Mental Health Check-in
It is that time of the semester. We are nearing midterms, and even though it feels like spring break is close, we have to get through projects, exams, and essays to reach those few days of break. No matter how tempted you are to pull an all nighter before a test, I strongly advise against it. Mental health feels brittle at this time, which is why you have to protect yours at all costs.
In this blog entry I would love to check in with any reader, at any point in time. If there is a lot of stressors in your life at the moment, take some time for yourself this week. Always remember even if it feels like you are running against the clock, it is always necessary to stop for a few seconds and check how you are feeling. For me, this check in time is shaped into journaling, which I often do whenever I get a few minutes before class or before stepping into bed. Take some time to take a few deep breaths, notice the smells and sounds around you, maybe even stop reading this and stretch away from the computer. Make sure to give yourself a pat in the back, because getting to this point has taken some great effort from your end.
Last week a friend told me they had had multiple anxiety attacks, unprompted, after coming back from work. For me, this friend is a paragon of excellence, and it made me realize that to get there they might be sacrificing their mental stability. Do not misunderstand me, you can have both, but it is uttermost important to feel good when you reach the goal you proposed yourself. Listen to your body, listen to what you need.
I have been kinder to myself this week, and for me this can look a few different ways: spending more time with friends even if it is just to grab a quick coffee; giving myself breaks between work and study sessions; listening to music that soothes my brain for a little bit; making the time to go to the orchestra with a friend and get outside of campus for a bit; going on walks when the weather is a bit warmer; eating food that makes me feel filled and nurtured (especially good pancakes from Carm), and most importantly, reaching out for help whenever I need to.
- The CMHS at Tufts is a great resource for anyone who needs to talk to someone outside their close circle. You can always call to see if they have availability for same day walk ins, or schedule appointments for later.
- Ears for Peers is another great resource when you need to talk to someone about anything that has been troubling you. When everyone seems to be busy, they are always there. There are group sessions you can join both at the SMFA and the Medford campus that hold meetings every few weeks.
- Take some time to disconnect.There is always something happening on or outside of campus! Take at least one night to enjoy an activity that nurtures your spirit. Are you into theater? There are theater shows coming up on campus! Orchestra? You can get $30 college cards to attend any presentations for free. More social events? See what TUSC events are up for the week (they also have some really cool workout sessions happening every day - even yoga!). Check what other clubs are up to, and join for an hour of disconnection, it will help even a bit. For anyone who is going through it, I understand and I hope you are being kind to yourself.
Take one day at a time, and give yourself some time to rest - this will matter more in the long run than any pressing matter right now.