Lack of sleep can hinder your ability to think rationally, make good decisions and deal with stressful situations. It can also make it hard to do well in class and can make you more likely to get sick, upset or depressed. Most experts recommend 7 to 8 hours a sleep of night, but the best sleep schedule is one that works for you and fits into your schedule. Take control of your emotional health by creating the best sleep plan for you and your lifestyle.

Research has shown that people dealing with mild to moderate depression have experienced up to a 50 percent reduction in symptoms after exercising on a regular basis. Just 30 minutes of aerobic exercise 3 to 5 times a week can significantly improve mood, decrease fatigue and reduce stress. Take control of your emotional health by working exercise into your weekly schedule.

It can be hard to eat well in the fast pace of campus life, but ignoring your body’s nutritional needs can have severe consequences on your state of mind. Too much caffeine or foods high in sugar can increase nervousness and irritability and make you less able to concentrate and manage stress. Not getting enough key vitamins and nutrients can also have a negative impact on your mood. Take control of your emotional health by eating a healthy, balanced diet.

How we deal with stress is just as important as the factors that cause it. Good stress management involves avoiding stress when possible and developing coping skills to deal with necessary challenges and pressures. Take control of your emotional health by figuring out the best way to manage the stress in your life.

Hanging out with friends and going to parties can be a stress reliever, but it is important to understand that using drugs or alcohol to unwind can also be detrimental to your emotional health. Abusing drugs and alcohol can cause depression, irritability, bad judgment, insomnia and make it impossible to have a good college experience. Take control of your emotional health by knowing your limits and the signs of a drug or alcohol problem.

If you were experiencing back pain or stomach cramps, you would probably go to your doctor or health center to get it checked out. It’s just as important to speak up and get things checked out if you are concerned about your thoughts, feelings or behavior. Take control of your emotional health by using our Check Yourself tool or reaching out for help.