{"id":15678,"date":"2015-10-08T09:45:51","date_gmt":"2015-10-08T09:45:51","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.anfocal.ie\/?p=15678"},"modified":"2015-10-08T09:45:51","modified_gmt":"2015-10-08T09:45:51","slug":"minding-your-mental-health","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.anfocal.ie\/index.php\/minding-your-mental-health\/","title":{"rendered":"Minding Your Mental Health"},"content":{"rendered":"
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By Aisling O\u2019Connor<\/p>\n
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Looking after you mental health can be difficult and for Freshers it can be even more difficult, as balancing your new life in college with your wellbeing can be a tad overwhelming. But not to fret, we\u2019ve got a few hints and tips up our sleeves – An Focal is here to help.<\/p>\n
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While the stereotypical student diet may consist of Pot Noodles and Tesco Value Vodka, if you eat crap you will feel crap. Enjoy junk food in moderation but try to consume healthy and nutritious foods. Swap the Pot Noodles for some veggies – not only will your mam appreciate it but your body and mind will too.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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Student nights may be where all the banter is at but alcohol is a depressant so make sure to monitor your intake and cut back if needs be.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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Treat yourself. Give yourself a pat on the back for getting though the week or for not procrastinating your assignments. Have some chocolate, get Starbucks, whatever floats your boat.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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Get enough sleep. You should be getting seven to eight hours of sleep a night, if not then you\u2019ll be irritable, so go to bed at a reasonable time. If you\u2019re having trouble sleeping try camomile tea or lavender essential oil, both are known to help you relax and drift off.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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Stay hydrated. Try to have eight glasses of water a day, and bear in mind that alcohol and caffeine dehydrate you, so drink more after nights out or you\u2019re a coffee drinker\/addict.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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Exercise releases endorphins which are \u201chappy hormones\u201d. This doesn\u2019t mean you have to run to the gym every morning but make an effort to walk or cycle more instead of taking the bus, and yes, dancing counts so if you, a hairbrush, and Taylor Swift get you through the day we won\u2019t judge.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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Mind over matter. Tell yourself that it is going to be a good day every morning. If you start with a positive attitude you\u2019re more likely to stay positive throughout the day.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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If you have a bad day, remember that it was just a bad day. There\u2019s always tomorrow.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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Positive affirmations. Leave a nice note for yourself on your mirror so you see it every morning. Your housemates may make fun of you but eventually you\u2019re going to believe what it says. Someone carved a smiley face into the path on the way into campus and it makes me smile every time I see it.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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Believe in yourself. The best piece of advice I have ever received came from my Leaving Cert Business teacher which was something along the lines of: \u201cit\u2019s 90% ability, and 10% confidence. Pump yourself up and walk in believing you\u2019re gonna ace this, even if that means huddling together before the exam and chanting Eye of the Tiger.\u201d You\u2019ve got this.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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Vent. If you bottle everything up, you\u2019re eventually going to crack. Talk to your friends and family about how you\u2019re feeling. A cardinal sin of journalism is to use clich\u00e9s, but a problem shared is a problem halved so talking will relieve stress.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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Hug someone. Like exercise, cuddling releases endorphins which boosts your mood. When you\u2019re feeling blue, hug a friend.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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Distraction. Overthinking is toxic and if you find yourself doing it block it out by occupying and busying yourself with something else. When we overthink our thoughts end up becoming completely irrational, so try to stop them at the source and move onto something else.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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Give yourself some \u2018me time\u2019. We all need space and time to ourselves so allocate time to go for a walk, or to read a book, listen to music, do yoga etc.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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Remember that you\u2019re not alone. College can be a lonely place, especially if you\u2019ve left home and your family and friends aren\u2019t here with you. Keep in mind that you have friends here and if you feel like you haven\u2019t made them yet, you will, and of course keep in contact with everyone at home.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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Breathe. The crowds and stress of college can be overwhelming, if you feel panicked go outside and sit somewhere away from the crowds. Focus on your breathing and take deep breathes, the anxiety will pass.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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Don\u2019t be afraid to ask for help. There are so many resources available. Freshers have their own New Entrant Experience & Retention Coordinator Sarah Gibbons, every student has an Academic Advisor, and you can visit the Chaplaincy or the counsellors right here in UL. There\u2019s also a wide range of hotlines for any problems you might be having.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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