Back To School Time: Three Tips To Maintain Mental Health

​Back To School Time: Three Tips To Maintain Mental Health 

Written by: Lee Ann Heathcoat, MSEd, LCPC

Back-to-school time is upon us once again and it can be easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the season. Below are some quick tips to help keep your mental health in check while adjusting to a new school year. 

1. Get Sleep: It's easy to let sleep slide when you're cramming for exams or spending time with friends; however, not getting enough sleep can take its toll on your mental health. Having a good sleep hygiene plan can increase your chances of being able to fall and stay asleep allowing your brain time to rest and restore itself for another day.  
2. Be Mindful: A new school year can come with new challenges that can easily become overwhelming if we don't pay attention to what's going on. Practicing mindfulness can allow you to focus on being in the present and can be as simple as taking a few deep breaths to recenter yourself or taking a hike in a new park while taking in the sights and sounds of nature. 
3. Have Fun: Engaging in new or existing hobbies is a great way to increase your social support and help maintain your mental health. This is a great time to seek out opportunities provided on campus to engage in clubs, sports, or hobbies. 

If reading the information provided above resonated with you and you may be a good fit for one of my specializations reach out. I’d like to connect and find out more about how I can support you on your journey.

​If you are interested in counseling, call OakHeart at 630-570-0050 or 779-201-6440 or email us at [email protected]. We have counselors, psychologists, and social workers available to help you at one of our locations in North Aurora, IL, Sycamore, IL, and/or via Telehealth Online Therapy Services serving Kane County, DeKalb County, Dupage County, and beyond.