Evidence suggests there are 5 steps we can all take to improve our mental wellbeing
Stay connected
Feeling close and valued by others has a positive impact on our wellbeing.
Think about ways to stay connected
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Keep active
Being physically active not only improves our physical health it can improve our mood. Find a physical activity that suits your level of mobility and fitness
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What can you do to stay active in your accommodation? Is there any physical activity you can safely do, such as yoga, dancing, play interactive games, download a free workout session, clean your space?
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You could try these sitting exercises whilst you study
Take notice
Paying more attention to the present moment can improve your mental wellbeing. This includes your thoughts and feelings, your body and the world around you.
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Gardening, feeding the birds, walk the dog or volunteer to walk a neighbour’s
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Practice mindfulness
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Enjoy activity which brings you into the moment
Give
Research into actions for promoting happiness has shown that committing an act of kindness once a week over a 6 week period is associated with an increase in wellbeing.
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Reach out to others and support people around you
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Show appreciation for others
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Checking up safely on neighbours
Keep learning
Being curious and seeking out new experiences positively stimulates the brain.
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Cooking something new
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Learning a new language
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Learn a new craft
- Join an online book club or an informal one with friends and family
Student Minds have created a resource called Student Space which makes it easier to find the support you need during coronavirus.
Other ways you can look after your wellbeing
Relaxing
Relaxation can help when you’re feeling stressed or worried. Have a look at our tips to see how it can fit into your daily life. Don’t worry if some ideas don’t work for you – just enjoy the ones that do.
Healthy eating
Try to eat at least one proper meal a day, which includes protein and vegetables. Find out more information here about how food can have a positive impact on mood and download our free recipe book .
Routine and schedules
Are you a person who likes routine? Are you living in a busy household, and find that everybody is trying to do the same thing at the same time for instance using the bathroom, resulting in disagreements and arguments?
Consider creating a routine or timetable for yourself as well as a joint a household schedule for everyone. You may find this timetable useful.
Sleep
It is recommended that we get around 6-8 hours per night. Even if you cannot sleep, give your body a chance to rest. Try to avoid going on your mobile phone or electronic screen at least an hour before bedtime as it can interfere with sleep. More information here and here
The impact of the media
Try to manage how you follow the pandemic in the media. It’s important to keep updated with ther latest information, however, If you find that the news is impacting negatively on your mental health, it’s might be worth limiting your news intake and making sure you are reading positive news.
Hints and tips when studying at home
Have a look at the links below for information about how to support your mental health while working or studying from home.
Tips for studying online and at home for university students
Supporting your mental health while working from home from MHFA
BBC’s Five ways to work well from home
Support at the University
University of Nottingham Health Service
The GP will decide what kind of support may be required and can make a referral onto a specialist service.
You can still contact your Nottingham GP if you have moved home however You may need to see a local Doctor if you require specialist mental health support but if you are unsure please contact your current GP.
The Mental Health Advisory Service is a specialist, referral only service for students experiencing significant mental health difficulties.
The University Counselling Service is now operating remotely. You can self –refer to the service on-line or you can contact a duty counsellor.
The Support and Wellbeing Officers are on hand to help support you alongside your personal tutor.
Chaplains provide pastoral support to students and staff of any faith.
Information, support and guidance from your Students' Union.
Nightline
Nottingham Nightline is a confidential listening and information service, run by students, for students at the Uiiversity of Nottingham.
Togetherall provides a safe space for members to engage anonymously with a wider network of people across the world who understand what it's like to struggle with mental health.
Additional Mental Health support
Nottinghamshire Mental Health helpline is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to support those in crisis.
Relate Nottinghamshire a free 30 minute counselling session to anyone who has been affected by Covid19 and who lives in Nottinghamshire. To make contact and book a session please email support@relate-nottingham.org.uk
NHS Mental Health helplines
HealthyU - Mental Health and wellbeing
Mind: Student mental health hub
University of Nottingham online support groups
Staying in Nottingham Support Group - social and support space for students still in Nottingham
UoN Neighbours Facebook Group – SU organised support group
UoN Home from Home Facebook Group – support group for international students still in Nottingham
UoN Instagram (place for students to share lockdown experiences with each other)
UoN TikTok - search 'uniofnottingham' on TikTok (place for students to share lockdown experiences with each other)