In academic and blue-collar settings, constituents’ mental states are overlooked and undervalued. An important key to maintaining mental well-being throughout college or in the workforce is to make self care your full time job. On top of my own two jobs, 16 credit hours, and a heightened amount of anxiety, it often feels as if the walls are caving in around me. Every mental illness has different implications on individuals’ lives, and it’s essential that we open up the conversations about mental well-being in classrooms, workplaces, extra-curricular organizations, friend groups, etc.

The way our current academic and financial system is set up, students are systematically set up to fail, both financially and mentally. College is too expensive to afford, so students go broke and most commonly take out loans to supplement their costs. After those losses, students cannot realistically thrive with little to no outside money, so several students take on jobs to supply their bank accounts. Immersed in an arena that does not allow space for self care, students constantly feel at least one step behind, and rightfully so.

I encourage everyone to actively participate in conversation about mental health and to not let those around you struggle alone. While combating and living with mental illnesses is a whole separate set of challenges, it’s the least we can do as a community to create an open and inviting social environment that allows room for mental transparency; making it okay to not be okay. The general perception of college is idealized to be the "greatest 4 years of your life", painting a picture of a sea of happy, successful students who swim through their classes and homework just in time for whatever party happens that weekend. College isn't a breeze, and it often feels more like sinking instead of swimming.

Busy schedules can make it difficult to take time to practice self care and do something solely for your own sake. Make it a point to take a break from the chaos of an average day to practice mindfulness toward yourself, making sure that you feel okay before moving forward. Absolutely no homework assignment, quiz, test, job, or party is more important than your own peace of mind. Do not be afraid to place self care higher than most on your list of priorities. No matter the form your own self care takes, allow time to be with yourself and dwell upon the small things that bring you comfort and the things you love about yourself. My only hope is that you all are able to realize your own indescribable beauty and self-worth, even through the intensity of classes, work, and the ongoing trials of life in general. Self love is an extremely challenging and never-ending process. Lean on each other for mental support, and use the love fostered through your own self care to impose onto others. Below I’ve included a small playlist as a tool to practice mindfulness and self care.

Got Her Own - Syd

Cranes in the Sky- Solange

Self Control - Frank Ocean

Tranquility- Isaiah Rashad

Drew Barrymore - SZA

Solo- Frank Ocean

Pretty Bird (Freestyle) - Jhené Aiko (feat. Common)

Never Ending - Rihanna

Real - Kendrick Lamar (feat. Anna Wise)

Reality Check - Noname

New Person, Same Old Mistakes - Tame Impala

Warm Enough - Donnie Trumpet & The Social Experiment

Insecurities - Syd

Love Yourz - J.Cole

Godspeed - Frank Ocean