Mental Health Tips for Back-to-School Stress
By Genevieve Cunningham
Now that school is back in session, we can all stop worrying about new outfits, the perfect backpack, and class schedules. Instead, we can begin to focus on more important things, such as health and wellness. And because school can be tough on so many, it’s a great time to focus specifically on our mental well-being. To make your mental health a top priority in your life, take a look at these tips for starting the school year off on the right foot.
Get More Rest Than Usual
Going back to school can cause some major exhaustion. And everyone’s mental state is more fragile when exhaustion is at play. For the first month or so, make sure you’re getting more than enough sleep. You’ll need it in order to recuperate from the change in schedule and routine. Go to bed at a decent hour, wake up early, and even take a nap in the afternoon if you’re feeling the need.
Don’t Overextend Yourself
The beginning of the school year brings with it many demands. Homework, extracurricular activities, and the same home expectations are all vying for your time at once. While being busy is definitely good for both the body and mind, being too busy can cause a decline in mental health. When your schedule fills up, don’t be afraid to use the word no. Get involved, but leave enough time for rest and relaxation as well.
Make Some Alone Time
Even though most of your time will be spent with either classmates or family or doing some sort of work, it’s important to make some time to be alone without the stress of other people or school obligations. Alone time allows us to recharge and unwind. It allows us to breathe deep and stop worrying and lower our stress levels. Whether it’s five minutes a day or an hour, almost any time alone will help you maintain your mental well-being.
Surviving school with sound mental health can be tough, especially in this day and age. But your mental health is one of the most important aspects of your long-term well-being. Use these tips to keep your mental health in check at the beginning of this school year, as well as the remainder. With just a little personal attention and some planning, you can feel like your best self all year long.
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in South Gate, Calif.