Mental Health Tips To Help Students Navigate Life During COVID-19

University is meant to be one of the best times of an individual’s life.

Yet, sadly, for students, COVID-19 has hindered the university experience, dictating what can and cannot be done.

For students, being away from home, the pressures of university deadlines and navigating COVID-19 has seen a more significant number of people stating that they feel stressed, anxious and worried about the near and far future.

Furthermore, many have claimed that their mental health has never been worse.

If you are a student, you may find yourself resonating with the above. In order to support you, we have devised several mental health tips to help students navigate life during COVID-19.

Create A Routine

If you have come to feel somewhat anxious and stressed over the last few months, creating a routine may not have been at the top of your to-do list, especially as you face deadlines for assignments and exams.

However, routines are proven to increase mental health and reduce stress levels. In fact, mental health charities, including MIND and Blurt, highly recommend that those struggling with their mental health create and stick to a routine.

Creating a routine will leave you feeling productive and will also help you cope with the ramifications of COVID-19 and the way in which it has hindered your life.

As you look to create a routine, consider the amount of time that you will spend in lectures, factor in the time required to study and complete assignments and also try to fit in some time to exercise.

Limit The Amount Of Time That You Spend Watching and Consuming COVID-19 Related News

Over the last year, the number of people increasing their news consumption to stay up to date with the ever-changing COVID-19 rules and regulations has rocketed. However, this has come at a price.

Sadly, many reports confirm that excessive news consumption regarding COVID-19 has caused many to experience mental health problems, including fear, anxiety, depression and insomnia.

To mitigate the impact that that COVID-19 has on your mental health, we would highly advise that you limit your news consumption time. If you have found yourself regularly watching the news or reading news updates, it may be in your best interest to only allow yourself a certain amount of time to do so each week.

Take A Break From Social Media

Social media has quickly become an integral part of an individual’s everyday lives. From sharing updates and images to gaining insight into what others are doing, social media usage has surged in the last year.

On a global level, research highlights that individuals are spending more time on social media to fill up spare time, stay up-to-date with news and keep in touch with friends.

Although social media offers a quick and relatively low-cost way to communicate with others, many have reported that spending an excessive amount of time on social media has increased stress levels and heightened anxiety levels.

While you may believe that you simply cannot take a break from social media, it may be essential if you are to preserve your mental health.

Taking a break does not mean spending months away from platforms such as Instagram and Snapchat. Merely logging off for the weekend could improve your mental health as you navigate life during COVID-19.

Take The Time To Get To Know Your Classmates and Roommates

In-person interactions have been somewhat limited over the last few months. The inability to mix with friends and family members that are not in your household or support bubble has caused many to feel isolated. Sadly, isolation from others has left thousands of individuals feeling the ramifications of various mental health disorders.

As you attempt to navigate student life during COVID-19, getting to know your classmates may seem somewhat difficult, especially if the majority of your lectures are conducted online. However, this does not mean that virtually interacting with your classmates is impossible.

Arranging virtual Zoom meetings with your classmates will offer you the ability to socialise and mix with others. In turn, you will find that you are left feeling much more positive and optimistic about the future.

If you live in shared accommodation and have been able to return to university, spending time with your roommates will also ensure that the university experience is more positive during COVID-19.

Simply cooking a meal together could help you relieve yourself of the anxiety and stress you feel.

Make The Time to Talk To Friends and Family Members Regularly

If you are experiencing bouts of anxiety, stress and isolation during your time at university, arranging a time to talk to your friends and family at home will provide you with the opportunity to express your worries and seek additional support.

Although you may be cautious about discussing how you feel with your family, you must do so. Leaving pessimistic thoughts and feelings to build up over time can sadly increase your risk of struggling with mental health disorders such as depression.

Take Advantage of The Support Provided By Your Education Provider

COVID-19 has undoubtedly left students feeling uneasy when it comes to navigating life. Understanding this, education providers have implemented additional support for students to take advantage of.

While you may feel hesitant about taking advantage of the support that is available to you via your education provider, doing so will ensure that you can navigate life during COVID-19 with ease.

In turn, you will find that your worries are alleviated, leaving you able to concentrate on your studies.

Contact Step One Recovery for Additional Support

Please remember that if you are feeling stressed, anxious or have found that your mental health has become impaired as a result of COVID-19, there is a wealth of support available to you.

In addition to expressing your concerns to your parents, peers and university staff, at Step One Recovery, we are on hand to listen to you and help you navigate this somewhat testing period of your life.

Simply give us a call on 0800 012 6006 today.