Remote Wellness Blog—SA Student-run
No one really prepares you for how heavy life can feel when you are juggling school, finances, relationships, and your own expectations, especially when you are young and still figuring things out. I have had days where I felt like I was drowning in anxiety, stress, and pressure. And honestly? The “big” solutions like therapy, rest days, or a gym membership often felt out of reach.
But what was within reach were tiny habits: small, manageable things that helped me breathe again. Slowly, gently, and without pressure.
Here are the simple habits that helped me begin to rebuild my mental health, one low-energy day at a time:
1. Journaling My Feelings (No Pressure, Just Honesty)
I started journaling when I could not afford therapy but needed somewhere to put my thoughts. Sometimes I only wrote one or two sentences, like
“I feel tired and don’t know why.”
“I’m afraid I won’t pass this semester.”
“I just miss peace.”
Why it helped:
It gave my emotions a place to exist outside of my head and made me feel less alone.
2. Stepping Outside for 10 Minutes
Even when I did not feel like it, I would take a short walk around campus or sit under a tree and just be. No phone, no tasks. Just sunlight on my face and wind in my hair.
Why it helped:
Nature calms the nervous system, and being away from books, screens, or noise felt like emotional medicine.
3. Breathing Deeply for 1 Minute
I used to think “deep breathing” was silly until I tried it while crying or panicking. It grounded me.
My go-to:
Inhale for 4 counts, hold for 4, and exhale for 6. Repeat for one minute.
Why it helped:
It shifted me from panic mode to “I’m okay in this moment,” even if nothing outside of me changed.
4. Eating One Real Meal a Day
There were days I could not cook or even think about food. But I would try to eat one proper meal, like eggs, rice, and spinach.
Why it helped:
Feeding myself became an act of self-care. It reminded me that I mattered, even when I didn’t feel like I did.
5. Cleaning One Thing in My Space
When I was depressed, I did not deep-clean; I picked one thing: fold my blanket, throw out trash, or open a window.
Why it helped:
When your mind feels chaotic, your space can either help or hurt. One small cleanup gave me a sense of control.
6. Sending a Voice Note to a Friend
Texting felt like too much, but sending a short voice note, something like, “Hey, today is hard” or “Miss you,” made a difference.
Why it helped:
Connection is medicine. We are not meant to go through hard things alone, even if it’s just a 30-second message to someone who gets you.
7. Letting Myself Rest Without Guilt
One of the hardest things I learned was this: rest is productive. I let myself nap without shame. I turned off my phone. I said no when I needed space.
Why it helped:
My brain heals when I rest. And my worth is not tied to how much I achieve.
These tiny habits did not fix everything, but they gave me something to hold onto. Something real, manageable, and kind. Mental health is not always about big breakthroughs. Sometimes, it is just about doing the smallest thing to stay afloat. Drink water. Breathe. Step outside. Send the text. Take a nap. You are not lazy. You are just healing.
