7 Mental Health Tips for International Students
Mental health: just like physical health, everyone has mental health to care for. Your mental health is the foundation for your emotional well-being and ability to function in your environment. Being away from home in a new academic and social environment can have a variety of effects on a new international undergraduate or graduate student. Adding a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic to that experience can have a significant impact on these students.
While prospective international students may not consider mental health services when researching colleges and universities abroad, experts say it is critical for them to know what resources are available before choosing a school.
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What is Mental Health
Mental health encompasses cognitive, behavioral, and emotional well-being. It all boils down to how people think, feel, and respond. The absence of a mental disorder is sometimes referred to as “mental health.”
Mental Health Tips for International Students
Here are some mental health tips for university and college students:
1. Keep Yourself Grounded
Finding some helpful grounding mental exercises is a great way to practice turning your mind away from stressful thoughts. Grounding is one of the most effective ways to relax. Grounding techniques can help you stay in the present moment whether you are having an anxiety attack, a panic attack, or are experiencing traumatic memories. These techniques are intended to provide you with a sense of comfort and to make you feel more in control.
2. Move Your Body
When we think of movement, we often associate it with a sweat-inducing workout session at the gym. However, movement can take many forms, and there is no yet other alternative. In fact, whether it’s a ten-minute youtube yoga routine, a peaceful trail hike, or a jog around campus, any type of movement is good for our bodies and minds.
Here are a few of the advantages of moving your body: Endorphins are released, which helps to relieve stress; it allows us to take a break from our daily challenges and responsibilities; it allows emotions to move through our bodies; it provides an outlet for self-expression, and it strengthens our connection with our bodies.
3. Be Kind to Yourself
You’ve worked hard to get to where you are today, and you should be proud of yourself. College/university is one of the most challenging transitions that young people make on their road to maturity. They’re full of wonderful memories, but they can also contain a lot of self-doubts, external drama, and negative ideas. It’s critical to use compassion to counteract this negativity.
4. Find Connection
Social connection is a valuable way to improve your mental health and general wellbeing. Spending time with individuals who share your interests can help you avoid mental conditions, depression, and isolation. “Connecting with open-minded and open-hearted people will give you a sense of purpose whenever you are feeling lost, it will help you create a greater sense of self-confidence, and will open to you new opportunities.
5. Eat Healthily
Eating a nutritious diet has a number of advantages, including an increase in mood and energy, enhanced memory, and improved overall brain functions. A diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains has been related to a reduction in depression and fatigue symptoms. Avoid the temptation to binge or nibble on unhealthy foods by making healthier eating choices.
6. Get Enough Sleep
Not getting enough sleep might make you tired, inattentive, and overwhelmed. Your body can’t manufacture enough serotonin and dopamine to keep stress, worry, and sadness at bay when you don’t get enough sleep. Turn off all electronic devices for a better night’s sleep. The light from your phone, computer, or television keeps your mind alert, making it more difficult to fall asleep.
7. Ask for Help don’t Suffer in Silence
Reaching out for help is crucial when struggling with your mental health. Never be embarrassed to seek assistance; the clue is in the name, every school offers student support services. They’re always happy to help rather than suffer silently or worse, completely ghost. The sooner they know, the more likely it is that they will be able to assist!
The student with positive mental health:
Signs of a student that has positive mental health include:
- Realize their own abilities
- Cope with the normal stresses of life
- Work and study productively
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