Looking after your mental health at Uni
Awareness around mental health is increasing and its importance is growing. Our mental health is something we all need to look after as it can fluctuate throughout our entire life, especially through any significant life changes. Starting university is one of those big life changes, so as students, it is common to notice your mental health changes more than you might have done previously.
We should all try to monitor our mental health and take action if it declines, which is why we've compiled this guide to help you understand ways in which you can look after your mental health as a student, with practical techniques to use in everyday life.
Get into a good sleep routine
When it comes to health, both mental and physical, one of the most important things for your body is to create a good sleep schedule. For most of us, this will mean getting 7-8 hours of sleep each night and going to bed/waking up at a similar time each day. We know this can be challenging for students, but it really helps to get into a routine where possible!
Creating a wind-down routine can help to relax your mind and body before trying to go to sleep. We recommend the following:
Reduce your caffeine intake well before bedtime
Turn off screens an hour before you intend to go to sleep
Do something to relax you, such as mindfulness or yoga
Keep your bedroom tidy and clean
Keep phones away from your bed and out of your room where possible
Sleep with a notepad next to your bed, so you can write down any worries or ideas that pop into your head in the night and might keep you awake
Do more physical activity
We know that physical activity is good for us and it’s something that we should all be doing to benefit our overall health. But aside from the physical benefits, exercise can also help us improve quality of sleep and mood, boost energy, improve memory and even help with anxiety and depression.
You don't have to overcomplicate activity by setting yourself huge, unattainable goals — you can simply aim to move your body during the day. This can be through gentle exercise like walking or yoga, or feel free to choose something more physical like going for a run or doing a HIIT workout if that’s more your style.
Your university will also have a range of sports clubs and societies you can join, which are a great way to meet new people and make exercise more enjoyable. If you'd like to start being more active but don't know where to start, try this guide created by Mind which has lots of tips and advice to get you going.
Eat a balanced diet
What we eat impacts not only our physical health, but also our mental health. This means we must be mindful of what we are putting into our bodies and should aim to eat a healthy, balanced diet that includes a variety of fruit and vegetables. It doesn't have to be too difficult or expensive, but it will have a huge impact on your overall wellbeing.
For extra guidance and help with your own balanced diet, try the NHS guide to eating well and check out these 8 exciting and healthy recipes for students on a budget for some inspiration. Remember, treating yourself now and then is ok and can act as a reward for keeping your mental health in check!
Get some fresh air
Spending time amongst nature has been shown to positively affect people's mental health. Some of these benefits include the increased flow of oxygen to your brain, the change of scenery it provides and the sense of calm it can inspire.
So, make sure you plan breaks into your university schedule, allowing time for you to take in the great outdoors. Go for a walk, read in the park or video call a friend from your favourite landmark — there are lots of simple ways to increase your time spent out in the fresh air.
Partake in self-care activities
Self-care is essential to your wellbeing, so make it a priority! There are plenty of self-care activities that we can do to help ourselves recharge, such as taking a long bath, journaling, baking or doing something creative like painting. Different approaches work better for different people, so it's important to find out what helps you relax and make time for that activity.
Reach out to a loved one
Talking can be extremely powerful. We all know it can be easy to bottle up feelings, but in reality, talking about a problem or a worry with a loved one or someone you trust can help you find a solution and see the bigger picture.
If you are struggling with something on your own, try picking up the phone or going for a coffee and opening up about what is bothering you. There are likely also resources available with your university — enquire there for more information.
Finally, if you are suffering, we want you to know that you are not alone. You can always talk to someone, whether it's a friend or a loved one, your university mental health support or through a charity, such as Mind. So please don’t be afraid to reach out.
Keeping an eye on your mental health is of extreme importance when it comes to completing your degree, and there is no shame in taking time for yourself. We hope that you've found these tips and resources helpful and will be able to use some of them in everyday life as needed.
