Improve Your Mental Wellbeing

Begin & End your day on a high.........legal that is!

Get yourself into the habit of forgetting the little things that annoyed you during the day, such as missing the bus or not getting that reply text message from the person you fancy. By focusing on what went wrong you forget the things that made you happy, and when times are tough this can lead to low moods. Try getting into the habit of remembering the positives of your day and this will aid in improving your daily attitude.

Good Food = Good Mood

Eating healthily and incorporating your 5 A Day increases concentration and prevents students feeling sluggish and tired.

Your Mental Six-Pack

OK; so 60 minutes on a treadmill may not be everyone’s cuppa tea but what about a walk around the park with friends or even joining a sports team? When we exercise we release endorphins, which have been found to stimulate a better mood in people.

Hang-up the Hangover

Socialising can be an excellent way to improve your mood but all too often student’ view socialising as an alcohol affair. At the time a drink does help you forget your worries and become more confident however; it must be remembered that alcohol is actually a depressant drug and not a stimulant. You should drink sensibly, not use alcohol to escape from any worries you are experiencing and consider doing other social activities with friends that don’t revolve around the pub.

Craic before you Crack

A giggle a day keeps the worries at bay – you got us, we made that saying up but it does have some foundation. Laughing is a great way to improve your mood and can be accomplished by spending time with family, friends or joining a society at your students’ association. Socialising, smiling and chuckling helps you feel better about yourself and life in general.

Surround yourself Smartly

There’s a reason why Google offices are laid out how they are – Google simply want to create a unique space that promotes employee wellbeing and sparks happiness and creativity. Students are influenced by their daily surroundings and therefore it’s important to make them as mentally enticing as possible. This can be achieved by simply putting pictures of friends and family on walls, to ensuring that you choose your student accommodation based on quality and not just proximity to the Students Union bar.

Have a break

While we can’t endorse any particular chocolate-covered wafer biscuit what we can promote is that students don’t overdo it. Exams, revision and coursework are part and parcel of being a student but it is vital that a balance is kept between your academic and social life. Always make some ‘Me’ time!

Volunteer

As well as being something to benefit your CV, volunteering is an excellent approach to utilising your spare time, making new friends and developing skills. There are numerous ways for you to volunteer within University /College and externally you can aid a good cause.

Mental Wellbeing LBB

There is always someone to offer support and advice and knowing your Little Black Book of support networks is a good way to consider where to go when you need some help. Friends and family are often the first points of contact when issues such as relationship and money worries arise and it’s important to be open and honest with those who care about you. Sometimes though you may feel the need for extra help and that is when Student Counselling may be of use.

Sleep

Evening work, late nights, early mornings, mystery bus tours, essays, Facebookitis..............these all take away from your snooze time, which you should be aiming to get around 8 solid hours of per night. A lack of sleep not only causes tiredness and a lack of concentration but it has been connected with mental health problems.