As summer winds down and anticipation of the new academic year sets in, it’s normal to feel a mix of emotions like excitement and anxiety. Whether you are a returning student or just starting your journey, preparing for a new academic year can be exhilarating and daunting.

As your Campus Mental Health Specialist, I am here to offer some guidance on how you can navigate this transition smoothly, prioritizing your mental health and well-being along the way!  

Set Realistic Goals

Start your academic year by setting achievable goals. These goals can be academic, personal, or social. Break them down into manageable steps and celebrate your progress, even the small achievements! A tip to consider is following the SMART goal acronym.  

Specific: the goal should be clear and specific. Answer the questions: Who? What? Where? When? Why? 

Measurable: the goal should be quantifiable, allowing you to track your progress.  

Achievable: the goal should be realistic and attainable, considering your current constraints and resources.  

Relevant: The goal should align with your objectives and be meaningful to you and your growth. 

Time-bound: the goal should have a clear timeframe, creating a sense of urgency and allowing for progress.  

Establish a Routine and Stick to it

A consistent routine can provide stability and structure. This is crucial for maintaining well-being. Try to plan your daily schedule while balancing school, work, and personal activities and commitments. Don’t forget to make time for relaxation and self-care. Adequate rest is essential for cognitive function and emotional resilience. 

Stay Organized and Manage Your Time 

Keeping track of your assignments, deadlines and other responsibilities is one step that can help reduce anxiety. I would encourage the use of planners – physical or digital, calendars or organizational apps to ensure that you are on track. Prioritize your workload and break down larger projects into smaller, manageable tasks. This will prevent you from cramming and burning out near the end of your term. Building these skills now, will prove invaluable in future careers as well! 

Create a Support Network

Building a support network is essential during your journey. I would encourage you to attend orientation, learn about different clubs and events on campus and subscribe to your college’s social media accounts to stay up to date about opportunities to connect with others. Maintaining connections with your family and friends is not just a protective factor to combat homesickness, but essential for your mental health, personal, and academic growth. Establishing a sense of community can help alleviate feelings of isolation, help ground you, motivate you, and provide safety during challenging times.  

Get to Know Your Instructors 

Developing a positive relationship with your instructors during your post-secondary journey is valuable to your academic and personal growth! Instructors may act as mentors, academic support, or as a reference for a future career opportunity. By introducing yourself and engaging in conversations with your instructors, can help you gain insight into your industry and network of professionals in your field of study. Overall, this can also reduce your stress levels and provide an enriching experience for you.

Learn to Manage Stress 

Stress is a normal and common part of student life. Learning how to manage stress effectively will help you throughout your journey here at RRC Polytechnic. You can do this by practicing stress-reducing techniques such as mindfulness, deep breathing, and yoga. Find what works best for you and be sure to incorporate it into your routine. Remember, if you feel overwhelmed, it’s okay to seek professional help.  

Balance Academic, Work and Personal Life 

Maintaining a balance within the different aspects of your life is crucial for overall well-being. Even though you are going to school and working, be sure to allocate time for hobbies, socializing, and self-care. It’s essential to take breaks to avoid burnout. Schedule this downtime just like you would any class or shift. I would also encourage you to maintain boundaries in between these aspects of your life. For example, do not constantly check your academic emails while trying to relax.

Practice Self-Compassion 

Be kind to yourself. Recognize that it’s okay to make mistakes and face setbacks i.e. not getting the grade you had hoped for. We are human and it’s normal for us to make mistakes; that’s how life ebbs and flows and also how we learn. Treat yourself with the same compassion you would offer a friend. Acknowledge your efforts and celebrate your achievements, no matter how small they seem.  

Stay Active 

Physical and mental health and well-being go hand in hand. Incorporating physical activity into your routine is important and has many benefits, not only physically but emotionally as well. You can pay sports, come to the Fitness Centre on campus, join a fitness class, or simply go on a walk outside.  

Reach Out for Help 

It’s normal to struggle throughout your journey. It may feel isolating and as if no one else can relate, but please know you are not alone. Campus resources are available to support you. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness, it is a sign of strength. To recognize that you are struggling and need help is difficult but a part of growth and healing. If you are curious about what supports are available to you on campus, please email me here!

Embrace your journey! The academic year is filled with opportunities of growth, learning, and self-discovery. Keep an open mind and do your best to be adaptable. Each experience, whether positive or challenging, will contribute to your development and resilience. As you embark on this new academic year, prioritize your mental health and well-being. Remember, your journey is not all about academic success, but also finding balance and joy in your journey. Here’s to a fulfilling and rewarding year ahead!