When you’re a student, you might feel your mental health start to slide a little bit. This is perfectly normal and it is important to remember that you are absolutely not the only one. There are a lot of things you can do, however, to ensure you keep your mental health from slipping as a student. You can see some of them below!
Get enough sleep
As a student, it can feel like there’s a lot of pressure to go on every single night out and stay up ‘til all hours. That, combined with early morning lectures, is a recipe for a terrible lack of sleep. Your mind and body need sleep in order to recuperate. When you feel tired, your negative emotions are amplified – so getting an early night when you can is really important. Making your bedroom somewhere you enjoy being is a great way to encourage yourself to make the most of going to sleep; rooms in our high spec and purpose-built student accommodation in Gloucester and Hereford are comfortable and spacious, so you should have no trouble there!
Don’t bottle it all up
This applies all throughout your life – there is no point in bottling up your emotions and feelings. As hard as it can be to talk to people, it can do wonders when you’re feeling stressed, worried or lonely. Open up to your flatmates, your lecturers and any of the pastoral team at your university. Be honest about how you feel, and work to find a solution to your problems. Utilise your University Student Support Services – these are huge support networks which will really help you when you find yourself in a tough spot.
Exercise regularly
Walk to your lectures or to do your shopping, or join a sports team – a little bit of gentle exercise does wonders for your mental health as it releases happy hormones known as endorphins. It is also a great way of getting fresh air, and tiring yourself out for that all-important sleep!
Keep in touch with friends and family back home
You’ll make plenty of new friends but your hometown friends, as well as your family, know you better than anyone and will miss you as much as you miss them. Stay in touch through social media, phone calls and text messages; they’ll be thrilled to hear from you and it will definitely cheer you up if you’re feeling low.
Drink sensibly – if at all
There is often a huge drinking culture at university, but you don’t have to get involved. Alcohol can make mental health issues feel worse, and hangovers certainly don’t help – plus going out and drinking a lot isn’t good for your bank balance, which will in turn create more stress. Drink sensibly, or opt not to drink at all. This will make you feel better in the long run!
These five tips are aimed at helping you keep your mental health from declining while you are studying at university – if you are struggling, however, ensure you speak to a professional who can help you decide on the best course of action for getting back on your feet.
