In this article we are determined and hopeful to help students here at Wakefield find ways to maintain a healthy mental state. Here are some scientifically proven tips to benefit mental health. 

For one, we need to get a good night’s sleep. We all know sleep significantly affects mental health and that lack of sleep can lead to an increase in negative emotional responses to stress. Students need at least 8-10 hours of sleep every night in order to maintain their physical and mental health. It may be hard to get a full night’s sleep with the amount of work we have, but we have to make sleep a priority, or we won’t be able to complete that work by the end the school year. 

Staying active is a great way to maintain a stable and healthy mental state. Exercise produces an increase of endorphins to release throughout the body. Endorphins are neurotransmitters that block pain and increase feelings of wellbeing. An easy way to stay active is to go on walks outside, even bettter if they are in nature. According to the American Psychological Association, spending time in nature can increase energy levels and reduce the risk of depression and overall stressful and depressing thoughts. 

Maintaining a healthy diet is also beneficial to your mental state. Not eating enough nutritional food can cause inflammation throughout the body and increase the risk of mood disorders. If you’re wondering how to eat healthy, many people start with a mediterranean-style diet. According to The Mediterranean Dish, incorporate foods like nuts, rice, fruits, vegetables, dairy, chicken and eggs. Cooking them in “quality extra virgin olive oil” is the key to this diet. Experiement with recipes and find what works for you.

Another great way to maintain a healthy and stable mental state is by making and maintaining social connections. Social connections allow you to have someone to talk to when you feel down, and just having a conversation or having the company of someone helps. There are resources at school if you feel you need help. Counselors are always there to help. (It’s their job.) They know clubs you can join net year, most clubs are at the final meeting of the year stage, and are great people to talk to about life. Don’t be scared to talk to teachers. They are there to help you, and are great people to go to when you feel stressed out. They can help you prioritize what work to turn in for their class, but make sure you have already looked at Canvas so you have an idea of what you need to do in their class before asking for help.

There are 13 days left for seniors, and 17 school days left for everyone else. It is easiest to make mistakes now, when we are the most tired. Make lists, cross off items on the list, and finish this year as strong as we started it, Warriors.