Create a constant connection with family, friends and the community

Be it social media or text groups, a simple phone call, scheduled video meet-up, or volunteering with a local group help us connect with others while giving back – we get what we give! Possibilities abound to be with others and feel seen.

Join support groups with the same vision as yours to have a sense of belongingness, even if it’s virtual

Support groups can (*gasp*) actually be fun! If you feel unsure where to find your tribe and an online search seems overwhelming, asking a friend, mentor, or exploring the school services available can reduce the time spent looking, and may help illuminate how wonderful and commonly-utilized this option is. Joining a support group doesn’t have to be permanent either- so sample the options and enjoy the process of discovering what works best for you.

Practice self-care and take a breather from your daily grind  

Self-care isn’t all bubble baths and pedicures. Healthy boundaries with ourselves and others can sound like saying no to a social engagement that seems energetically draining, or taking time for a nap when we’re tired. Practicing good sleep hygiene, limiting- or having more-intentional screen time can make a huge difference in the quality of our rest.

Pay attention to early signs of depression and seek help if needed

Have you experienced changes in mood, or prolonged periods of sadness but don’t know why? Do the activities you usually love sound unappealing more often than not? Is it difficult to get to sleep, or to get out of bed regularly? Has your memory or ability to focus changed? Have you found yourself avoiding typical social interactions, making excuses to see others, or desire to stay isolated?

Emotions, appetite, energy levels, and desire for social contact naturally ebb and flow through situations and seasons of life, but significant shifts which last more than a few days might be a sign it’s time to talk to a health professional. Asking for help doesn’t mean you are broken, less capable, or any negative label; asking for help takes courage, and it means you are looking after yourself to find the higher level of care you deserve.

College can be an exciting, enriching time in one’s life for you, and while stress can’t be unavoidable, it doesn’t have to become a roadblock in the way of learning from the books or the experiences in life itself. 

Take it easy and remember to be kind to yourself to stay physically, emotionally and mentally healthy. One stressful situation or bad day can be simply that, and each new day is an opportunity to begin again, make a better choice for yourself, and achieve your goals in academics and life. By putting simple practices into your routine, you can learn to manage stress for yourself, and perhaps help others by sharing your personal experience along the way. Rooting for you!