Studying to become a certified nurse midwife at the University of Cincinnati can take a toll on both your physical and mental health. For many students, looking after their mental health and well-being is more important than the attention that they pay to their physical health at college, as being mentally well is often essential to getting good grades and graduating with the results that you wanted when you first enrolled. But, with many students now opting to study online, mental health issues in education have spiked, with more students suffering from issues such as stress, anxiety or depression than ever before. Here’s how you can look after your mental health as an online student.
Get Enough Sleep
Many online degree programs will require students to not only undertake academic and theoretical work, but there will also be some practical work involved, for example to become a certified nurse midwife, students will also need to gain first-hand experience on labor wards, fertility clinics and similar in order to go on to pursue their chosen career. Because of this, study, whether done online or on campus, can be very tiring. Make sure that you get enough sleep every night as an online student, as without your sleep, you’ll find it difficult to focus, learn and take things in.
Watch Your Diet
Although you may be focusing on your mental rather than your physical health, eating the right foods is just as important for your mind as it is for your body. When you eat foods that have very little nutritional value, it’s not just your figure and your energy levels that suffer – your brain can also be affected. When it comes to improving your diet for your mental health, simple changes such as ensuing to eat all five recommended portions of fruit and vegetables per day or simply swapping your soda or coffee for water and herbal teas can make a massive difference to not only your mental health, but your overall health and appearance too.
Get Moving
Exercise releases ‘feel good’ hormones and increases the amount of serotonin that you produce in your brain naturally. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter in the brain that regulates your mood, and a drop in it can lead to depression and many other mental health problems. Even if you don’t quite feel like getting out for a walk, jog, bicycle ride, swim or a workout in the gym, moving as much as you can will not only help to clear your mind and make you mentally stronger, you’ll be able to reap the physical benefits as well, which will also boost your self-esteem.
Be Kind to Yourself
Last but not least, as an online student you have a huge responsibility to be in charge of your own education at this level. First and foremost, the main thing to do in order to prevent mental health issues is be kind to yourself. Looking after yourself and putting yourself first is so important at this pivotal time in your life.
Share your top mental health tips for students with us below!