I wasn't always a reader or someone who started getting into habits that would improve my mental health. In college, mental health is often missed or underrated as not as necessary as studying or getting your work done. But ever since I started doing these couple of things, I have grown to be a happier, calmer, and healthier student. This doesn't only include reading and eating healthy, it includes the small things that we don't think about.
Reading a Book
I know, I wasn't a reader myself before this either. But after picking up a real adult book, a memoir called It's Okay to Laugh (Crying is Cool too), it helped me become more positive. In order to get myself to read every night, I would grab it and open it instead of going on my computer. It was a great way to escape the dorm life and go into a different world.
Self Help Book
Another "book" I am still reading. It isn't a book, though, each chapter explains how to meditate and relax in different ways. It includes finding calmness at work, school, travel, relationships, family etc. At the end of each chapter, it gives you a page to write down what your grateful for, 3 great things that happened that day, and what highlighted your day.
Finding friends that accept you
This is something I find very socially important. While in a group project (ew) I found two friends who enjoyed me for who I was. They never questioned or asked me why I do what I do, but they understood me which I felt most important.
Exercise
After me and my boyfriend turned up at the gym at the same time without planning it, we decided to continue working out together. Running or walking the treadmill is a great exercise for stress, anxiety and your mental state. It also gives you an excuse not to be on your computer and to take a break.
Who Cares
I am at fault for constantly thinking about what people think of me. This changed when I found friends and people who didn't make me feel judged but understood. Instead of saying "But what if it's weird to stay in on a Friday night?" Guess what I did this weekend? My boyfriend got me Ben and Jerry's while I watched him play Xbox.
Facetime!
If you have a Mac, iPad, or iPhone, you can easily face time instead of downloading Skype. Ever since I realized I could randomly call my mother after school, it has made me much happier. I love just being able to click and talk to my dog and just be "home" for even 10 minutes.
Find a Goal
Finding a goal or motivation doesn't have to be complicated. For example, my goal is to clear my skin (I have struggled with acne). Studies have shown when you see the progress you become happier and more addicted to keep going. Another goal I have is to become a better student. Thanks to dating an honors student, he has motivated me and helped me improve my grades by making sure I get my work checked before submitting anything.
