In today’s world, college students’ mental health routines and all surrounding it are widely practiced in college spaces. Whether listening to music before class, meditation, or writing down your weekly goals regarding mental health, we all need a routine and might even do it without thinking.
When talking to professional Dr. Jai Anderson, he stated, “sleep is the most important mental health routine of all, and good sleep at that.” Anderson spoke of using cell phones and disconnecting before bed also playing a pivotal role in securing the sleep needed every night.
Because of these professional statements, the understanding that psychology’s outlook on mental health routines starts before the typical college day, at night, with sleep habits having a positive role on most students.
While sleep can be adequate for mental health, its effects work best when added to a mentally stabilizing routine or plan consistently carried out over time.
When talking to Aniyah Sparks, a second-year psychology major at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU), she was asked how a mental health routine impacts her life. In the following, she stated, “making a mental health routine has made me a lot less anxious.
Even something as simple as writing down things I must accomplish for the day helps me handle what the day has in store for me.” Life as a college student can cause anxiety with the overwhelming work and stress caused by a busy schedule.
Still, Anyia uses her routine to organize and calm these fears by writing her schedule out, consistently journaling, and writing down her emotions. “Sometimes I feel like I can’t say it out loud, so, at times, I just have to put it on paper,” she says.
In Anyia’s eyes, her mental health routine is what keeps her mentally ready for school, but in opposition, speaking with students that do not have as easy of access to their particular routine have found new ways to not only practice their routine but change and bring their routine to the college campus as a whole.
One FAMU student Mykyla Hooper, a second-year pre-occupational therapy major, spoke of her initial routines growing up in high school. “I would go to this after-school program. We would have dancing, singing, plays, and I was that kind of kid that would get involved in all of it.”
For many college students, realizing that they may not have the time to add some of these routines that gave them so much joy as a child can be disheartening. Still, Mykyla refuses to let newly found responsibilities hold her back from her passions.
Transferring her mental health routine from high school to college for Mykyla meant making vlogs for her viewing daily. “I watch my vlogs like an athlete watching tape,” she says. Makayla states that she is somewhat of her own mental coach.
She is satisfied with her progress if she can see where her head is at during whatever challenging moments she gets through them. Mykyla says that it is essential not to give up what you did in high school entirely if it helps you form a strong and positive mental routine. “Of course, we don’t have all of the time in the world but make time for what is important, and you will see the results.”
From attending class to a part-time job, studying can be straining for anyone. Dr. Candace Adir stated, “meditation or some type of mindfulness exercise, along with sleep or physical activity daily, could increase one’s overall mood and mental health over time.”
Over the past decade, it’s apparent that the mental health discussion in the black community is increasing in comparison to the past generations. We are in a time where racial injustice and inequality affect the community in sadly similar ways.
Between police brutality and school shootings, this next generation of college students has a new normal that exudes and tests their mental strength and willpower.
The only difference for this generation is that conversations about their mental health are more open than in the past. When examining and trying to exercise the brain’s ability to face daily challenges.
Mental health routines are more than necessary for a balanced college life. No matter what form your routine may take, always cater to your feelings and listen to yourself.
What one person may do may not work for you, but the best thing is always to experiment with your limits and goals, slowly working to where you want to be every day.
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