🌱 Mental Health Tips for Students Who Struggle With Homework

Weston SheppardWeston Sheppard
5 min read

Back in college, I struggled hard with balancing homework, maintaining my mental health, and, honestly, just keeping my life together. The overwhelming pressure to meet deadlines, understand new material, and juggle personal issues left me stressed out and anxious.

Now, as a recent graduate, I want to share real-world mental health tips that helped me survive those rough semesters—and the online tools that truly made a difference, especially for students who feel like homework is the last straw. If you’re someone who dreads sitting down with assignments or feels buried by stress, this is for you.


šŸ’” Ready to Get Started?

The truth is, mental health isn't a luxury for students—it's a necessity. Especially when homework stress becomes part of your daily anxiety. Here are 10 mental health tips for college students (and high schoolers too) that helped me cope, reset, and thrive.


āœ… 1. Prioritize Self-Care (It’s Not Selfish)

Self-care is the foundation of academic success. When I ignored my sleep, skipped meals, or ran on caffeine, my anxiety spiked and I couldn’t focus.

Simple self-care actions I practiced:

  • Drinking enough water before study sessions

  • Creating a bedtime routine

  • Taking walks in between assignments

No amount of homework is worth sacrificing your health for. Trust me on that.


šŸ¤ 2. Stay Connected with Friends and Family

During stressful weeks, I used to shut everyone out. But staying connected actually helped me feel normal. Whether it was a 10-minute Facetime with my sister or a meme shared with friends, that human connection recharged me emotionally.

If you’re feeling isolated while drowning in schoolwork—reach out. Relationships are a powerful mental health buffer.


ā° 3. Manage Stress with Time Management

Learning to manage my time changed everything. I used to cram and panic. Now I work smarter, not harder.

Time management tips that helped:

  • Breaking tasks into 25-minute chunks

  • Using planners and apps

  • Blocking social media during work hours

Good time management helps reduce both homework stress and the guilt that comes with procrastination.


šŸ’» 4. Seek Help When Needed (It’s Strong, Not Weak)

Let’s normalize asking for help.

When I struggled with complex assignments, I started using platforms like HomeworkifyEU. It provided me with step-by-step help for subjects I didn’t fully understand. Instead of spiraling into anxiety, I was able to learn and complete my homework more efficiently.

HomeworkifyEU became one of my go-to tools for reducing academic stress and building confidence.

Other support options:

  • On-campus resources like mental health centers

  • Online therapy (Talkspace mental health services are popular)

  • National hotlines or student mental health groups

You’re not alone—and there’s no shame in using what’s available.


šŸŽ 5. Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle

Mental health is deeply tied to physical wellness. I know it's tough when you're buried in coursework, but skipping meals or sleep only makes everything harder.

Try this:

  • Cook something simple once a week

  • Sleep 7–9 hours consistently

  • Replace energy drinks with water or smoothies

Your brain needs fuel and rest to function at its best.


🧘 6. Practice Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques

When my thoughts started racing and I couldn’t concentrate, mindfulness was my reset button.

What worked for me:

  • Guided meditations (Headspace, Calm)

  • Breathing exercises before exams

  • Yoga videos on YouTube

Relaxation techniques like these can reduce your cortisol levels and help you stay focused—even during exam weeks.


āš–ļø 7. Balance School Work and Play

One of the biggest lessons I learned? You can’t study 24/7 and expect to be okay.

Burnout was a real wake-up call for me. I started scheduling time for:

  • Weekend hikes

  • Movie nights with friends

  • Creative hobbies like journaling or sketching

A well-balanced schedule protects your peace and your productivity.


šŸ’¬ 8. Build a Positive Mindset (Even When It’s Tough)

Your inner dialogue has power. I used to say things like, ā€œI suck at this,ā€ or ā€œI’ll never catch up.ā€ But once I started practicing self-compassion, my mental space began to shift.

Things I started saying instead:

  • ā€œThis is hard, but I’m trying.ā€

  • ā€œI don’t need to be perfect to be successful.ā€

  • ā€œI’m allowed to take breaks.ā€

Mental health and mindset go hand in hand—so treat yourself kindly.


šŸ“± 9. Limit Social Media Use

Social media became a stress trigger for me without realizing it. Comparing my life to others’ highlight reels during exam week? Not helpful.

Here’s what helped:

  • Turning off push notifications

  • Deleting apps during finals

  • Using screen-time limiters (like Focus Mode)

Less screen time = less comparison, more clarity.


šŸƒ 10. Engage in Extracurricular Activities

Joining a student org, club, or workout class gave me a reason to look forward to something besides assignments.

Benefits I noticed:

  • Made new friends

  • Boosted my confidence

  • Helped me feel part of something bigger

Whether it’s volunteering, gaming groups, or study clubs—extracurriculars reduce stress and build connection.


🧘 Embrace Wellness for a Successful College Journey

As I reflect back, I truly believe the key to surviving academic life is not just managing deadlines—it’s managing yourself.

That means:

  • Setting healthy boundaries

  • Using the right tools (like HomeworkifyEU when you’re stuck)

  • Taking care of your body and mind

  • Reaching out when you need help

  • Creating time for joy, not just hustle


🧠 Mental Health Tips Real People Actually Use

If you’re struggling with homework and mental health, you’re not alone. Many of us go through it, and there are ways to thrive without burning out.

šŸ’” You don’t have to be perfect. You just need to take one step at a time.
šŸ’» You don’t have to do it all alone—tools like HomeworkifyEU exist to support you.
šŸ’¬ You don’t have to hide how you feel—reach out.


🌟 Final Thought: You’re Doing Better Than You Think

Mental health isn’t a destination—it’s a daily practice. By using tools, staying connected, and showing yourself some grace, you’ll get through it stronger than ever.

Take care of yourself, use resources wisely, and remember: you are more than your homework.

0
Subscribe to my newsletter

Read articles from Weston Sheppard directly inside your inbox. Subscribe to the newsletter, and don't miss out.

Written by

Weston Sheppard
Weston Sheppard

Graduated in computer science now exploring different study tools that might help the students in their exams, studies and every queries solutions.