The last full week of winter break is upon us! Next week school starts and for some of us, that means exam season. This time of year can be stressful, so it is important to take care of your mental health! Ensure that you are set up for success and organized before heading back to school. Things that trigger anxiety and a bad mood are skipping meals, caffeine, negative thinking, not getting enough sleep, and messy environments. With that said, it is significant to fix these things to ensure you feel happy before going back to ace your school year! While improving mental health is not easy, here are a few things you can do to clear your mind and improve your mood to feel more ready to face what is to come in the new year.
1. Clean/Organize your space:
Messy spaces can make you feel overwhelmed and can trigger stress. Take some time to organize some binders, clean out your backpack, or organize your school supplies. This is one step to feeling more refreshed for going back to school. You can also declutter your study/workspace and create a cozy environment. Having a cozy, calming workspace can make you feel less stressed when you have to work. Your work environment can also boost your mood. Take this as an opportunity to redecorate or create a spot where you can focus best! The reason behind all this is that when you are in a relaxing environment, your brain releases waves called Theta. It induces a relaxing, sleepy, meditative, and daydreaming feeling also known as your “twilight state”. It enhances the receptivity and how fast you learn and memorize things. Therefore, when you are in a clear space, you remember things better.
2. Fix your sleep schedule:
Over winter break, I am sure everyone can relate when they forget the day, or forget their schedule with sleeping times ranging from 2 am-2 pm. The amount of sleep you have can often impact your mood. This is the perfect time to get back into a good sleeping routine so you can be well-rested for the hectic schedule school brings. Try going to bed an hour early and wake up an hour early to slowly get back to a healthier sleeping routine. Because it is a break, make sure to get at least eight hours of sleep for your brain to function at its full capacity.
3. Eat a good balance of food:
Winter break is the time to treat yourself! It is also the time to eat all three meals in a day, which can make you feel calmer. Trying to learn new cooking recipes or incorporating fruits and vegetables into your diet. There are many new recipes you can try creating from TikTok, YouTube, or from just surfing the internet. Regardless, you can cook for others and have a fun time!
4. Journaling:
Depending on what type of person you are, journaling has many benefits and can help you get your thoughts out. You can also make it artsy and bullet journal. Try writing some goals to achieve for yourself. Remember, make sure your goals are attainable and consider how and the time frame you want to achieve them to make them more manageable. Ideas for a journal include a bullet journal, gratitude journal, to-do list, or a dream journal. Whatever it is, make this just for you!
5. Do things you love to do:
This is your free time, so make sure to use it wisely. Do things you perhaps have little time for during a regular school week, such as playing your favorite instrument or going skiing. Whether it is blasting some Taylor Swift and baking chai cookies, or spending time with friends, make sure to do what you love! Try to find what you are passionate about as well if you do not already have one!
6. Listen to Music:
As an avid music lover, one of the best things I find that calms me down is listening to my favorite music. It is scientifically proven that music can boost your mood and also improve your focus. Take this as an opportunity to create new playlists and find something new! As someone who likes to listen to the oldies, try retro music as it is quite optimistic!
These are just a few tips to feel ready for going back to school and to improve your mood! Be sure to rest well, prioritize what you want to do, and have a great rest of your break!