University is an exciting and transformative time, but it can also be a challenging one. Your mental and physical wellbeing are essential for a successful and fulfilling university experience. We’ve put together some tips and strategies for looking after your mental and physical wellbeing, during your time at university.
Building Healthy Habits
Your physical health is closely linked to your mental health. Here are some tips for maintaining a healthy lifestyle:
- Eat a balanced diet: Include plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins in your meals.
- Stay active: Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity most days of the week.
- Get enough sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night.
- Avoid harmful substances: Limit alcohol and avoid drugs.
Eating well
Eating a well-balanced diet will not only support your physical health, but also your mental health. There are many websites that offer recipes to suit every budget and level of skill. Here are just a few to get you started:
The Student Food Project – This is a small collection of recipes created by students, for students.
Delicious Magazine – A range of recipes including some ‘cheap, healthy’ ones.
Miguel Barclay – Miguel makes £1 meals – perfect for a student budget. Head to his YouTube channel or follow him on Instagram for regular updates on new recipes to try.
BBC Good Food – This website lets you filter out recipes based on your dietary requirements, ease of cooking and how long it will take to cook.
Managing Stress
University life can be stressful, with academic pressure, social expectations, and other challenges. It’s essential to find healthy ways to manage stress, such as:
- Time management: Create a study schedule and prioritise tasks.
- Self-care: Get enough sleep, eat healthily, and exercise regularly.
- Relaxation techniques: Practice deep breathing, mindfulness, or meditation – make time for the things you enjoy!
- Setting boundaries: Learn to say no when you’re overwhelmed – especially to the social side of university life.
Staying connected
Social connections are vital for your wellbeing. Here are some ways to stay connected:
- Join clubs and societies: Find groups that share your interests. These may be found through access to your University Student Union.
- Reach out to friends: Make plans to socialize and spend time with friends.
- Talk to someone: If you’re feeling lonely or isolated, reach out to a friend, family member.
Last updated: 15th July 2024