As freshers and returning students settle into their first term of the academic year, concerns around finances are expected to increase.
It is almost impossible to read the news and not stumble upon talk of the cost-of-living crisis. We are all aware of it whether it is directly affecting us or not. However, what may not be so apparent to us individually is still having an adverse effect. For example, many university halls have had to rise their prices this year in order to accommodate the ever-increasing inflation.
As students, we are already burdened with drastic changes in lifestyle, nerves around exams, anxiety around our academic performance, and the fear of moving away from home. This rise in our cost-of-living not only causes financial stress, but it presents the additional unnecessary worry of how, if at all, you will be able to get any help.
Whilst the first concern for students is how to receive additional financial aid, it is also expected that the need for emotional support will increase. Headspace, the UK’s leading mindfulness and mental health app, offers content to tackle any feelings of concern regarding financial worry.
Headspace aims to help its users find more joy, get more good night’s sleep, and make every day happier. The company emphasises the idea that finding some headspace is the best way to relax your mind, feel less stressed, wake up refreshed, and practice mindfulness.
Whilst this may not seem like a priority right now, a lot of students find themselves asking for help in one form or another. Whether that be within your university support team, through the NHS, or even just having the chance to talk to a mate, being open about how you are feeling and any concerns you have is a great way to keep on top of your mental health.
Headspace has recently introduced a 10-day course titled ‘Managing Financial Stress’ that is led by Eve Lewis Prieto, Headspace’s Director of Meditation. The course explores ways to see your money with compassion and shares tips on how to be mindful of your spending. Furthermore, the advice provided is supplemented by financial wellness expert Alex Hodder, so you can ensure that you are the recipient of sound guidance.
The webpage is also home to some great articles covering all of your FAQs. In terms of helping you grow a healthy relationship with your wallet, content includes How To Talk About Money, Mindful Money, financial stigma, and stress reduction tips.
For those concerned about the cost-of-living crisis and are in seek of emotional guidance, Headspace is currently running a free trial over a 14-day period. This will allow its user to gauge how the app works, how it benefits them, and just what help they can receive from it.
Furthermore, Headspace offers a Student Plan which provides its members with much-needed longer-term wellbeing support and full access to the Headspace content library. This comes at the affordable student price of just £8/year (85% off).
Headspace understands the ordinary stresses of tough classes, demanding timetables, and troubling roommates. Their student plan, whilst inclusive of the content across the site, also caters to a more specific demographic. They aim to reduce academic burnout, help dissociate university chaos from your well-being, and find joy alongside the stressful university experience.
Likewise, Headspace is the global leader in mindfulness and meditation which can be extremely encouraging to university students looking to drop stress from their schedules. Alongside their cost-of-living support, Headspace has recently released their “back-to-school” collection wherein students will find more specific content relative to their circumstances.
If you are struggling with your mental health, do not be afraid to ask for help. Help is available in many forms and asking for help does not make you weak. Speak to a professional if you are unsure of the best form of help for you. Otherwise, your university should have a designated team aimed at helping its students. Alternatively, there is a variety of great resources available online, such as Headspace.