University life brings new and exciting experiences, but it can also be a challenging period that impacts mental health. Balancing studies, social life, and personal responsibilities can be overwhelming, so here are some tips for staying healthy during your studies.
1. Stay Connected
Maintaining relationships with family and friends is crucial. Regular calls or video chats with loved ones can provide emotional support and a sense of continuity, helping you feel grounded.
Top Tip: Consider scheduling your conversations in a calendar – with a busy university schedule, it is easy for time to slip away from you.
2. Create a Routine
A structured routine can help manage the demands of university life. Plan your day to include study time, social activities, meals, and rest. Consistency reduces stress and enhances productivity.
Top Tip: Use tools like Notion Calendar or Todoist to integrate your to-do list into a daily plan. Rest is as important as periods of productivity, so remember to include that in your routine!
3. Practice Self-Care
While we hear this phrase thrown around a lot, proper ‘self-care’ is essential for maintaining mental health. Engage in activities that relax and rejuvenate you, such as reading, exercising, or meditating. Remember to take breaks and give yourself time to unwind.
Top Tip: Find a mixture of ‘solo’ and group self-care activities. Friends can keep you accountable to resting, from coffee shop catch-ups to dorm room crafting sessions.
4. Stay Physically Active
Regular physical activity can significantly boost your mood and reduce anxiety. Whether it’s joining a sports club, going for a run, or practicing yoga, find something you enjoy and make it part of your routine.
Top Tip: University societies have a range of different sports available, from climbing and watersports to badminton and ballet. Challenge yourself to try something new!
5. Eat Well
A balanced diet can have a profound impact on your mental health. Ensure you’re eating a variety of nutritious foods. Avoid excessive caffeine and sugar, which can lead to mood swings and energy crashes.
Top Tip: During long study sessions, snacks are essential to maintain concentration. Try and have a quick bite every 90 mins or so.
6. Get Enough Sleep
Adequate sleep is vital for mental well-being. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. Establish a regular sleep schedule and create a restful environment to improve sleep quality.
Top Tip: We often overestimate how much sleep we get, so buying a cheap fitness watch can be a great way to accurately track sleep.
7. Limit Alcohol and Substance Use
While socializing is part of university life, it’s important to be mindful of alcohol and substance use. Excessive consumption can exacerbate anxiety and depression. Find healthy ways to socialize and cope with stress.
Top Tip: Try drinking a cup of water after every alcoholic drink you consume. It allows the body to stay hydrated and minimises the impact of drinking the day after.
8. Stay Organized
Keeping track of assignments, deadlines, and commitments can reduce anxiety. Use planners or digital tools to manage your time effectively. Staying organized helps prevent last-minute stress and enhances academic performance.
Top Tip: Use an online calendar, such as Google Calendar or Notion to manage your time effectively!
9. Reach Out
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to talk to someone. Whether it’s a friend, family member, or university staff, reaching out can provide relief and perspective.
Top Tip: Try not to wait until you’re in crisis to seek support or reassurance. By talking about emotional health consistently, it is easier to verbalise when things are getting tough.
10. Seek Support Services
Universities offer various support services, including counseling and mental health advisors. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you’re struggling. These services are there to help you navigate through tough times.
Top Tip: Know what resources are available to you before you need them. This should be part of orientation, but if it isn’t, check the university website to understand the support structures available to you.
While grades are important, the skills you acquire through managing university life sets you up for what happens after. Stress management, healthy lifestyle choices and utilising support structures are all things you’ll encounter in your adult life, so practise them at every opportunity you get.
Comments