Managing Your Mental Health This Spring
Between homework and activities, spring can be a very stressful and overwhelming time for many college students. Thankfully however, there are a multitude of resources here at DSU. Here are some things you can do on your own to help alleviate these issues, as well as some of the resources that are available.
Keep an agenda. If you don’t already, keeping an agenda is one of the simplest and most effective ways to manage not only your homework schedule, but also your stress levels. Being able to see all of your upcoming homework laid out neatly on a calendar can really put ones mind at ease if homework is a cause of stress. Getting your homework done early is an easy way to feel better, and buy yourself a bit of time to relax before the next assignments are due. There are many agenda apps available, including Google and Outlook calendars, but even something like excel or notepad would work.
Get enough sleep. College students are among the most notorious for being sleep deprived, but many of them do not realize what an important role a good night’s sleep plays in their mental health. Cornell University recommends 7-9 hours of sleep for college aged persons, while most only get about 6. Being fully rested can help you feel more energized during the day, and boosts your emotional health and well-being. Apple watches (and other wearables most likely) have sleep tracking features that can help you find your ideal amount of sleep, and set alarms and bedtimes accordingly.
Join an activity. Another way to boost your mental health is to join a club. Many students see clubs and activities as a way to escape academics on campus a bit, and meet some new people who share one or more common interests. Many groups are low commitment, and are a great way to relax with friends after a long day of studying.
One of DSU’s best services offered to students struggling with mental health is the DSU Counseling center. They offer many different counseling options to students, including Consultations and Individual and Group Counseling, as well as Wellness Programming, Academic Strategy Resources, and Crisis Intervention. In their own words, “The Counseling Center provides free, confidential, counseling services to enrolled students. Most students’ counseling needs can be readily addressed by the center’s professional staff.” More information about the counseling center and how to set up an appointment can be found on their web page.
