Big life transition? Here’s how to prioritize your mental health

Whether you’re heading back to college, starting a new job, moving out of your family home, or simply trying to figure out how to “adult”, the team at Bend knows that big transitions can be overwhelming for everyone. That’s why we’ve put together a list of ways you can take care of your mental health and show up for changes with confidence. 

Tops self-care tips for times of transition: 

• Build out your support system. Isolation is a huge challenge facing young adults. Having a safe, nurturing community which can include parents, siblings, friends, teachers, co-workers, and mental health professionals can make a huge difference in fostering healthy adaptability. Who can you text when you’re having a tough day or when you need a study partner? What things do you enjoy and want to do more of? Consider joining groups or trying out hobbies that interest you to help build social connections within your community.
  
  
• Get organized. If you’re heading back to the classroom or starting a new life chapter, this is a great time to take a step back and get organized so that you can better manage responsibilities and priorities, while still making time to do the things that you love. Consider getting a day planner and using a desk or digital calendar to make to-do lists and better manage appointments and deadlines. If you’re having trouble focusing, try decluttering your space and asking a friend, family member, or mental health professional to help you better manage your time.
  
  
• Create morning and evening routines. It sounds so simple, but believe us when we say that starting and ending your day with a little intentionality can make a huge difference in your overall wellness. Try your best to wake up and go to bed around the same time each day and avoid screens for at least two hours before bed. Can you get outside first thing in the morning? Can you do a relaxing evening ritual like reading, journaling, or taking a bath? Everyone is different, so explore what helps you to feel energized in the mornings and what brings calm into your evenings.
  
  
• Set tech boundaries. We know that this one isn’t easy when we live in such a digital world, but try setting realistic limits on how much time you spend on your phone, in front of your computer, or streaming TV shows. Our devices are designed to keep us hooked, so consider setting app time limits (especially for those never-ending social media scroll sessions) to help you out. No shame here! Using technology isn’t a bad thing, but try to prioritize offline activities and IRL connections with people you enjoy.
  
  
• Introduce healthier habits. Taking good care of yourself can help in managing stress and adapting to new situations. When you’re feeling stressed, try a simple breathing exercise (there are so many great meditation apps out there!), go for a walk out in nature, make yourself a nutritious meal, or let it all out in your journal. Turning to these techniques may feel strange at first, but give them a try and see what works for you. By learning how to ease your body and mind during times of overwhelm, you’ll be building a toolkit of healthy habits that you can always turn to.
  
  
• Get creative. When you have alone time, try tapping into your creative side by reading a book, listening to music, painting, writing, or making any kind of art. Getting into a creative flow state can help you cope with painful feelings of loneliness, boost your mood, and become more connected to yourself.
  
  
• Treat yourself with kindness. There is so much power in the words that we tell ourselves, so begin to notice what your inner voice is saying and challenge any harsh self-talk. Watch for words like “never” or “always” and try reframing them to more accurate, helpful statements. Try creating a few affirmations like, “I am enough” or “I am doing my best” that you can say to yourself or even post on your bathroom mirror so that you can turn to them whenever you could use a little self-compassion. 

Being a young adult is such an exciting time of self-discovery, but it can also come with a lot of pressure and confusion. If you’re feeling isolated, stressed, anxious, or depressed, please don’t hesitate to reach out to a mental health professional for support. The team at Bend is here to give you the help that you deserve so that you can feel your best.