Mental Health by the Month
Recommendations for Staying Sane During the Academic Year
November
Comforts
It’s the little things that help you get through a tough
week of academics, work, and social demands. Make sure you have waterproof
shoes and a giant umbrella for the drizzly days, and thick socks and a warm
blanket for the cold days. Part of moving into adulthood is learning to soothe
the self the way a caretaker or parent used to do. What can you recreate that
would make you feel cozy and cared for? Is it something you can share with a
roommate, coworker, or a significant other? Submit your suggestions to
emartin@park.edu.
Gratitude
Intriguing research within positive psychology suggests that counting your
blessings and helping others increase one’s quality of life. Maintain a
gratitude journal and every day list three to five things for which you are
thankful. Make a point to help three people in a significant way before the end
of the semester. Doing so will help you gain a more positive perspective on
your own life.
Helping Out
Consider your family or friends coming together to adopt a family for the
holidays. The United Way offers
a list of organizations
that help connect you to a family in need.
Still Homesick?
Do you continue to miss home? If you are experiencing
lingering homesickness, it could indicate a reluctance to become more involved
in your new environment. Hanging back is natural for some people, although it
can interfere with your college experience. Make a point to become more
involved in activities, and distract yourself with exercise, making more
friends, and keeping up with your homework. At the same time, you do not have
to forget about home. Plan your next trip back. Ask family and friends to send
more pictures. Submit your tactics for dealing with homesickness to
emartin@park.edu.
Enjoying the Holidays
The American Psychological Association has a great article
on handling holiday stress.
Keep Moving!
Before it gets too cold, get in a couple more walks at the
Parkville Nature Sanctuary.
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