In the rush to get good grades and succeed in the business world, it’s easy to forget about our mental health. After all, there’s only so much time in the day, and studying has to take priority if you want to get success in your life. However, ignoring mental health can have serious consequences; when you don’t feel well emotionally or mentally, it’s harder to concentrate and focus on what needs to be done.
1) Sleep well
Not only is getting enough sleep crucial for cognitive performance, but a lack of sleep can make you more susceptible to anxiety and depression. Make sure you get seven to nine hours of sleep every night to keep stress hormones (like cortisol) in check and maintain emotional stability. You should also aim for good quality—not necessarily perfect—sleep. Early morning light exposure helps set your circadian rhythm, influencing how well you sleep at night.
2) Exercise
Physically, exercise improves your mood and helps reduce stress. It can even boost focus and productivity. If you’re studying, however, it’s tempting to skip exercise because you think it will make you tired or stressed later on. What most people don’t realize is that studies have found that exercising before studying can improve memory recall and concentration!
3) Schedule time off
When you are in school, it’s tempting to cram as much studying as possible into every moment of downtime. But if you fill your schedule with classes and exams, you will likely be so exhausted that you won’t even want to spend time with friends or family. Don’t put off important relationships just because of your busy school schedule. Instead, take some time each week to rest and rejuvenate your mind and body.
4) Find an outlet (e.g. blogging, volunteering, etc.)
You must have a way to vent or be productive when things aren’t going well. One way to do that is finding an outlet, such as blogging or volunteering, that helps you reach out to people who might be able to help you through your struggles. This can also help make you feel better about yourself and connect with others—both of which are key ingredients for a healthy mental state.
5) Build a community
People feel more comfortable sharing their struggles and are more likely to succeed when they can count on a community of support. When you’re working hard to achieve something difficult, it helps to be surrounded by others who are in a similar situation. Surround yourself with people like you; don’t isolate yourself from everyone else around you! A positive mental attitude is contagious! The opposite is also true: negative attitudes spread, so think twice before complaining about your situation and how hard everything is.
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