Are you at that point where you feel like you have a hundred deadlines, seemingly all due at the same time? Do you sometimes feel like you are constantly behind in whatever you may be a part of, or doing? Whether you’re a college student, working professional, or just a regular person going through a lot in their life, then you have come to the right place! I am here to give you some tips on how to calm, and reset your mental health to a point where everything doesn’t seem absolutely overwhelming!

Often times, we do not take a step back to evaluate if we are both physically, and mentally okay. Mental health in recent years has become a widely discussed issue, however it is still not talked about enough! It is very easy for us to become overwhelmed, and not take a break to breathe.

Trust me when I say, I KNOW what it feels like to be running at a hundred miles per hour, and still feel like I am nowhere close to catching up on what I need too! That is why I have come up with these few simple tricks that may help you in the long-run, as well as declutter everything going on in your mind.

1. Get a Good Night’s Sleep

I am sure I am not alone when I say that I constantly am being told to get more sleep. However, it has been backed by scientists, that not only should we be getting at least 7 hours of sleep every night, but that we should ensure that we are getting at least 7 hours of quality sleep! The amount of sleep we get directly correlates with our moods, and sets the tone of our day. It also has many other health benefits which can be found by reading the rest of the study.

2. Clear Your Mind

It’s important to make sure we are able to take a step back from things, and take a bit of time out of our day to do something completely unrelated to what we may be stressed about. This could mean going for a walk, going to the gym, drawing, catching up on a show you haven’t been able to watch etc… Doing small actions like this can have a huge impact for both your stress levels, and overall well being. Taking time for yourself should also be a priority. Be a little selfish, and do whatever you enjoy doing even if it is only for 30 minutes.

3. Stay Organised

This step, for me, is extremely important. For example, I am in college 4 days a week, and work the remaining 3 days a week. After experiencing weeks where I felt like I could not manage everything, I figured out that writing things down can be very beneficial. Buying a diary, agenda, or even a huge calendar where you can write all your deadlines could be a great way to ease the chaos in your mind. If you prefer to type things, then make a list of all your deadlines and must-do’s in order of when they need to be completed. By doing this, you will have a much better oversight of what needs to take priority, and you can even start to schedule your days based on what deadlines should be completed first.

4. Treat Yourself

As talked about previously, taking time for yourself is perfectly okay and absolutely necessary! This could mean walking your dog, going shopping, or even planning a trip for the upcoming months to give yourself something to look forward too! This way, you know you are working towards an event or activity where you know you can take a break from everything! If this does not appeal to you, go to the cinema, talk to your friends and family, or play with a furry friend! Playing with animals can be a great stress reliever, and is a great way to take your mind off of everything overwhelming you.

5. Communication is Key

Talking to friends, family, or anyone you trust around you can be very important in times of stress. Many people often think that sharing their stresses, or anxieties with people around them is seen as annoying, or bad, however it can be some of the best ways to relieve stress. Often times, people around you may be able to provide a much clearer perspective into what is going on in your life, and can give you tips and insight on how best to approach everything.

6. Know When to Seek Professional Help

Conditions often associated with mental health (ie. anxiety, depression etc...) are still an ongoing issue, as many people are not being educated, or given the correct tools to know how to deal with these conditions properly. If you feel as if you are still completely overwhelmed, and it is heavily affecting your day-to-day lifestyle, then know when to seek help from a professional! Schools, universities, institutions as well as many companies have started to branch out to work closely with mental health professionals. Do not be afraid to use these tools, however if this does not appeal to you, do not be afraid to talk to someone you trust. Communication is KEY.

References

Leonard, B. (2018). Clear Mind. Available at: https://brianaleonard.wordpress.com/2018/12/12/the-power-of-a-clear-mind/ [Accessed 25 February 2020].

Lifeworks. (2018). Communication is Key. Available at:

https://www.lifeworkscc.com/communication-key-relationships/ [Accessed 25 February 2020].

Makepeace, C. (2018). Travel Planning. Available at: https://www.ytravelblog.com/get-travel-planning-research-right/ [Accessed 25 February 2020].

Robinson, L. Smith, M. (2019). Sleeping Dog. Available at: https://www.helpguide.org/articles/sleep/getting-better-sleep.htm [Accessed 25 February 2020].

Sampson, S. (2019) How Does Seven to Eight Hours of Sleep Affect Your Body. Available at:

https://www.healthline.com/health/science-sleep-why-you-need-7-8-hours-night

Volunteer Centre. (2019). Plan. Available at: https://volunteerfingal.ie/planning-a-volunteer-position/ [Accessed  25 February 2020].