Water

I have been striving to be more hydrated lately, as there are strong links to a ton of health benefits (obviously!) including mental clarity. However, many hydration experts reveal that most, if not all of the people that come to see them are moderately to significantly dehydrated.

Here is a link to some simple tips and details about hydration wellness from the University of Nebraska!

And one tip they did not think to give is to support others in their hydration. Simply offer a glass of water to a classmate, offer to refill their bottle, and / or compliment someone's attempt to remember to sip during class. It will remind you to drink your own water and foster a bit of collaborative wellness amongst friends and colleagues.

Sleep

From the returned SGA Committee Health and Wellness Assessments, it is clear that our individual and collective mental health seems to be a top concern and supporting it is crucial and critical for quality of life.

Supporting mental health is a multifaceted endeavor, and what works best can vary greatly from person to person. However, one of the simplest and most universally beneficial actions someone can take is to ensure they get adequate sleep.

Why adequate sleep?

Restores Brain Function: Sleep plays a critical role in both cognitive and emotional brain function. It helps in processing emotions, consolidating memories, and making decisions.
Reduces Stress and Anxiety: Regular, restful sleep can lower stress levels and reduce symptoms of anxiety, making it easier to manage daily challenges.
Improves Mood: Lack of sleep can increase irritability and susceptibility to mood swings, whereas adequate sleep can enhance overall well-being.
Physical Health Benefits: Sleep also has numerous physical health benefits, including improving the immune system, reducing inflammation, and lowering the risk of chronic diseases, all of which can indirectly support mental health.

Practicality matters!

Routine: Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day to regulate your body's internal clock.
Environment: Ensure your sleeping environment is conducive to rest, meaning it's quiet, dark, and at a comfortable temperature.
Limit Screen Time: Reduce exposure to screens and bright lights in the evening to help your body prepare for sleep.
Relaxation Techniques: Engage in relaxing activities before bed, such as reading, meditating, or taking a warm bath, to help signal to your body that it's time to wind down.

Final thoughts!

While sleep is a critical component of mental health, it's important to note that mental health is complex and can be influenced by a wide range of factors, including diet, exercise, social connections, and stress management techniques. If you're struggling with your mental health, it's also crucial to seek support from friends, family, or a mental health professional. Additional resources are coming in the next couple weeks for facilitated mental health care discussions, ways you can feel less isolated and more connected, and easy ways to access accessible professional mental health care.

Restores Brain Function: Sleep plays a critical role in both cognitive and emotional brain function. It helps in processing emotions, consolidating memories, and making decisions.
Reduces Stress and Anxiety: Regular, restful sleep can lower stress levels and reduce symptoms of anxiety, making it easier to manage daily challenges.
Improves Mood: Lack of sleep can increase irritability and susceptibility to mood swings, whereas adequate sleep can enhance overall well-being.
Physical Health Benefits: Sleep also has numerous physical health benefits, including improving the immune system, reducing inflammation, and lowering the risk of chronic diseases, all of which can indirectly support mental health.

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Water

Sleep

From the returned SGA Committee Health and Wellness Assessments, it is clear that our individual and collective mental health seems to be a top concern and supporting it is crucial and critical for quality of life.

Supporting mental health is a multifaceted endeavor, and what works best can vary greatly from person to person. However, one of the simplest and most universally beneficial actions someone can take is to ensure they get adequate sleep.

Why adequate sleep?

Restores Brain Function: Sleep plays a critical role in both cognitive and emotional brain function. It helps in processing emotions, consolidating memories, and making decisions.

Reduces Stress and Anxiety: Regular, restful sleep can lower stress levels and reduce symptoms of anxiety, making it easier to manage daily challenges.

Improves Mood: Lack of sleep can increase irritability and susceptibility to mood swings, whereas adequate sleep can enhance overall well-being.

Physical Health Benefits: Sleep also has numerous physical health benefits, including improving the immune system, reducing inflammation, and lowering the risk of chronic diseases, all of which can indirectly support mental health.

Practicality matters!

Routine: Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day to regulate your body's internal clock.

Environment: Ensure your sleeping environment is conducive to rest, meaning it's quiet, dark, and at a comfortable temperature.

Limit Screen Time: Reduce exposure to screens and bright lights in the evening to help your body prepare for sleep.

Relaxation Techniques: Engage in relaxing activities before bed, such as reading, meditating, or taking a warm bath, to help signal to your body that it's time to wind down.