Finding Alternative Mental Health Routines: Transitioning
In Anyia’s eyes, her mental health routine is what keeps her mentally ready for school, but in opposition, speaking with students that do not have as easy of access to their particular routine have found new ways to not only practice their routine but change and bring their routine to the college campus as a whole.
One FAMU student Mykyla Hooper, a second-year pre-occupational therapy major, spoke of her initial routines growing up in high school. “I would go to this after-school program. We would have dancing, singing, plays, and I was that kind of kid that would get involved in all of it.”
For many college students, realizing that they may not have the time to add some of these routines that gave them so much joy as a child can be disheartening. Still, Mykyla refuses to let newly found responsibilities hold her back from her passions.
Transferring her mental health routine from high school to college for Mykyla meant making vlogs for her viewing daily. “I watch my vlogs like an athlete watching tape,” she says. Makayla states that she is somewhat of her own mental coach.
She is satisfied with her progress if she can see where her head is at during whatever challenging moments she gets through them. Mykyla says that it is essential not to give up what you did in high school entirely if it helps you form a strong and positive mental routine. “Of course, we don’t have all of the time in the world but make time for what is important, and you will see the results.”
Mindfulness For Students’ Mental Health Routines
From attending class to a part-time job, studying can be straining for anyone. Dr. Candace Adir stated, “meditation or some type of mindfulness exercise, along with sleep or physical activity daily, could increase one’s overall mood and mental health over time.”
Over the past decade, it’s apparent that the mental health discussion in the black community is increasing in comparison to the past generations. We are in a time where racial injustice and inequality affect the community in sadly similar ways.
Between police brutality and school shootings, this next generation of college students has a new normal that exudes and tests their mental strength and willpower.