Undeniably, mental health is an essential component of your overall wellness, significantly influencing your day-to-day experiences, and that’s why it’s something we should never neglect.
As a student residing in Sunrise Village, you have opted for a journey of self-improvement, individual growth, and compliance with a code of conduct that fosters a nurturing and encouraging living atmosphere. With that said, this does not exempt you from life's trials, so prioritizing your mental well-being should consistently be a focus.
This all-encompassing guide will walk you through a mental wellness assessment procedure, enabling you to recognize, comprehend, and tackle any issues or feelings that may impact your welfare. By following this guide, we hope that you'll discover ways to improve your mental health, which will allow you to flourish within the Sunrise Village community!
The Importance of Mental Health Check-Ins
Checking in on your mental health is as essential as monitoring your physical health.
Yup, we know you’re probably tired of hearing this, but it’s true.
In fact, neglecting your mental well-being can lead to a decline in your overall health, affecting your academic performance, social life, and spiritual growth.
Mental health check-ins are a proactive way to:
- Identify stressors and emotions affecting your well-being
- Understand your feelings and thoughts in response to various life events
- Promote self-awareness and self-reflection
- Develop healthy coping mechanisms
- Foster a supportive and understanding community
The Sunrise Village Mental Health Check-In Process
We’ve put together a comprehensive mental health check-in process that will help our students create a consistent routine that encourages self-awareness and introspection!
Start with gratitude
First, start your mental health check-in by acknowledging three things you are grateful for today.
This can be as simple as having a warm bed to sleep in, a friend who brightens your day, or the opportunity to learn and grow at BYU-I.
Practicing gratitude has been shown to improve mental well-being, increase happiness, and reduce stress.
Assess your emotional state
Next, take a moment to identify your current emotional state.
Are you feeling happy, sad, anxious, or excited?
It's essential to recognize your emotions without judgment or shame, as this promotes self-awareness and self-acceptance.
Identify stressors
Reflect on any events or situations that may be causing stress or anxiety in your life. This could be academic pressure, relationship challenges, or financial concerns.
By acknowledging these stressors, you can begin to develop strategies to address them.
Reflect on your spiritual growth
As a student at BYU-I, your spiritual development is an integral aspect of your overall well-being.
Reflect on your relationship with God, your engagement in spiritual practices, and your involvement in the campus faith community.
If you feel disconnected or stagnant in your spiritual life, consider seeking guidance from a mentor, pastor, or fellow student.
Assess your academic performance
As a student, your academic performance is a significant part of your daily life. Reflect on your recent academic achievements, areas of improvement, and any challenges you are facing.
And if you are struggling, consider reaching out to a professor, academic advisor, or tutor for assistance.
Analyze your coping mechanisms
Everyone has different ways of dealing with stress and challenges. Reflect on your coping mechanisms and determine if they are healthy and effective.
If you find yourself engaging in negative coping strategies, consider seeking guidance from a mental health professional, counselor, or mentor to develop healthier alternatives.
Practice mindfulness and meditation
Incorporating mindfulness exercises or meditation into your daily routine can help reduce stress, increase self-awareness, and improve overall mental health.
Set aside a few minutes each day to focus on your breath, observe your thoughts without judgment, and stay present in the moment.
Engage in hobbies and interests
Pursuing hobbies and interests outside of academics can help balance your life, reduce stress, and enhance your overall well-being.
Consider joining clubs, participating in sports, or exploring creative outlets like painting, writing, or playing a musical instrument.
Learn effective time management skills
Balancing academic responsibilities, social life, and self-care can be challenging.
Develop time management strategies that work for you, such as using a planner, setting realistic goals, and breaking tasks into smaller, manageable steps.
Create a positive living environment
Your living space can significantly impact your mental well-being.
Make your room at Sunrise Village a sanctuary by keeping it clean, organized, and decorated in a way that reflects your personality and interests.
Participate in community events and gatherings
Social support plays a crucial role in maintaining mental health.
Reflect on your relationships with friends, family, and peers at Sunrise Village. Are you fostering deep connections, or do you feel isolated and alone?
If not, take steps to strengthen existing relationships or build new ones. Sunrise Village offers numerous events and activities that promote connection, spiritual growth, and personal development. Engage in these opportunities to deepen your sense of belonging and foster a supportive community.
