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Clinically reviewed by Dr. Chris Mosunic, PhD, RD, CDCES, MBA
Learn some healthy coping techniques to get you through
by Vivian Nunez
Go you! You are being proactive and trying to learn how to take care of your mental health as a student.
Managing everyday stresses can take a toll on all of us. Figuring out stress management tips for college students is just one tool in your mental health toolkit that can make a big difference.
So, whether you’re struggling and trying to get back to yourself or just looking to help prevent any future mental health dips, here are a few self care strategies you can turn to.
Moving your body can mean interval training, football practice, or walking around campus. The goal isn’t to break any competitive records. It’s to show your body some love so that the ripple effects of good feelings impact your mental health for the better, too.
Knowing where to go for help before you need help is a good way to feel supported. Make a note on your phone of who your counselor is, where their office is on campus, and their email.
Since the Merriam-Webster dictionary acknowledges “hangry” as a real word, so do we. It’s easy to feel more overwhelmed or stressed whenever you’re also physically hungry. Eat regular meals or keep snacks in your backpack for longer lectures as one way to support your mental health.
Similar to eating regular meals, keeping hydrated can have a positive impact on your mental health. This is the time for your emotional support water bottle to shine!
There’s a lot of newness in college, whether you’re a freshman or a senior. Staying close to one or two hobbies or passions that remind you who you are is a good way to anchor yourself and your mental health.
While college is about learning, don’t forget to have fun. Making time to have fun new experiences with your friends can help relieve stress and get you in a great mood — all things that help support your overall mental health.
Self-care can be a small daily act of kindness like asking yourself, “How am I doing?” or “Do I need support?” Practicing checking in with yourself is a muscle you strengthen with repetition.
Remember, supporting your mental health in college does not mean you must do it alone. You can turn to apps like Calm or Calm Health to offer everything from guided resources to guided meditations.
No matter where your mental health is right now, you’re doing something great by learning more ways to support yourself.
Calm Health is a mental health wellness product. Calm Health is not intended to diagnose or treat depression, anxiety, or any other disease or condition. Calm Health is not a substitute for care by a physician or other health care provider. Any questions that you may have regarding the diagnosis, care, or treatment of a medical condition should be directed to your physician or health care provider.
We’ve made it easy to take the first step. Just download the Calm Health app, create your account, and answer a few simple questions to help us understand how you’re feeling. You’ll get instant recommendations for the Calm Health programs that will be the most helpful for you.
Our programs are created by licensed psychologists, and you can explore them at your own pace, in any order you like.
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