Mental health strategies for young aspirants: Stress management tips for students

In our constant pursuit of academic excellence and future career prospects, the importance of prioritising our mental health often gets undermined. Amidst the hustle and bustle of exams, assignments and aspirations, it is easy to neglect our mental health, but the reality is that ignoring our mental health can deeply impact our daily lives, especially when we are facing the heavy pressure of academics, stress as well as responsibilities.

We spoke to some experts who emphasised the importance of mental health and highlighted its central role in personal and professional achievements. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Professor (Dr) Padmakali Banerjee, Vice Chancellor, IILM University, Gurugram, shared, “Optimism overcomes sadness which leads to mental health and resilience to successfully face the ups and downs of life. It is a big step towards prudence, perspective, pragmatism and hope for positive outcomes. Adaptability and flexible mindset are other qualities that young achievers need to imbibe to deal with life situations effectively, develop resilience and bounce back from any adversity with twice the enthusiasm while moving forward with conviction.”

He suggested, “Goal setting is very important for youth. If there is a fixed direction to move forward, young achievers will never deviate, which will automatically save them from anxiety and mental distress. Goal setting should be realistic and practically achievable, so that young achievers can celebrate the progress on their way and feel happy. Every time young achievers feel happy, they win the journey of life and become more optimistic. Young achievers also need to develop problem solving skills to get rid of mental distress and dilemma. There will be problems all the time, which need to be solved smartly by problem solving skills. By incorporating these strategies young achievers can be successful in life and live while experiencing self-realization.”

Gurmanjot Butalia, Senior School Counsellor, GD Goenka Public School, Vasant Kunj, Delhi, recommends the following strategies to address mental health concerns –

• Taking control of mental health is important for everyone, especially young high achievers who face unique challenges and stressors. The first step to overcoming these obstacles is to pay attention to thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and to be self-aware.
• Recognising the signs of stress can enable them to take proactive steps. Young achievers may feel constant pressure to excel in their endeavours. Setting boundaries between academic and leisure activities is essential. Self-care should be prioritised. Ambition is commendable, however, setting unrealistic goals can lead to fatigue and frustration.
• Realistic goals should be aligned with values, strengths, and priorities.
• Seek support from friends, family members, or mental health professionals if needed. Dealing with feelings and talking about experiences can reduce stress and provide perspective. Young individuals should be encouraged to celebrate their victories, no matter how small. Valuing accomplishments can increase self-esteem and motivation.
• Mindful techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, exercise or yoga can help young successful individuals cope with stress and stay grounded in the present moment. These practices should be incorporated into their daily routine. Identifying the sources of stress can help develop strategies to reduce or deal with stress.
• Learning to say ‘no’ when necessary empowers individuals to prioritise their own wellbeing. Accept failures as learning opportunities and develop the resilience to bounce back stronger. Remember, failures are a natural part of the journey towards success.

According to Neha Tripathi, Counselling Psychologist at TopRankers, “Aspirants should limit their exposure to stress by avoiding negative news, social media comparisons or excessive competition. Creating boundaries and prioritising mental health can help maintain a positive mindset. If you are feeling overwhelmed by stress, anxiety or other mental health challenges, don’t be afraid to ask for help. School counsellors, therapists or mental health professionals can provide valuable support and coping methods tailored to your specific needs.”

The need to prioritise mental health is more than just a choice; it is a fundamental requirement for achieving widespread success. Whether personal aspirations or professional endeavours, it is vital to promote mental health, which lays the foundation for resilience, innovation and effectiveness. As experts have emphasised, investing in mental health is not discretionary – it is a critical commitment with profound implications.