Prioritize your sleep
We know, we know—you've heard this a million times.
But seriously, getting enough sleep is crucial for your mental health. When you're well-rested, you're better able to handle stress and make good decisions. Plus, getting enough sleep can help improve your mood and energy levels.
Now, we're not saying you need to be in bed by 9 pm every night (although, hey, if that's your thing, go for it!). But try to aim for at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night.
If you're having trouble falling or staying asleep, try some of these tips:
- Keep a consistent sleep schedule, even on weekends
- Create a bedtime routine that helps you relax (e.g. taking a warm bath, reading a book)
- Avoid caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol before bed
- Make sure your bedroom is dark, quiet, and cool
- Limit screen time before bed
Stay healthy and active
Exercise is another key factor in maintaining good mental health, as our physical health can significantly impact our mental well-being.
Take a moment to assess your physical state. Are you engaging in regular exercise?
If not, consider ways to improve your physical health to support your mental health.
Doing some workouts from your dorm can be a great way to stay fit on a budget!
When you exercise, your body releases endorphins, which are feel-good chemicals that can help reduce stress and anxiety. Also, staying active can improve your sleep, boost your energy levels, and even improve your memory and focus.
Now, we know that not everyone is a fan of hitting the gym. But there are plenty of ways to stay active that don't involve pumping iron or running on a treadmill.
Here are some ideas:
- Take a walk around campus
- Try a yoga or pilates class (there are plenty of free online videos!)
- Dance party in your room (bonus points if you invite your roommates to join in)
- Join an intramural sports team
- Take the stairs instead of the elevator
Connect with others
Although the honor code at our university includes no heavy partying, that doesn't mean you can't socialize with your fellow Sunrise Villagers!
In fact, connecting with others is a crucial part of maintaining good mental health. Studies have shown that social support can help reduce stress and improve mood. If you’re struggling to make new friends, check out our blog on how to make friends as a freshman in college!
Practice self-care & self-compassion
Be kind and understanding to yourself, especially during challenging times. Treat yourself with the same compassion and empathy you would extend to a close friend, and recognize that it's okay to ask for help, make mistakes, and experience difficult emotions!
Self-care has become a buzzword in recent years, but it's an important concept when it comes to mental health.
Self-care simply means taking time to do things that make you feel good and recharge your batteries. It can be as simple as taking a bubble bath, reading a book, or listening to your favorite music.
Here are some other ideas for self-care:
- Practice mindfulness or meditation
- Treat yourself to a favorite food or beverage
- Take a break from social media
- Write in a journal
Seek Help If Needed
If you encounter challenges with your mental well-being or require aid in any aspect of your life, never hesitate to ask for help.
Mental health issues are prevalent, particularly among college students. In fact, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) states that 75% of all mental health conditions manifest by age 24. This means that many of your fellow Sunrise Village residents are likely confronting similar challenges.
Everyone experiences challenging days, stress, and anxiety at times, and that's perfectly normal. What matters is that you're actively managing those emotions and prioritizing your welfare.
Keep in mind, mental health isn't a universal concept. Different approaches work for different individuals, and that's perfectly fine. The objective is to discover what suits you best and commit to it. This might involve experimenting with various self-care techniques until you find one that resonates, or trying out diverse forms of physical activity until you discover a preferred option.
Whenever you feel overwhelmed or in need of a conversation, don't hesitate to contact friends, family, or a mental health specialist. Sunrise Village has been designed as a caring and encouraging environment, with numerous resources at your disposal, such as advisors, mentors, and campus ministry personnel, to offer guidance and support.
Creating a Supportive Sunrise Village Community
We hope that by adhering to this detailed mental wellness assessment guide, you can take charge of your welfare, develop resilience, and encourage a nurturing environment in Sunrise Village!
Our commitment to creating a supportive Sunrise Village Community relies on the collective efforts of every individual. Remember, your consistent participation in mental well-being evaluations contributes to both your personal growth and the cultivation of a compassionate, empathetic community within Sunrise Village.
So let's work together to build a thriving and united community, where mental wellness is at the forefront of our shared journey!