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Public Relations: It’s a Lifestyle

Published on March 17, 2021, at 7:45 p.m. 
by Olivia Cooley.

Whether you’re a freshman or senior in college, life as a public relations student is an experience in itself. From the beginning, the pressure to join different organizations, make lasting friendships and discover your passions are only a few of the necessities as a college student studying fields related to communications. Not only are grades part of the matter, but also learning how to grow and use what is taught from class is one of the most important parts of PR.

Photo by Ashley Whitlatch on Unsplash

Trends, news, public speaking and social media surround PR students’ every waking hour, and sometimes it gets overwhelming and exhausting. A changing media environment causes stress, and in some cases, leads to mental illnesses. COVID-19 made matters worse by forcing college students to learn a bundle of information online.

Public relations is a lifestyle, and knowing how to maintain a healthy college routine can make or break the experience.

Below are three key lifestyle routines every PR student should implement into their lives.

Social media breaks
Taking a break from social media impacts mental health more than you would think. I don’t know about you, but sometimes the first thing I do when I wake up is look at my phone. This routine of checking my phone first thing in the morning starts the day off on a stressful level. Instantly, we compare ourselves to other people, become overwhelmed and lose motivation to have a productive day.

For PR students, our whole day consists of news, media and online learning. Knowing when to take breaks from social media will only benefit college students in the end. Instead of checking the phone immediately when you wake up, be productive and only allow yourself to go on your phone during a certain time of the day.

Personable interaction
COVID-19 easily has been the most impactful factor of students’ college careers. We have spent more time inside on our computers than experiencing the world. Now more than ever, human connection is important for mental health and student well-being.

Even if it’s calling a loved one or Zooming with a group of friends, those interactions boost mental production, leading to happier and healthier college students.

Healthy habits
As PR students, long workdays and assignments take a toll on our brains. It is important to maintain a healthy diet and routine — our creativity and productivity depend on it. Going on walks outside or eating balanced meals helps students produce positive brain power needed for creative thinking.

Social media is a double-edged sword, so knowing how to handle it as a lifestyle is vital. Taking breaks, going outside and appreciating what life has to offer are only a few lifestyle routines communication students should implement in their lives.

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