Make your mental health a priority
As a new academic year begins, many students focus on setting goals, organizing schedules, and keeping up with coursework. While these are all important steps, there’s one area that often gets overlooked—mental health.
Prioritizing your mental health can help set you up for success not just in the classroom, but in every area of your life. Mental health isn’t only about the absence of stress or struggle—it’s about your ability to respond to challenges, bounce back when setbacks happen, and stay on course with your goals.
Tips for making mental health a priority:
- Embrace a positive mindset by focusing on your strengths, celebrating your strengths and practicing self-compassion when times are tough.
- Familiarize yourself with campus resources; know where to find academic support, mental health services and other resources that will help you succeed. Campus Well Being resources can be found HERE.
- Take care of your physical health by being active, eating nutritious food when possible, and prioritize sleep.
- Connecting with your instructors will help you better understand course expectations and ask for help when needed.
- Plan your time effectively and be proactive with your classwork.
Returning to college is both a fresh start and an emotional balancing act. Let your mental health be part of your strategy, not an afterthought. Build routines around sleep, movement, and meaningful connections. Be kind to yourself, use campus resources, and focus on growth—not perfection. Your mental well-being is your secret superpower for a fulfilling—and successful—semester.

Photo Credit: istockphoto.com









Evelyn Carriere






Kisa MacIsaac (she/her) is Métis, a mother, artist, educator, and a RRC graduate (ECE diploma 2005). She works in a nonprofit early learning and childcare program in Winnipeg’s inner city and leads wellness painting events as well as creating custom artworks. Making art is medicine – it has the power reduce stress and anxiety, it is relaxing. Everyone can make art, it’s all about letting go of fear and just creating and going with the flow!