Mental health matters: practicing self-care
Students share their tips for self-care, and doing what makes them happy.
Although university is an exciting time - when you are learning, trying new things, and becoming more independent - it's completely normal to feel some stress and worry at times.
Being a student can mean juggling your studies, social life and, for many, part-time jobs. When leading a busy life, it's really important to look after your mental health, taking time to relax, or do something you enjoy.
To give you some tips and ideas, we asked students to share how they practice self-care...
Even if it's not an immediate fix, going on a walk and listening to a podcast takes my mind off things!
Grace
Liberal Arts BA
Highfields sunset = pure bliss.
Daniel
American and Canadian Studies and History BA
My favourite things: tea, house plants and escapism...
Harriet
Translation Studies MA
Cafe time with friends: self-care at its best.
Danica
International Media and Communications Studies BA
Walking by the lake always calms my mind.
Aurora
English with Creative Writing BA
A cosy cafe morning helps re-centre me.
Stephanie
Liberal Arts BA
My mental health at university has definitely been up and down but I have a great support team here at UoN. I've worked with Disability Support Services who were fantastic and my personal tutor has been just incredible. I also registered with Cripps Health Service where I have a mental health nurse and an occupational therapist who were able to tailor their treatment to my specific needs.
Priya
English BA
I'm a worrier and always worried about my essays and wonder if I've done them well enough. But talking to my personal tutor really helped my mental health. Accessing that support and knowing I was on the right track made a real difference.
Daniel
American and Canadian Studies and History BA
It's important to recognise when feelings are becoming overwhelming, meaning it could be helpful to reach out to our university support services, or even your GP for more guidance.
You can always speak to your personal tutor in the first instance, or visit our Student Wellbeing Service website, which signposts to a whole range of support.