Keep good mental health

When coming into college many people may think it is all about classes and joining as many clubs as possible. You get caught up working on your homework all day and you need to make time for eating meals. Don’t forget, the time it takes to actually find a place to sit during the busy days, and if you are commuting, the trouble that comes when finding parking. There are also some individuals that stay on campus or in their dorm rooms the majority of the school year because they have no reason to leave. Unless leaving would mean food, class, or going home on breaks. While homework and finding somewhere to work efficiently is important that is not what college is all about. One very important thing to ensure remains healthy is your mental health. It is essential to take time away from class assignments and campus to look after yourself. 

“Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices” (mentalhealth.gov). 

Taking this into account there are many ways to maintain and help your mental health. One of the first things includes taking breaks while working on homework; take a few minutes to eat a snack, take a walk, go to the bathroom. It has been proven the brain can only focus on something for as long as 45 minutes before getting distracted (“The Brain Break”). When you’re not working on homework, spend time with friends and family if you can to maintain your social well-being. You could even try new things that you may not have had the chance to before college such as; joining clubs, playing intramural sports, or finding a new hobby. These activities can help keep you in shape, make new friends, or lead you to new life opportunities all of which can help maintain or improve your mental health. 

As for remaining on campus if you don’t have a car take the bus that stops in front of the campus center. It goes to the train station where other buses can take you around town. Any time away from campus, your dorm room, and homework can help maintain or improve your mental health throughout college.

BIDDEFORD CAMPUS

bcstudentcounseling@une.edu

Petts Health Center

Telephone: (207) 602-2549

Toll-Free: (866) 743-2230

Hours: Monday – Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

For emergencies after business hours: (207) 602-2549 and press 6 to speak with an on-call therapist