How To Maintain Student Wellness During the Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has created challenges for students of all ages. Loneliness, stress, and anxiety are at an all-time high for today's youth.

Many students struggle with all the changes to their academic and social lives. There's uncertainty about when things will be normal again.

All of this can affect students' mental health. As students navigate these uncertain waters, they must find ways to cope, connect, and thrive.

Here are some tips for maintaining student wellness during the pandemic.

Know Your Feelings Matter

As a student, so much has changed in your life. It's normal to feel anxious, sad, frustrated, or a combination of emotions.

It's okay to feel this way, and it's a good idea to talk about how you're feeling. You aren't alone. So many others are feeling the same way.

It's so important to take care of yourself and ask for help if you're feeling overwhelmed.

There is support available if you need it. You can find ways to cope and even thrive during this time.

Stick to a Routine

When life is stressful, it's easy to get out of a healthy routine and develop some bad habits.

Staying up too late, eating junk food, or watching too much Netflix is okay once in a while. But you don't want to develop everyday habits that aren't helpful and disrupt your healthy routine. 

Think about what's best for you and stick to it as much as possible. Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time each day. 

Set a time to do your coursework, exercise, and enjoy yourself. Following a routine adds stability to your life and helps keep your priorities in order.

Connect With Others

Even if you can't see all your friends and family right now, you can still stay connected. Taking the time to reach out helps with feelings of loneliness and isolation.

Having a circle of support makes a huge difference. Your support can include your parents, family members, friends, teachers, counselors, or anyone who cares about your wellbeing.

Finding ways to interact, whether in person or online, will lighten your spirits and benefit your mental health.

Eat Healthy

It's no secret that the pandemic is leading to weight gain for many people. No matter your age, it's important to eat a balanced diet.

A healthy diet helps you feel better and look better. It can help you avoid packing on pounds and regretting it later.

Eating healthy foods like fruit, vegetables, lean meats, and complex carbohydrates increases your stamina and benefits your physical and mental health. 

It's okay to indulge in your favorite comfort foods once in a while. But sticking to a healthy diet should be part of your health routine now and in the future.

Get Enough Sleep 

Staying up all night playing video games or watching movies may seem like a good idea. But lack of sleep affects every area of your life.

You can't do your best work at school or anywhere else if you're sleep-deprived. Sleep is restorative, and it's crucial for your mental and physical health.

Sleeping too little or too much disrupts a healthy routine. Be kind to your body and try to get 7-9 hours of sleep each night.

Stay Active

The pandemic may have disrupted your class schedule, your sports activities, and your social life. But there's no reason you can't stay active at this time.

Find something you enjoy doing. Get outside. Ride a bike, run, walk, play tennis.

Many schools recognize student health and the value of team sports. They are providing more opportunities for students to keep playing.

Do what you can to stay active. Try something new, like yoga, tennis, or golf if you have the opportunity.

Staying active is fun and will benefit you in so many positive ways.

Seek Support if You Need It

If you're feeling anxious, sad, or depressed, reach out for help. Talk to your doctor, your parents, or see a counselor for support.

There are solutions if you're having a hard time right now. And you're not alone. 

So many students are feeling the same way. Now, more than ever, it's important to take care of yourself, and that includes your mental health.

There's no shame in asking for help. You are valuable and deserve support if you need it.

Engage in Hobbies

Taking time to enjoy yourself is good for your mental health. No matter how busy you are, take a break and do something you love.

Whether you enjoy art, singing, fishing, hiking, or anything else, find a way to make time for yourself. Doing something you enjoy can lift your spirits provide great stress relief.

If you have the time, try something new. If you've always wanted music lessons or to learn how to swim, now may be the perfect opportunity.

Having something to look forward to and enjoy is an important part of life and impacts your physical and mental health.

Stay Strong Academically

It's been a struggle for many students to learn how to get used to distance learning.

Even if you are away from school and all your classes are remote, you can still learn and thrive academically. It may not be the ideal situation but try to make the most of your virtual classes.

Stay on top of your assignments, log in when you're supposed to, complete your homework, and feel good about what you're learning. Reach out to your teachers when you have a question or concern.

If you're struggling with your classes or a particular subject, find out what help or tutoring services are available right now. Do your best and know that in time, everything will return to normal.

Help Someone

One of the best things you can do right now is to reach out and help someone else. Even if you're very busy, taking the time for a small favor or kind gesture makes a difference.

Organizations like animal shelters and food banks always need help and appreciate volunteers. Helping others makes you feel good about yourself and is great medicine for your emotional wellbeing.

Tips for Student Wellness 

The current pandemic has changed students' lives and affected their mental health in so many ways. Following a healthy routine, staying strong academically, and connecting with others are crucial to your wellbeing during the pandemic.

If you feel overwhelmed or depressed, tell someone and ask for help. Our organization is dedicated to student wellness and the academic success of all students.

Take a moment and check out what we have to offer.