Back-to-school season is here which can be both exciting and challenging for students as they transition from leisurely summer days to the demands of academia. While academic success is important, maintaining good mental health is equally crucial for a well-rounded and successful school year. Here are some valuable mental health tips to help you and the students in your life navigate the back-to-school period with resilience and success.
- Establish a Routine: A consistent daily routine can provide a sense of stability and predictability, reducing stress and anxiety. Set regular wake-up and bedtime hours and allocate time for studies, leisure, exercise, and socializing.
- Prioritize Self-Care: Taking care of your physical and mental well-being is essential. Engage in activities that you enjoy, such as reading, meditating, or spending time with loved ones. Remember to eat well, stay hydrated, and get enough sleep.
- Set Realistic Goals: Set achievable academic and personal goals for yourself. Break down larger goals into smaller, manageable tasks. Celebrate your successes, no matter how small they may seem, to give your self-confidence a boost.
- Time Management: Use effective time management techniques to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Utilize tools like planners or digital calendars to organize assignments, projects, and deadlines.
- Stay Organized: Keep your study space organized and clutter-free. A tidy environment can contribute to a focused and clear mindset.
- Stay Connected: Maintain social connections with friends and family. Isolation can negatively impact mental health. Engage in social activities, both in-person and virtually, to foster a sense of belonging and support.
- Limit Screen Time: Excessive screen time, especially on social media, can contribute to feelings of inadequacy and anxiety. Set boundaries for your screen time and focus on activities that enrich your life offline.
- Physical Activity: Regular exercise has a significant positive impact on mental health. Incorporate physical activity into your routine, whether it’s going for a jog, practicing yoga, or joining a sports club.
- Practice Gratitude: Cultivate a habit of gratitude by reflecting on positive aspects of your life. Keeping a gratitude journal can help shift your focus from stressors to things you appreciate.
- Seek Professional Help: If you find that your mental health is significantly impacted, don’t hesitate to seek support from mental health professionals.
If you or a loved one are struggling with stress as an impact on your mental health, Oaks offers caring, compassionate programs for adults, children and families living with a mental illness. Our programs throughout New Jersey give individuals the opportunity to make healthy choices, stabilize symptoms of illness and eventually reach his or her full potential. To learn more, take the first step and call our Access Center at 1-800-963-3377.
