After being at Vanderbilt for nearly a month, it is very obvious that college is no joke. The chaos, deadlines, clubs, friends, etc., can be a lot to handle, and they can distract us from our self care. But, it is very important to care for yourself just as much as you care for your grades, friends, and clubs.
That being said, here are 5 ways to keep yourself grounded and cared for as you navigate the stresses of college!
5. Seek resources to help you!
If you haven’t already heard from orientation (which I am sure you have), Vanderbilt has plenty of resources available on campus that aid students in various areas. Personally, I have already visited the Writing Studio, and I thoroughly benefited from the aid they provided to me. Aside from the Writing Studio, students can also visit the Tutoring Center, the University Counseling Center, the Student Health Center, and more. I encourage all of you to take advantage of these resources, whether they are for classes, personal being, health, or whatever the case may be. Vanderbilt is here to help you, but it is essential to take the step of seeking the resources made available to you!
4. Contact your friends and family from home.
I know, I know…you may be sick of your parents calling and checking in you already. But, I assure you that they will come in handy during college. Having a parent to talk to, or any family member, can certainly ease the transition from high school to college. They may possibly know you better than you truly realize, and their comfort and advice will be of much use to you as you continue through college.
Not only are parents and family members valuable, but friends from home are as well. Texting or calling them, for even a short amount of time a week, can offer you a sense of comfortability that you may not have found on campus yet. They were there for you before you got to college, and they can certainly be there for you now! You may be dealing with the same stresses and emotions, and you can see that you are not alone in whatever you may be feeling.
3. Don’t lose your hobbies
We all had hobbies before we came to college, whether it was reading, making jewelry, baking, running, playing sports, etc. Although college is very busy, having and maintaining a hobby that you enjoy can make college feel much more like home. It is important to still do the things that you love, as they are a part of who you are! Try not to get so caught up that you stop doing the things you once cherished. Hobbies can serve as an outlet, a stress reliever, and just a fun activity for free time. Don’t lose your hobbies!
2. Don’t be afraid to say no!
Joining clubs, going out, partying, and everything else, can be so tempting, especially during your first year of college. But, it is important to understand your limits and prioritize your mental health. Try not to let FOMO influence you to do things that are uncomfortable and stressful to you. It is perfectly okay to say no! You do not have to participate in every activity that may come your way, and there is nothing wrong with that. Always remember that you and your mental health come first!
1. Have Reset Days
In my opinion, this is one of the most important ways to prioritize yourself during college. One day (or even a couple hours) out of your week, I would advise you to take a reset. This can take many different forms, but it is important to set aside time to have a self-check in. Whether you go on a walk, journal, do a face mask, take a nap, or watch a comfort TV show, having self care time is essential for maintaining your mental health as you deal with so many different stresses of school.
And these are the Top 5 Ways of Prioritizing Yourself during your time at Vanderbilt! I hope these were very helpful to you and that they can aid you in maintaining your mental health!