year, which is both exciting and overwhelming, especially given the circumstances. Transitioning can be tough, but you aren’t alone. Here are some ways to manage your mental health:
Communicate with your loved ones
As humans, we often have a hard time opening up while simultaneously being hard on ourselves. If we let things fester for too long, it can be detrimental to our mental health and affect our everyday lives. That’s why it’s important to keep your loved ones close and to communicate with them about how you’re feeling. They can offer support, help identify the cause of how you’re feeling, and assist in finding resources that will get you back on track. If you’re nervous to start the conversation, try writing down everything you’re feeling so you have an idea of what you want to say.
Stay active
It’s no secret your physical and mental health are connected! If you’re feeling low, one of the best things you can do is throw on your favorite activewear and get moving. Whether you go for a walk, take a virtual yoga class outside, or bike around your neighborhood, at least 30 minutes of exercise a day will improve your mood and provide a much-needed screen break for your eyes. Some schools, including ASU Prep Digital, even have fitness clubs, which promote maintaining a healthy lifestyle while bonding with your peers.
Sign up for therapy
While there are quite a few misconceptions surrounding therapy, the truth is that therapy is a great way to check-in with your mental health, work through any problems, and learn how to cope with and overcome the stresses of life. With half of all mental conditions starting by age 14, tools like therapy can help you address things such as anxiety and depression early on. In the age of COVID, many people are turning to online services such as Better Help and Talkspace, which offer virtual counseling in the form of video chats, phone calls, and instant messaging. There is no shame in getting help and therapy is beneficial whether you’re going through a difficult time or not.
Looking for resources or additional information on how to manage your mental health? Check out these posts:
