Spring semester has begun, and a new year has started. Many see this time as a clean slate and go into the new year and new semester feeling great. For others, this can be an overwhelming time. Coming back to campus after a month-long break from college to immediately return to grueling classes and work schedules could easily tank anyone’s mental health. You end up feeling frustrated with yourself, making you lose your motivation for schoolwork. Then you take a break from work and end up frustrated with yourself again. It can be a vicious cycle that only harms your mental health more. Some of us might be feeling winter-associated depression or could be struggling with other things. Achieving a good mental health status can be an uphill battle, but please know you are not alone. You are worthy. You are loved. 

If you feel like you need to seek guidance for anything you can visit UE’s Counseling Services on the second floor in Ridgway, call them at 812-488-2663, or email them at counselingservices@evansville.edu. 

If you are in an immediate mental health crisis you can always call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) You can also text “HELLO” to the Crisis Text Line (741741). 

There are many tactics you can find online on how to improve your mental health. I’ve included some of my favorite strategies for grounding myself in this article. While I know that these activities are not a cure for mental illnesses, these are activities that can help you connect back to yourself and ground you. I hope you try some of these out this semester. You never know, they might just work for you! 

Square Breathing

Inhale for 4 seconds. Hold your breath for 4 seconds. Exhale for four seconds. Rest for 4 seconds. Repeat until you have done it three times!

Yoga 

Taking at least 10 minutes to do a full-body stretch in the morning can help you feel ready to seize the day! 

Alternatively, you can do some yoga at night to help you unwind and relax before bedtime. Just make sure you find a calming yoga routine to follow as doing strenuous exercise before bed can lead you to having a harder time falling asleep. 

Baking 

I love to bake when I’m feeling stressed out. There’s just something so calming about mindlessly following a recipe. Plus you get a sweet treat when you’re done! 

Journaling

Writing down how your day went can help you reflect and make goals for the next day. Many people like to doodle, make lists, and write out their goals and dreams for the year in their journals.

Knitting/Crochet/Sewing 

Some people might find knitting, crocheting, and/or sewing relaxing. Creating something useful or cute with your own hands can also give you a sense of accomplishment. 

We are all here to further our education, but please remember to take care of yourselves, Aces. We can only achieve our best when we are our best selves. Good luck with the rest of your semester!