Keep up your mental well-being during COVID with these simple yet effective tips!
This year, the education sector has witnessed a dramatic increase in mental illness amongst their students. Expecting social distancing and other protocols from humans who are deemed as “social animals” can certainly take a toll on us; let alone, young budding students. With distance learning in place, many students are suffering from stress, anxiety, hypertension and depression. During such unfavourable times, students are unable to stay connected with their peers and professors, making it difficult to cope up with their study.
This is especially the case for international students who are more vulnerable due to several constraints including financial security, unable to travel back to their home countries and the poor knowledge of rules enforced in their region. While that being said, students locally are also equally affected which has majorly impacted their study. In such instances, it is extremely crucial for higher education institutions to step in and be an essential support system for the students.
Capital Education truly believes in safeguarding our students and guiding them in the right direction! Hence, if you are fighting this illness, we present you a few tips that can help through these hard times.
- Have a healthy diet
Maintaining a healthy diet directly reflects on your mood and well-being. Eating healthy comes with a variety of benefits – starting from being a great mood booster, energy activator to improved memory and brain functions; the right food at the right time can help you fight this stigma. Some of the foods that must be included in your diet are – fruits, vegetables, whole grains as these can decrease the symptoms of fatigue, depression and anxiety. Also, resist the urge to binge eating or a midnight snack as they can turn into an addiction and will prevent you from making healthier food options.
- Be active
Yes! That’s right! Remaining active by going for regular walks, jogs, swims or even indulging in frequent dance routines or a sport can improve your mental health. Research indicates that by indulging in physical activities for as little as 30 minutes can improve blood circulation and boost your mood, hence, keeping you focused and active!
- Engage in volunteering roles
With distant learning, assessments and battling your inner self, you may think that there is not enough time for volunteering. However, many organizations and NGOs offer voluntary programs that will help in diversion and meanwhile develop soft skills such as communication, decorum, and many more! Although social distancing norms are enforced, there are many low-exposure programs such as volunteering in an animal shelter, food drive for your neighbourhood or drop-offs at local food banks. The opportunities are endless to explore!
- Be grateful
This is a very important yet underrated value that many don’t emphasize. Whenever you feel stressed or slightly overwhelmed, try remaining positive and grateful for all the good things occurring around you. A good way to do so would be to document your thoughts. Perhaps you could keep a journal where every day you could document – one thing you are grateful for! With time, you will be able to look back and read which will only instil positive energy around you!
Capital Education truly believes in encouraging the need to create awareness on this subject and extend support to all the students who are internally battling these feelings. If you or someone who you are acquainted with show symptoms of any mental illness, you can reach out to us and we will fight this together! 