2024 Guide to Wellbeing at University

Especially during exam season, the pressure of assignments, deadlines and your social life can all start to accumulate into a whirlwind of stress. That’s why focussing on your well-being is crucial. Not only will it improve how you’re feeling, but the results extend to your academic performance, too! 

 

While practising well-being techniques is important for your mental health and life satisfaction, it can also be beneficial for your physical health. For example, you’re more likely to recover quicker from illnesses and you’ll have more energy for your day-to-day life. 
 

If you’re struggling with where to start on your journey, use this student wellbeing guide for the best tips on how to improve your mental health. 

 

When it comes to stress relief, organisation is key. Imagine knowing exactly when and where your next lecture is, having all your notes in order and never missing a deadline. Bliss, right? Staying organised helps you manage your time effectively, leaving you with more room for relaxation and fun.
 

 

One of the ways you can stay organised is by using a planner or digital calendar, like Monday, to keep track of everything. Visual aids help you to feel organised because once it’s written down, you don’t have to worry about forgetting it!
 

You could also try splitting tasks into smaller, more manageable chunks. For example, if you’ve been given two weeks to complete an assignment, dedicate an hour or two every day to complete it. This can help to prevent procrastination and make the task seem less daunting.
 

Finally, keep your study space tidy! With all of the tasks you have on, you might neglect the cleanliness of your room. It’s understandable and we’ve all been there. But having a clutter-free study space means you have a clutter-free mind, ultimately reducing distractions.
 

If you’re feeling overwhelmed and need a trusted adviser to vent to, many universities offer student counselling and well-being services. Talking about your feelings with a professional can help you gain perspective, process emotions and develop coping strategies, whilst also offering practical advice on dealing with the stress of uni. Adding to the wellbeing guide, there are also plenty of resources to help with your mental health. Whether you contact Student Minds or The Samaritans, talking it out is always better than bottling it up!
 

Next on your wellbeing guide is Yoga. And no, it’s not just for the flexible people you long to be on Instagram. It’s a great way to boost both your physical and mental health. Stretching out those stress knots does wonders for your body, while the meditative aspects help calm your mind. Whether you’re following an at-home YouTube tutorial or attending a class, yoga improves both your flexibility and strength, reduces stress and anxiety and enhances your focus and concentration. Sounds like a recipe for success!
 

Meditation has many benefits; it’s like a gym session for the brain. It helps you clear your mind, reduce stress, and improve focus. Just a few minutes a day can make a huge difference. If you’re just starting out, try a guided meditation app, such as Headspace, or a podcast on Spotify to help you navigate your way to mindfulness. 
 

Feeling stressed looks different to everyone. Sometimes it can come out as anger or maybe sadness. To combat this, find a hobby that will help you unwind. Keeping active can act as a stress relief to fight anger and colouring in can boost creativity and give you a sense of accomplishment when you’ve finished your design. Whatever your interests are, find something that makes you happy to contribute to your uni well-being.

 

 

Journaling is a fantastic way to organise your private thoughts and vent your feelings. It’s almost like having a personal therapist who’s always available to listen to the good, the bad and the ugly. Having a diary can help you to process and understand your emotions, as well as to identify recurring issues and patterns. Every so often, you can give your diary a flick through and reflect on ways to resolve your problems. With an array of well-being resources available, you can improve your mindset in no time.

 

 

You’ve heard it all before, but sleep is your secret weapon if you really want to improve your well-being! Getting enough rest boosts your mood, energy levels, and cognitive function. The NHS recommends that we aim for 7-9 hours of slumber, followed by a range of tips for battling those sleepless nights. 
 

Last of all on this wellbeing guide is a social media detox. While it is great for staying connected, it can also lead to a downfall in your mental health. By detoxing, you can enhance your real-life social interactions and reduce anxiety, all whilst improving your quality of sleep.

 

 

And there you have it, the ultimate wellbeing guide for dealing with stress at uni. Remember to stay organised, seek counselling if needed and do whatever you can to prioritise your well-being. Not only will this boost your general mood, but it will also keep you motivated to succeed and make life in general a lot more enjoyable. 

 

Looking for a stress-free living environment to support your wellbeing journey? Check out student housing in Canterbury for the perfect study-friendly accommodations!