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College students often suffer from anxiety and other mental health disorders because of the pressures to do well, fit in, and adapt to a new environment. To succeed with your academics and enjoy your time at college, you need to prioritize your mental health, which you can do in the following ways.

1. Compile Resources

It’s worth compiling a variety of resources to help you with your mental health before you even need them. Start by finding out what wellness services your college offers and make a note of how to access them. If your school can pair you with a peer mentor or wellness coach, make sure to save the person’s contact information. Other resources you may like to use include apps for relaxation and videos of breathing exercises.

2. See a Counsellor

Find out if your college offers counselling as part of its mental health services. These may be available for free or at a discount. Alternatively, you could look for an online therapist at an affordable price, including for group support.

3. Make More Time for Socializing

Mental health disorders can make you want to spend more time alone, but isolating yourself from friends can end up making you feel worse. Open up to a close friend about how you’re feeling or search for a support group on campus to find people you can talk to. Sharing what is making you stressed can make your problems feel more manageable.

4. Keep Your Body Healthy

Your body and mind are intricately linked: one cannot be healthy without the other. There are several ways to keep your body healthy, including eating a balanced diet, sleeping enough (between seven and nine hours a night is ideal), and exercising regularly. Team sports and fitness classes are particularly ideal because you’re also spending time with other people, which can be more motivating.

5. Schedule Time for Activities That Make You Happy

It can feel like your schedule is already packed with classes, homework, and other essentials. However, it’s important for your mental health to make time for activities you enjoy. It can help to schedule these activities to ensure you spend time every day doing something you love.

Some ideas for relaxing activities include reading for pleasure, listening to music, making art, and writing down what you’re grateful for. All these are much better for your mind than scrolling through social media. In fact, anything off screen has a stronger link to happiness than activities on screen.

6. Think Positive

If you’ve labelled yourself a pessimist, positive thinking may sound impossible. In fact, it’s something you can learn to do. Instead of focusing on the negative, learn to reframe situations as opportunities and learning experiences.

7. Learn to Meditate

One way to improve your positive thinking is through meditation. This will teach you about being present, improve your focus, and increase your happiness. You can reap the benefits with just 10 minutes a day.

Sharing your personal space with someone else can be particularly trying for your mental health. To live independently but still share time with other people, move into a student housing community. Foundry First is offering student accommodation within walking distance of Fanshawe College. Schedule a tour to check out the floor plans and amenities.