In today’s busy world, people are juggling social obligations, professional development, family, and work. The overload of work and responsibility often results in a lot of anxiety and stress. The stigma around mental health today is not as challenging as it was in the past. There are many resources available to help those who need them the most. Students need to give priority to their mental health if they want to successfully achieve their academic and professional goals.
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How mental health affects career development
Mental health wellness and career development are inseparable. Stress is a part of our regular life but developing coping skills to mitigate stress is important. Mental health and stress can impact work and academic performance. It may make you feel less engaged with your peers and work. You may start limiting your communications and withdraw from others. It also negatively impacts your ability to perform cognitive and physical tasks. Fortunately, it is possible to build self-esteem, handle obstacles, and build motivation through the right strategies so you can continue to grow and learn.
Below are a few tips to help you prioritize mental health.
Be more self-aware
One of the best ways to lay a solid foundation of good mental health is being self-aware. This will help you identify your strengths, weaknesses, learning strategies, and coping strategies that work best for you. There are several resources available to help you engage in a self-assessment process so you can learn more about yourself.
Time management
One of the biggest reasons why a lot of students struggle with stress is lack of time management. With the everyday pressures of social commitments, homework, and assignments, it may be difficult to keep up. Stress can rise to high levels, and procrastination only adds to stress. If you are juggling a full-time career, family, and college courses, things can get especially challenging. Consider signing up for online courses to save time on commuting, for example. Wilkes University has a variety of PhD in nursing online programs that are 100% online. These 12-week courses are very flexible and can be completed on a part-time basis.
Have a support system in place
Having a close group of friends and family you can socialize with and talk to can make a major difference. You can also seek professional help if you are not comfortable discussing problems and challenges with friends. It is also important to stay on top of wellness and health appointments. If you are struggling academically, college staff members and faculty are available to help you. Always be open to asking for help when needed.
Focus on physical health
Physical and mental health are closely related. Eat healthy food, sleep adequately, and exercise regularly. Activities like yoga and meditation can also help you reduce stress and anxiety. Getting regular checkups and addressing any existing health conditions can also help you feel better physically and mentally.
As you work towards your goal of academic and career success, remember to value yourself and prioritize your physical and mental health. If you are struggling, reach out to friends, family, faculty, or professionals for help.
