September is Suicide Prevention Awareness month and October is Mental Health Awareness Month which is quickly approaching.
Taking care of your mind is just as important as taking care of your body. In honor of Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and Mental Health Awareness Month, here is a list of activities and tips that can be used for self-care and mindfulness.
At this point in the semester, it is not uncommon for students to feel overwhelmed and burnt out. Here are some tips if you are feeling this way.
- Try rescheduling or saying “no” to things that you cannot take on right now.
- Get plenty of sleep, stay hydrated, and eat at least three meals a day.
- Take time to do things that bring you joy (reading, journaling, hanging out with friends, meditating, etc.).
- Remember, you are allowed to take a break. Put down the to-do list for a little while.
If you are struggling with mental health issues and need ways to recognize and cope with this try some of these self-care activities:
- Deep breathing and meditation activities to help center yourself.
- Get 6-9 hours of sleep and relaxation every day.
- Try and make time to exercise. I know this may not be realistic for everyone because we all react differently to stress, but if you can, try to work it into your daily routine.
- Write or talk to others about how you are feeling.
- Take a break from social media. We all know how toxic social media can be at times, so don’t be afraid to go dark for a while.
- Listen to your favorite music or jam out with your friends.
- Take time to listen to your mind and body and give yourself whatever you need.
Remember, you are never alone.
Mental health resources at MSU:
MSU – Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities (rcpd.msu.edu/services/psychiatric)
Counseling & Psychiatric Services at Michigan State University (caps.msu.edu)
Mental Health Awareness Club (MHAC)