Back To School: Mental Health Tips for the School Year

It’s that time again–happy back to school! Whether you’ve been eagerly awaiting your first day or wishing the summer could last forever, we can agree the start of the school year brings an opportunity to embrace new challenges and grow in ways you might not have anticipated. To maximize your success this year, it’s key to prioritize mental health, which plays a critical role in emotional well-being and academic success. Start your year off right by utilizing the tips below–let’s make this year the best yet!

Stay Organized

As you’ve learned from our most recent Brain Health Tip, staying organized can help to reduce stress and improve feelings of control. During the school year, there will be times when you’ll be keeping track of multiple assignments or extracurricular commitments, so plan ahead by establishing an organizational strategy. Maybe that means investing in a planner or creating a weekly to-do list–whatever it is, find what works for you!

Prioritize Self Care

Do you find yourself experiencing periods of burnout during the school year? You aren’t alone; In fact, one study found up to 75% of high schoolers described themselves as “often or always feeling stressed” by schoolwork. When navigating a stressful school environment, self-care is critical. Not only does self-care practice help reduce burnout, but it also increases productivity and focus and decreases feelings of stress and anxiety. From practicing gratitude to cooking a healthy meal, self-care can be anything you practice to look after your health, mentally, physically, emotionally, or spiritually.

Set Realistic Goals

While a good challenge is great for brain health, being realistic about what you can/can’t accomplish is essential for maintaining well-being. Setting realistic goals helps to provide us with a sense of direction and purpose, which contributes to motivation and fulfillment. When setting a ”smart” goal, ask yourself, is it specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound? And when you achieve your goals, reward yourself! Celebration leads to the release of dopamine and serotonin, the brain’s feel-good chemicals, which contribute to feelings of happiness and satisfaction.

Maintain a Routine

One of the best ways to preserve energy and limit stress is by creating and maintaining a routine. Having this form of structure in your daily life can not only help ensure you’re completing tasks, but help with sleep and stress as well. When designing your routine for back to school, make sure to schedule time for relaxation and self-care too!

Utilize Your Resources

It’s okay and absolutely normal to experience temporary feelings of stress, anxiety, or sadness during the school year. What’s not normal is when these feelings intensify or become prolonged. If you’re experiencing consistent feelings of sadness or anxiety, or notice changes in your sleep, appetite, behavior, or school performance, this could be a sign that you should seek help. In school, utilize your counselor, teachers, and counselors–know that they’re there to help you. You can also lean on your loved ones for support, or look to national resources, like the Crisis Text Line. Remember, you’re never alone.