College students across the country learned the same unfortunate lesson in the past year. These students were all caught off guard and forced to make last-minute adjustments when things didn’t go as planned.
Thousands of universities and colleges throughout the country were forced to shut down as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak. Rather than temporarily closing, officials placed U.S. universities and colleges on lockdown as a precautionary measure, which heightened students’ anxiety and isolation while presenting many challenges that college students typically meet with ease due to routine.
These challenges include these factors:
Loneliness
Isolation has grown drastically as a result of being isolated from classmates, friends, and regular campus life. After switching to online learning, 50% of students felt they were no longer a part of their class.
Lack of Motivation
It can be hard to stay motivated when you are learning on the go. The pandemic, however, has also impacted mental health, making it increasingly difficult to find the energy or cognitive ability to finish assignments.
Technological Issues
College students are increasingly taking online courses. These courses are not designed to be available exclusively through internet access, resulting in an inequitable learning gap for learners who do not have access to technology or live in places with limited internet connectivity.
Time Management Issues
One of the most challenging problems of online learning is managing time effectively. Students who lack time management skills may struggle to complete homework and perform poorly academically.
According to recent research, 77% believe that online learning is worse than face-to-face learning, with 31% of students reporting mental health concerns due to the limitations of online learning.
Furthermore, 73% of young adults struggle with mental health. However, 63% find it difficult to keep connected with others at school because there are no on-campus counseling clinics. Students had to discover other ways to manage their mental health since there were no on-campus counseling clinics.
Self-care Tips
With social media and news notifications bombarding you every day, self-care is vital to preserving your mental health. Mental health experts suggest trying these self-care tips:
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Maintain Connections
Realize that social exclusion is temporary. Reach out to friends and family members who can provide support. Having a strong support system in times of need will make you feel less isolated.
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Take Care of Your Body
Staying physically and mentally fit is essential. Taking care of your body and mind will make you feel and look great. Eating healthy and exercising regularly helps maintain a strong immune system and reduces stress on the body. A balanced diet combined with exercise also improves mood by releasing endorphins, chemicals that cause happiness, which will enhance overall well-being.
Make it a habit to check your physical condition. Contact a dentist’s office and set an appointment to maintain good oral health since you might be forgetting a task as simple as brushing your teeth three times a day. You can also hit the store and purchase vitamins, buy healthy food, and plan a schedule when you can go for a jog or a quick workout.
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Disconnect to Connect
It’s essential to take time out of your busy schedule to refresh. You may check in on social media periodically throughout the day, but don’t feel pressured to browse constantly, as it won’t be conducive to your mental well-being.
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Vent It Out
Crying is a healthy way to release stress and emotions. It allows you to heal from unbearable events, problems, and relationships. You may feel depressed and even hopeless at some point. It is normal to experience an emotional breakdown and even burnout during times of increased stress.
Allow yourself to fully experience these feelings to release any hurt and see the light through the clouds once more. Remember that your feelings are valid, and you’re allowed to cry and feel because you are human.
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Prioritize Sleep
Sleep is one of the most important activities that happen on any day. Sleep promotes alertness, concentration, productivity, happiness, and even creativity. Don’t deprive yourself of the valuable benefits of sleep. It’s time to get enough.
Scientists recommend at least seven hours of sleep every night. Sleep deprivation can lead to irritation, failure to concentrate, emotional outbursts, excessive stress, and increased susceptibility to sickness.
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Create a Strong Support System
Young adults benefit from good friendships and connections. Some students find that good, close companionship helps them feel supported during their college years.
Build supportive connections, and you’ll benefit in several ways. You’ll thrive when there is someone to guide you through difficulties—when you fail or feel like giving up. A healthy body and mind are linked in an incredibly powerful way. When you’re physically fit and have a positive mental attitude, you can accomplish anything.
Final Thoughts
It’s often hard to find your way when you’re lost or confused. That’s why it’s important to think about what you want, do what makes you happy, and engage in self-care.
It can be easy to neglect yourself and forget about taking care of your own needs. Self-care isn’t just about the days when life gets busy. It’s something we can work into our routines slowly and steadily. With this valuable and practical self-care plan, you can get started on your journey to achieving your goals.
