Tips to keep your mind healthy.

1. Eat well - not only is this important to your physical health, but also your mental health. A balanced diet will help your brain function properly.

2. Sleep well - its hard at college to get into a schedule but there are a few ways you can improve your sleep such as limiting caffeine and having a dark room with electronics put away well before bed. If you need something to distract you from your racing mind, try an audiobook or podcast, that way the blue light won't suppress the release of melatonin in your brain. 

3. Exercise - this is often the last thing you’ll feel like doing but doing it will definitely make a difference. Exercise, even a walk, helps you sleep, concentrate and release stress, anxiety and frustration.

4. Find healthy coping skills that work for you such as exercising, relaxation, meditation, art or even talking to someone about how you feel.

5. Limit alcohol intake - its ok to have a good time, just making sure you aren't relying on drugs and alcohol to cope.

6. Change your self talk - try and change the direction of your self talk. Speak to yourself in a nice way, just like you would speak to one of your friends. Think of strategies to solve problems rather than giving up.

7. Relax! (This is where my brain usually goes shut the fuck up I can't do that but it is essential to try, even if you don't get there!) Do something calming - maybe try deep breathing, mindfulness, go for a walk, journal, do a bit of art, a bit of baking, meditation (try the headspace or smiling mind app!) or progressive muscle relaxation to release some tension.

8. Get involved and be social - friends can be a great source of support and get involved in communities. It may seem scary for those of us with social anxiety but when you do you will have a great sense of accomplishment, even if its a 5 minute conversation if thats all you can manage.

9. Seek help - if you’re struggling, speak to someone, no matter how small. If you're struggling, you don't have to do it alone. 

Any information on this blog is not a substitute for professional advice. It is written from personal experience and research only. If you are in crisis, go to your nearest emergency room, call lifeline on 13 11 14 or dial 000. If you live outside Australia, link to worldwide crisis numbers can be found in the sidebar.