University and Beyond: Your Wellbeing

So university can undoubtedly be a time where many people can suffer from some form of stress or mental illness, whether this stems from academic or financial pressure or something personal. Many students come to university diagnosed with one or may be diagnosed during university, which is becoming increasingly common, and as many students begin the year, it is important to know that your wellbeing matters just as much, if not more than your grades. I thought I’d share some little tips that personally help me maintain my wellbeing. Feel free to share any thoughts and ideas in the comments below! ?

• Eat a more balanced diet, and incorporate some more exercise – This can certainly be hard in the busy lives of many students who are simply trying to get through a long day of lectures and uni work, though simply making at least one of your own meals with some added fruit and veg can ensure you’re getting the nutrients you need for your body. The lack of some vital ones can often slow your body down and make you feel a lot more sluggish.  Plus, cooking itself can be a stress reliever! Regarding exercise, I don’t necessarily mean the gym, though this may be what helps which is completely fine. A light walk, or some yoga can really help declutter your brain after a long and stressful day.

• Be in the right company – The right company, whether that be friends or family is so, so important and vital in ensuring that you are in a healthy mindset and have a good support network where you need it, especially when life gets tough. You have every right to move on from anyone or anything that makes you unhappy, particularly in university where you simply won’t have time for anything less than this.

• Don’t feel pressured by others – The beauty of university is that there are people from everywhere with a great diversity in ideas and views, which can really help you grow as a person. However, you also have the right to be yourself and to be happy without feeling pressured by anything that doesn’t feel right, and so my advice here would basically be to never feel ashamed for your personal lifestyle choices and unique traits – simply be responsible and safe and treat others with openness and warmth!

• Talk to someone when things get tough –  It can be very easy to feel enclosed and trapped by the weight of negative feelings, though simply reaching out to a close friend or something like Headspace at the university can ensure that you are not carrying the weight alone. This applies whether you currently suffer from any form of mental illness and need some extra support or are simply having a bad day– you are always worth being heard. And better still, even if you’re not, reach out to someone – you never know what those close by are going through!

I hope these tips were useful! Let me know what you do to combat stress or support your wellbeing ?