Everybody can get stressed sometimes, it’s a normal part of life. But don’t let it go too far and take good care of your mental health. Don’t think that just because it’s not seen, it’s less harmful or serious. Student life can be quite hectic. Especially at the time when deadlines and exams are knocking on their doors. At the university, you are the one who’s responsible for your health but that doesn’t mean you have to deal with it alone.
NTU Student Health Development Officer, Paul Dodsley says that the best thing you can do for your mental health is to socialize. “Get yourself out there and you’ll find that most of the students are in the same boat, so link up with other students as well,” adds Dodsley.
However, there are days when you don’t really feel like talking and that’s fine too. There are plenty of other options that you can do on your own as well.
Listening to Podcasts
You have surely heard about podcasts, right? Well, apart from comedy, educational and news podcasts, there are also mindfulness podcasts that help you to relax and take a bit of break. The good news is that you don’t have to be a Spotify or Apple Podcasts subscriber, there is a set of various podcasts right on the NTU website. Just type “podcasts” into the search box at www.ntu.ac.uk and you can choose from more than 10 podcasts that you can download and listen to them on your computer or phone. They also vary in length so just pick the one that suits you the most.
Get Active
There is probably nothing that helps you unwind more than a good amount of physical activity. You don’t have to be Usain Bolt or Serena Williams, you don’t have to break records, this isn’t about competition, this is about clearing your head and occupy it with lighter thoughts. You can go to the gym and run on a treadmill, or you can join a class that the NTU gym offers. Why don’t you try yoga? You find plenty of proof online that yoga has a positive impact on your mental health. By the way, did you know that NTU does free yoga classes during the exam period? They just got your back.
Look After Your Mate Training
You can book for this free training online at the university website. It shows students how to look after their friends as well as your own mental health. You can come alone, or take your friends with you and go through it together. It is also a great opportunity for meeting new people and make new friends, so why don’t give it a go?
Jimmy Chipolata
Haven’t you heard about Jimmy yet? This little doggy fellow is NTU exclusive. It is a former rescue dog and he loves cheese. Students once asked to use him for an event and it went down so well that Jimmy became a sort of a part-time member of the Wellbeing team as well. You cannot see him at the campus very often but he does attend some of the wellbeing events during the year. So, keep an eye on his Instagram account (of course, he has one).
Meanwhile, you can visit farm animals at the Brackenhurst Campus. It is a bit far away but fresh air and animals, that’s an ultimate combination for boosting your mental health.
These are just some options for what you can do to improve your mental health. We all know that sometimes, it may feel like there are too many things going on and that there is no room for anything else but studying. When you spot these thoughts take a deep breath and stop for a minute. Allow yourself to close the book and go out on fresh air, watch a movie, go to the gym, go for a walk, anything that helps you unwind a bit and change the focus of your mind to something different than studying. Your studies are important but so does your university experience, so make the most of it.
By Radka Feichtingerová
Feature image courtesy of Unsplash