Through the Lens of a First-Year College Student After 2 Years of Covid
Tips on how to mentally transition from COVID high school to “normal” college
by ANGELICA ALVAREZ ★ OCTOBER 17, 2021
Are you feeling overwhelmed in college after not having had actual school for almost two years? As a college freshman who hasn’t been in legitimate school since March 2020, I know exactly how you feel. It took me a while to get used to the new environment, but now that I have, I’ve got some helpful tips for you. After talking to my friends here at Syracuse, I have compiled a list of five ways to mentally adapt to this new era of school. Taking care of your mental health is the key to starting a successful freshman year!
Tip #1
The best way to navigate this stressful transition is to focus on yourself. I recommend getting your overall health in check before you tackle anything else. Any form of self-care helps you feel less stressed and happier. For me, I like to end my day with skincare. It helps me wind down and end my day on a high note. My friend enjoys taking showers at night after a long day of class to unwind and relax. These little self-care routines are so helpful and should be a part of everyone’s routine while they are in college.
Tip #2
It’s important to surround yourself with people who make you feel empowered and motivated. It’s easy to fall into an isolated state during times of stress but staying connected is the best way to beat it. If you're a Facetime person, I recommend calling your family and friends throughout the week to check in on how they’re doing and talk to a familiar face. If you are more of a social person, get lunch or coffee with a friend. Taking a step back from school to prioritize social interactions is vital to your mental health.
Tip #3
Incorporating some form of movement and/or exercise is one of the most important ways to ensure a healthy mindset. Transitioning to a strict routine can be difficult, but I have noticed that my mental health has improved even after just half an hour at the gym. Some of my friends also like to go on daily walks outside while the weather is still nice. Being in a different environment and focusing on moving around is important for our mental well-being!
Tip #4
Meditating, journaling, and breathwork are great ways to calm the mind and create peace. I love taking deep breaths throughout the day to center myself and focus on the tasks at hand. Meditation is very helpful when it comes to eliminating negative thoughts and energy. Writing down your emotions is also very therapeutic and has played a big role in helping me get through my first month of college.
Tip #5
Lastly, finding a hidden passion has helped me channel my stress in a positive way. When I start to feel stressed, I like to practice something I love doing, like my makeup. My roommate likes to clean her space when she starts to feel stressed from school. Other people rather listen to music or paint to escape their daily stressors. Finding the little things you love for yourself are so important when transitioning from high school to college.
I hope these tips help you find your way through college. Just remember, sometimes, stepping back from school and focusing on yourself is the best thing you can do. Your mental health should always be your top priority.
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