It is of no surprise to anyone that over the past few years, as result of the pandemic, the struggle with preserving a positive attitude and taking care of our mental health has grown more and more difficult.

Whilst adding the extra pressures of college life as well as the stress of moving away from home, trying to pay bills, upholding a steady part-time job and college work responsibilities, it is only natural that as students we become so overwhelmed, needing a helping hand with our mental health.

Unfortunately however, these resources tend to be on the more expensive side and so are less accessible to many students, especially those who are trying to provide for themselves for the first time.

Having experienced first hand these low moods and anxieties after moving away from home myself, I have been trying to figure out how to care myself in the way that is needed, whilst also remaining on a budget.

It has come to my attention that certain habits and coping mechanisms have really helped myself and other friends of mine with any anxieties and sadness that creeps into our lives.

Living in Galway I find I am so lucky with the scenery and my current favourite thing to do whenever I am having an off morning is walk myself into Galway City’s, Butler’s Chocolate shop and buy myself a luxury hot chocolate for the, (in my opinion), very reasonable price of €3.50.

As a firm advocate in the “chocolate for breakfast” movement , I can promise that this is a life changing experience!

The key to turning, what would be considered so small to many, into an almost spiritual awakening is attempting to romanticise your life.

After I secure my hot chocolate what I then like to do is stroll out to Salthill and simply sit on the rocks of the beach and polish off whatever is left in my takeaway cup.

Although I am aware this may sound rather mundane, the simplicity of this tiny recreational activity is what allows me to unwind and have a moments rest from stressful thoughts or pressures I could be dealing with.

Following conversations with law student Bláithín Sharkey, she explained that due to the heavy workload that her course entails she found it “difficult to de-compress” after long days of college and what with living away from home she found herself “overthrown by {her} daily tasks“.

Sharkey explained however that what she likes to do which helps her unwind and separate her everyday thoughts from the weighted work in her life is at home yoga sessions.

Admitting she does pay €10 per month for the Apple + Fitness app, (which is again not a very unreasonable price to pay), Sharkey explains that she lights a couple of candles in her living room or bedroom and follows along with the app.

Taking time out to sit and connect with your body is an excellent way to nourish your mental health and although the fitness + app is cost effective, it is not necessarily accessible to everyone.

However, other alternatives exist on streaming services such as YouTube, so these programmes are available to everyone in other ways.

Living in Galway has been one of the best life experiences I’ve had yet at times i’ve found myself grow distant and feel lonely, a feeling which I’ve been told is common amongst students who have moved away from home.

Another activity that has actually taken the world by storm is the act of hot girl walking. This is essentially just a very long walk with your close friends, but on these walks the topic of conversation is manifestation.

“Hot girl walking” is something I learnt through social media and is supposed to release endorphins whilst discussing future plans and dreams you have for your life, thus leaving you feel more positive come the end of your walk.

After testing it out myself I can definitely say I felt better and lighter on my feet. There are so many resources and ways that students can attempt to nurture their minds on a budget and as being able to afford therapy or counselling is a luxury that not everyone can indulge in, taking the time to learn what you can do for yourself as an individual is essential.

Whether that be connecting with your body, your spirituality, nourishing your mind or even doing something as simple as changing your bedsheets, looking after yourself should be your top priority.