How to Juggle School, Work and Your Mental Health
Practice a few easy habits and you'll de-stress in no time.
When you're a full-time student, it's a challenge to juggle work, school, and a social life — all while keeping your mental health in check. Studying for exams, working on assignments, thinking about how you're going to pay back student loans, and tight budgets are all some of the familiar stresses students face regularly. And while juggling all of this, it's difficult to practice good mental health too. However, there are some small habits you can pick up that will help ease some of your stress.
Reduce the Number of Things to Worry About
The first step to keeping your mental health positive is to reduce the number of things you need to worry about.
For example, if you have an exam in two weeks, start studying a few sub-chapters in advance to not only get a better understanding of the material, but to also help manage your time so you don't need to cram 2 days before it. We know cramming is a bad habit you've picked up over the years, but now is the time to break it! You've done it every time before and you know how awful and sleep-deprived you feel the day of the exam — so don't do that to yourself again!
Over time, things like these will take a toll on your mental health and cause some harsh side effects that we'll discuss later on.
Do Something Relaxing
In the midst of your busy schedule, take 30 to 60 minutes of your day to do something that relaxes you (besides being on social media — we all know that doesn't relax anyone). Think of something that you loved to do as a child but "don't have time to do" anymore — whether it's reading, taking a walk, cooking, or even colouring. Whatever relaxes you and makes you feel like you, find some time to do it! Doing this will help you unwind from your busy day — nurturing the positive state of your mental well-being. (And please don't tell us you don't have 60 minutes to spare if you're watching YouTube videos until 2 in the morning!)
Sleep Early
On that note, sleep early (or at least on time). Sleeping the suggested hours of rest helps with your mental well-being and keeps you healthy. Adults (yes, you're an adult now) need 9 hours of sleep every day, so make sure you're getting the recommended hours of sleep. In fact, sleep deprivation can cause things like memory complications, trouble thinking and concentrating, a weakened immune system, weight gain, anxiety, mood changes, and much more — none of which you want. So, don't forget to get your snooze fest on!
As a bonus tip, Sprott Shaw College students receive (free!) access to the My Student Support Program (My SSP) which offers a plethora of online resources and Student Support Advisors who can help you succeed and keep your mental health in check while you balance work, school, friends, and family, and more. Learn more helpful tips and tricks on being a student here.
