The university period is exciting, but also very stressful and tumultuous. Taking special care of our mental health is going to be essential. Understanding that there are aversive emotions
University is a whirlwind of emotions, new experiences, and challenges. That's why stress, frustration, apathy, or poorly managed sadness become very bad companions during this journey. However, understanding that aversive emotions are a normal part of life is the first step in learning to manage them. The pressures of classes, the fear of exams, the need to achieve good grades, the demands of an active social life, adapting to a new city or living alone for the first time, and transitioning into adulthood are factors that can seem overwhelming to us. In the university stage, the demands are high and we are often expected to meet them with excellence. That's why it's important to remember that we are not alone in this. Thousands of students around the world face the same pressures. An important key is to learn to differentiate between healthy stress and chronic stress. Healthy stress can help us stay alert, motivated, and prepared to face challenges. On the other hand, chronic stress can have negative effects on our mental health, such as anxiety and depression. The same goes for the rest of negative emotions: they are part of life as long as they do not become a way of life. That is, assuming that it is normal for us to feel sadness or distress in sad or distressing situations does not mean that we normalize the presence of those feelings at all times. If we feel that any of these moods are starting to dominate our day-to-day life, it is important to seek help. The first thing is to recognize what we are feeling, and then look for strategies and resources to manage it. Studying and fighting to get our
eTítulo at university and a place in the job market should be an exciting stage and not a torment. It is in our hands to fight to protect and enhance our mental health.
The importance of good organization for mental health
One of the keys to maintaining our mental health during university is good organization. We know it seems like a titanic task, especially at the beginning with so many deadlines, assignments, and exams. But here's the secret: we don't have to do everything in one day. With good planning and the help of the right tools, such as calendar apps or to-do lists, we can break down our obligations into small manageable steps.
Don't be your own worst critic
Another vital aspect of taking care of our mental health is
not being too hard on ourselves and treating ourselves with respect. Let's remember that we are human, that it is natural to make mistakes, and that learning from them is part of the process. If we deviate from the path, it's okay, we can always get back on track. Let's be kind to ourselves, take time when we need it, and remember that our mental health is much more important than our grades.
Seek support
University can be a challenging and sometimes lonely environment. But we must always remember that we are not alone on this journey. There are people willing to support us and help us overcome difficult moments. There are also people (more than we think) who are going through the same things as us. If we are experiencing high levels of stress, anxiety, or feeling overwhelmed, it is important to talk to someone. That someone can be a friend, a family member, a mentor, or a mental health professional. Expressing what we are feeling can be a huge relief and the first step in finding a solution. In addition, most universities have student support services, including free counseling and therapy. These services are designed to help students navigate the emotional and mental challenges of university life. If in-person support is not an option, or if we prefer anonymity, there are also telephone helplines and
online resources that can be of great help. We should never underestimate the power of an honest conversation and the understanding of someone who is willing to listen. It is important to remember that seeking help is not a sign of weakness, but of strength. It means that we are aware of our emotions and that we are willing to take steps to take care of our mental health.
Exercise regularly
Regular exercise can be an excellent way to relieve stress and take care of our mental health. It not only helps us stay physically healthy, but it also releases endorphins, the happiness hormones, which make us feel good. And no, it is not necessary to run a marathon. Any physical activity that we enjoy and can do regularly will be helpful.
Eating well is mental health
Although it may not seem like it, what we eat also affects our mental health. Let's try to maintain a balanced diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Let's avoid skipping meals, especially breakfast, to maintain our energy levels throughout the day.
Adequate rest improves mental health
Sleep is essential for our mental well-being. Let's try to maintain a regular sleep routine, even on weekends. Let's avoid screen light at least one hour before bedtime and make sure we have a relaxing sleep environment. The university stage can be demanding, but taking care of our mental health is vital to fully enjoy it. With small changes and a positive attitude, we can face the challenges of university life and stay mentally healthy.
