Taking Care of Yourself During the School Year

During the school year it is important to take care of yourself and your mental health. It can be hard to find a balance between school, work and friends so here are a few tips that may help you find time for everything that you have to do.

Stick to a Routine

A good way to stay on top of everything is by having and sticking to a routine. Having a routine allows you to get more done in a set time you have created. Routines can also help build healthy habits while also getting rid of the bad habits (for example procrastinating when it is time to do homework). 

Get a Good Night’s Rest

It is important to get a good night’s sleep. A lack of sleep affects a lot more than just your mood, it can also affect your ability to concentrate which could impact how you do in school. Some tips for getting a better sleep include avoiding things such as caffeine, heavy foods and trying not to drink lots of liquids before bed. Another tip for being able to fall asleep at night is making sure that your bed is reserved for sleeping. Try not to do your homework or watch TV in bed because then your mind will associate your bed with being awake. 

Exercise

Carving out time to exercise in your daily routine is a great way to improve your health, both physical and mental. What this looks like is different for everyone. Some people like to go to the gym and lift weights, some people like to go to a dance class and for some people this could just be going on a walk. It is proven that exercise is a natural way to decrease anxiety, therefore it is important to include throughout your day. 

Be Kind to Yourself

It can be easy to be down on yourself while you are in school. School can be stressful and difficult so you don’t want to be another contributor to your own stress. Taking time for yourself is a great way to reduce stress. Take breaks, spend time with friends, and do something that you love to do.  

-Hannah Brown, Co-op Student