Five Brilliant Recommendations For Students’ Mental Health
Student life is often considered a golden time, and mental health plays a crucial role in shaping this experience. It encompasses an individual’s psychological, emotional, and social well-being, which in turn, affects their thinking style, feelings, and interactions with others. Like physical health, the mental health of students is vital for their overall growth and success.
Importance of mental health for students:
It is estimated that around three-quarters of adults with a mental illness experience their first episode before turning 25, which emphasizes the need for prioritizing mental health in the student community. Good mental health is not just the absence of mental illness but also includes the ability to function and interact with others in a meaningful way.
Misconceptions about mental health:
However, misconceptions around mental health still exist and contribute to a significant stigma attached to it. Such misconceptions include the belief that mental health issues are supernatural or that individuals with mental health issues can never be useful members of society. To overcome these hurdles, it is crucial to approach mental health from an empathetic and scientific perspective.
How to improve mental health:
Fortunately, several ways can help improve mental health, such as sharing one’s problems with someone trusted, writing about one’s emotions, prioritizing sleep, eating a healthy diet, and engaging in mental health exercises. Research suggests that talking about one’s problems can reduce stress, strengthen the immune system, and alleviate emotional distress. Similarly, writing about one’s emotions can improve both mental and physical health.
1. Share your problems: According to studies simply talking about your problems and sharing your emotions with someone you trust can heal your mental health. It can help to reduce stress, strengthen your immune system, and reduce physical and emotional distress.
2. Write your problems: This is another way you can release emotional pain and gain greater perspective. According to psychologist James Pennebaker, writing about your emotions improves your mental and physical health as well.
3. Take better sleep: Getting enough sleep is essential for recharging one’s batteries and repairing any damage from the day. A lack of sleep can lead to various problems such as mood swings, anxiety, depression, irritability, and memory problems. To improve sleep quality, one can take a warm bath, read a book, or limit screen time before going to bed.
4. Eat Hygienic: A healthy diet, consisting of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, olive oil, antioxidants, and a low intake of animal foods, has been associated with a reduced risk of depression. A balanced diet can enhance concentration and attention span while promoting clear thinking and alertness.
5. Try some mental health exercises: Finally, mental health exercises for students like laughing out loud, meditating, stretching, journaling, sketching, dancing, and listening to music can help improve one’s mental wellness, headspace, and stimulate positive energy. These exercises are the best exercise for mental health to feeling overwhelmed and can have a positive impact on mental health.
In conclusion, prioritizing mental health is crucial for students to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. By taking steps to improve mental health, students can develop healthy habits that will benefit them in the long run.