Keeping Mental Health Up as a Student
By CC Chung
In these trying times, mental health is a hard thing to keep up, especially as a high school student. Not only is there the pressure of assignments, projects, and assessments, but there is also a looming uncertainty about what the rest of our high school careers will look like. Our fall plans have been rearranged, and we’re scared to imagine what the winter and spring semesters will look like, lest they get cancelled as well. Not to mention the helplessness I, and many others, I’m sure, am feeling regarding the current state of our world.
It’s remarkably easy to list the things that bring you down, but that isn’t what this is about. As someone who struggles with mental health, I want to help myself and others, so here are some of my best tips for keeping your head up :)
1. Make your bed every morning!
Or at the very least, straighten the sheets. Cleanliness is not a must-have for everyone, but personally, having a cleaner environment helps me feel a lot more fresh. Cleaning up your room and opening your blinds is always a good idea too :)
2. Eat fresh and sweet things.
It’s easy to snack on chocolate-y or sugary things, but sometimes that can leave you feeling unhealthy which is never a fun feeling. I like to ask my parents (or go get them myself, if I can) for strawberries, which are my favorite fruit. They’re still really delicious, but I don’t feel as guilty eating a ton of them.
3. Make a “Happy Happenings” jar.
This was a trend I saw on TikTok, and I adore it! You just take a jar, or box, or bowl, or whatever container you wish, and every time something good happens, you write it on a piece of paper and put it in! Not only does it provide you with a list of happy memories to look back on when you’re feeling sad, but it also makes you more aware when happy things happen! They can be anything you want, from a big achievement to a funny joke you heard!
4. Go on a walk!
I’m sure you’ve heard this one before, but it’s definitely a good mood boost. Even if you don’t exercise very often, a walk can help so much. Personally, I don’t consider myself “fit,” but I try and go out for an hour walk every day. Even if you get out for just 20 minutes, you might end up feeling a lot better! A tip I have is to pick a good playlist or podcast to listen to :)
5. Spend some time with your loved ones
(They don’t have to be family!). Even sitting in the same room can provide some much-needed personal contact. Quarantine can be hard, especially for people like me who love to be around others. Try watching a new TV show with family (or friends, virtually!), calling friends or relatives, or just eating dinner with another person.
It’s not easy to stay 100% right now, but the fact you’re still going is a huge achievement. Keep your head up, I promise this won’t last forever <3