By: Abodunrin Martha (Contributor)

I read a novel where a man jumped off a treadmill after running at high speed as part of a physical test. I related it with the type of brain trip this semester has been. We went straight from exams to beginning classes in what feels like the blink of an eye. If you’re like me, you’re also probably feeling the whiplash from the trip-classes-exams-then classes again. Now while it is expected of us as students to run with it, the effects would be there nonetheless, in our minds and body – the principal vehicles. This article provides tips to be sure-footed mentally in these trying academic waters.

PROPER PLANNING

We all know it, but some stressful events would not have happened if we had planned properly. Procrastination and stock-piling duties often result in last-minute scrambling, which increases stress levels and can have lasting effects on our health. Use boards, sticky notes and accountability apps or journals to keep track of your tasks and allocate time to them. This would help you rank deadlines and importance, and avoid taking on more than you can handle. Personally, I have a Whatsapp group with friends where we list out our tasks as Whatsapp polls and tick them off as we do. It is a trick you could borrow. The dopamine rush from ticking off a finished task is an added advantage!

SELF-CARE

Self- care, to put it simply is intentionally and regularly doing things that make you feel good. This can be anything, of course, as long as it hits the target and sparks joy. This includes healthy eating, regular exercise to take care of yourself physically and engaging in your hobbies to boost relaxation and enjoyment.

Selfcare can be according to your budget and free time. I have a friend that gets a new colour of nail paint every week just to feel good. If you can afford to go away for the weekend, get a mani-pedi or even do a DIY facial, these can help to clear the head and make you feel up to the task of student-ing.

GET ENOUGH SLEEP

There’s a running joke on the topic of sleep – ‘me watching a short Youtube on the importance of a good night’s sleep by 2 am; me writing an article on sleep at 2:17 am’. It is nevertheless a medical fact that humans need good sleep for adequate problem solving skills and concentration. According to Healthline, most adults require between 7 and 9 hours of sleep per night. Sleeping enough generally contributes to our motivation levels, helps prevent heart issues and check depression levels. If you have prolonged trouble sleeping, it is important to practice healthy habits that encourage good sleep and see a doctor for medical help if necessary.

GET SOME REST

When you hear “get some rest” everybody’s mind goes to hours of sleep even though there is almost a general consensus now that sleep doesn’t equal rest. According to Advent Health, rest can be in the form of a time out – listening to a song with your eyes closed, meditation, breathing exercises or even reading your religious book in a quiet environment.

While a lot of events tout “a chance to relax”, “a break from schooling activities”, it is important to check out which activities fit your personality the best. A loud party would compound your stress if you’re the stage-play liking type. And if you can’t really relax outside your house, a good old bed day would be best for you to sleep, read novels, watch movies or even cook leisurely; if you’re like me.

ENJOY COMMUNITY

A lot of us try to wade through our issues alone. We are usually like ‘I can manage, I don’t want to be a burden’. However, chances are that your friends and family would be overjoyed to help you deal with whatever issues you might be facing if only you ask for help. Support from familiar faces can do loads to help deal with mental issues or difficult situations and has overwhelming benefits for both parties in fostering togetherness.

Family and friends also help to manage by helping you get concessions where necessary and enforce good habits – for example getting you out of the house or helping you eat healthy by making your meals. Remember, you can’t be the best daughter, son, friend, brother or sister if you’re not in tip-top shape yourself.

SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP

While many decry therapy, calling it pretentious and a waste of time, it still remains one important way to get professional and medical help to deal with issues like anxiety, depression, insomnia, eating disorders and other deep-seated mental and emotional issues that come as a side effect of trying to keep up with the academic workload and living among people.

A trained therapist is well equipped to give advice, prescription and assistance as it is necessary. Stop by the mental healthcare clinic in the university to get started or check out health apps to discover what works for you.

Taking good care of your mental health requires listening to your body, knowing what works for you and setting up systems to implement these properly and regularly. In a fast paced academic environment like the University of Ibadan, as they say, you must protect your peace.

Abodunrin Martha is a contributor for IndyPress. As an avid reader herself, she enjoys writing on psychology, fact and fiction.