The last time we discussed academic and emotional support, now for things that I believe is more if not the as important for the exams:
- Take care of yourself!
- Eat well
Mental health is something we all have, and something that it is important for all of us to remain conscious of, even during stressful times such as midterm or exam season. It is very easy to get caught up in a hectic schedule and feel overwhelmed. However, it is always important to remember that your health is more important than anything else, and your mental health is just as valid as your physical health.
One way that you can take care of your mental well-being is to ensure that you practice effective self-care. Self-care is the act of doing something that makes you feel rejuvenated and at peace in order to maintain a healthy mind and soul. Self-care can be anything that makes you feel happy – whether it’s going for a jog, watching some Netflix, spending time with your pet, calling a friend, colouring, or more! Try to schedule in some time just for yourself each week, where you can check in with yourself and take care of YOU, the most important person.
2. Look out for early symptoms
We all experience stress differently in different situations.
Sometimes you might be able to tell right away when you’re f
eeling under stress, but other times you might keep going without recognising the signs. Stress can affect you both emotionally and physically, and it can affect the way you behave. Here is a table below which I believe summarises the symptoms well (adapted from www.mind.org.uk)
- Learn to de-stress
- Take regular breaks
Many studies have found that pausing for a moment to relax and reboot is essential for achieving productivity, success, and a positive outlook on the future. This is especially true for students who spend hours huddled in front of a computer. While many believe cram sessions and all-night study groups will ultimately help them earn their college degree, the fact is that not taking regular breaks can lead to a significant decrease in academic performance and, in some cases, serious health concerns like anxiety, insomnia, and depression.
2. Sleep well
Time is of the essence, especially if you need to manage a hectic schedule packed with classes and co-curricular activities. A day whizzes by, forcing you to work all night to complete piles of assignments, before hitting the sack for just a few hours of sleep. However, insufficient sleep can lead to fatigue accumulation and adverse effects on your health. Besides being the key to a healthy lifestyle, getting enough sleep also improves your ability to concentrate. And here is an infograph to put this in perspective (from https://visual.ly).