self-care tips

We recognise that university life can at times be stressful; you might be on placement, juggling course deadlines and trying to secure next year’s accommodation, all while attempting to look after yourself. Alternatively, you may find yourself napping for hours during the middle of the day wishing there was more going on.

However you’re feeling, here are some self-care tips that might help:

Take a moment to pause. Mindfulness is a way of pausing to re-connect with the present moment, something we can easily forget to do in the busyness of life. Try taking a social media break and doing a mindfulness activity, like meditation, colouring, or taking a walk. Person sleeping. Sleep. Too much, or too little, sleep can make a big difference to how well you feel. If you’re struggling to sleep because there are too many things racing through your head, try writing your thoughts down. Try to establish a night routine to help you switch off after a busy day. Music, herbal tea, and reading can help with this. Cup of tea.

Headphones Get what you need. What you’re eating and drinking can affect your mood. A balanced diet, including fruit and veg, will give you energy and help you to concentrate for longer.Why not try cooking dinner with your flatmates once in a while?Be aware that replacing breakfast with caffeine will give you a short term boost of energy. But, like other stimulants, caffeine can increase anxiety. Person stretching. Physical Activity. Increasing your physical activity could help boost your wellbeing. The NHS recommends 30 minutes of exercise a day.Why not join a sports team? Find out more on our ‘Take Part’ page.If you’re going out running, we’d suggest telling someone your route and how long you plan to be. If you’re running in the dark, take care to make yourself visible to drivers.

Organisation. Write down key days such as, submission and return dates. This may sound obvious, but it can be easy to overlook with the busyness of life. Especially if you’re working on multiple assignments at once.. Some students find that they work well under pressure. For others, it’s likely to increase stress. Plan, schedule, and prioritise what is most important, and have a goal for the week. Calendar and clock. Finally. Remember to celebrate your successes and learn from your mistakes! You’ve made it to university which is a massive achievement in itself! No matter how you might be feeling, speak out! Your Student Union is here to support you. Winchester Student Union Advice Centre Logo.