Starting college in 2020, I had no idea how to manage my time effectively. I was always rushing, mindlessly scrolling through social media, and struggling to make it to my lectures. After class, I would scroll endlessly to escape the stress, only to hurriedly complete my assignments right before the deadline. On top of all that, I rarely made time to seek God. I ended up in a cycle of feeling spiritually and physically drained.
After taking a gap year, I learned how to invite the Lord into my college studies. Here are some tips that have helped me balance faith and mental health in college.
1. Start Your Day with God
One of the best ways to strengthen your mental health is to begin your day with God. Set aside time to pray and read the Word, whether it’s 15, 30, or even 60 minutes. It’s about quality over quantity—seek God wholeheartedly, but take baby steps that fit your faith journey. After spending time in God’s presence, ask God for wisdom to help you plan your day. Proverbs 16:3 says, “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans.” Invite God to guide you as you create your schedule, viewing your tasks as opportunities to glorify Him.
2. Pray before Classes and Assignments
Before stepping into your lecture hall, take a moment to pray. Ask God for focus, confidence to participate in the discussion, and clarity in understanding the material. This can help you feel more prepared and present in class.
Pray before working on assignments, quizzes, and tests. Many college students procrastinate because of fear or exhaustion but remember that you don’t have to do it alone. Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 12:9 that God’s grace is sufficient, and His power is made perfect in our weakness.
3. Ask God for Strength during the Task
It’s easy to want to give up or push an assignment aside when it gets challenging. Sometimes breaks are necessary, but there are moments when God calls us to endure. Pray for His strength to carry you through. James 1:2-3 says, “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.” Ask the Lord to help you to endure the test with hope and patience.
4. Thank God Afterwards
After completing a lecture, assignment, or test, remember to thank God. Gratitude is a powerful tool that keeps our minds fixed on what is good and true. “Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you”, (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Acknowledging God’s help in your academic journey strengthens your faith and keeps you mindful of His presence
5. Practical Tools for Practicing Mental Health and Faith
Practical Tips:
Use a Planner: Keeping a physical planner helps you stay organized. While digital tools are convenient, writing tasks down can make your goals feel more tangible. Set alarms or create time blocks for tasks to stay on track.
Get an Accountability Partner: Share your goals with a friend who can help keep you accountable. Ecclesiastes 4:9 says, “Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor.
Spiritual Tips:
Schedule Time with God: Incorporate prayer and worship breaks into your day, even if it’s just a quick prayer after completing an assignment. Taking these moments helps you remember the purpose behind your studies.
Tips for Reset:
I’m currently reading Redeeming Your Time by Jordan Raynor, which emphasizes the concept of “productive rest.” This means resting in a way that truly rejuvenates you. For me, taking a walk or listening to a podcast works better than reading during a break. Find what works best for you—rest that contrasts with your usual work can be especially refreshing.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for giving us the desire to glorify You in our college journeys. I pray that we combine this desire with discipline by preparing our hearts to seek You first, asking for Your wisdom as we plan our days, and relying on Your grace to strengthen us through our lectures, assignments, and exams. May we thank You in every circumstance. I pray that we grow deeper in our relationships with You, Lord, and that we glorify You this school year. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.