HERE ARE 5 WAYS TO MAKE SURE YOUR MENTAL HEALTH DOESN’T SUFFER THIS SCHOOL YEAR

If you’re a student, we know there’s a lot swirling around in your mind right now. There’s a tornado of information about what going back to school this year actually means, and there are a lot of huge decisions that you’ve had to make to get to the first day of school.

Coronavirus makes going to school this year hard. Really hard. And we’re all just trying to figure out the right next step. We think your mental health is important all of the time, but there’s never been a more important time to take care of your mind than at this moment and in this school year.

So, here are a few ways to take care of your mental health as you head back into school this year.

Own your feelings

There’s no reason to put on a smiling face and pretend you’re doing great if you just aren’t feeling right. You’re going to school during a pandemic! It’s okay to be upset. Let yourself be sad, frustrated, overwhelmed, or stressed. And, let’s be real, you will probably experience all of those feelings at some point. They may sound like negative emotions, but trying to push those reactions away just leads to a whole lot of problems later. Let yourself feel those emotions with a good cry or a quick journaling session, and then you can move on feeling better.

Be patient

Whether you’re taking online classes full-time or you’re in socially-distant classrooms, remember that you, your teachers, your parents, your classmates are all going through this new normal for the first time! Remember that this is a huge transition for everyone. Be patient and kind to yourself and everyone around you.

Prepare for hard days

Zoom is frozen, your mask feels itchy, and your coronavirus anxiety is at its peak. You’re just craving some normalcy right now! There are going to be some days where the reality of school this year is going to be really tough to wrap your head around, especially at the beginning. Just know those tough days are going to happen! Don’t be afraid to close your laptop and go for a walk. School will still be there when you’re feeling ready to get back to it.

Think of the good stuff

It’s easy to get incredibly overwhelmed with all of the huge changes happening in your life right now. So try and switch your brain’s gears and think about the opportunities that this school year can bring! You get to see your friends (in-person or virtually) and you can get back into your normal routine. In reality, there’s good stuff for your mental health just by going back to school. You just have to train your brain to find those positive things.

Focus on what you can control

There are a lot of unknowns, however you are going to school right now, and it can feel like life is a little out of your control. So focus on what you, personally, are in control of. You can wear a mask, you can wash your hands, you can take care of your mental health. Put the power back in your hands. (Bonus: Here are a few college mental health hacks, in case you need a little guidance on taking control this school year)

School Was Hard Enough Already. Now Add A Pandemic.