We’re here for you during this difficult year. On this page, we’ve collected useful guides, links, events and activities to help support good mental health.
This week is Mental Health Awareness Week. We’re here for you throughout the year, but this is a good time for us to be thinking about how we can help ourselves mentally and physically.
Three healthy habits you can start today
Self-care means taking care of yourself and refilling your energy tank to enable you to stay healthy and resilient. In our busy lives, it can be hard sometimes to take a moment to do something just for yourself, to look after your mind and body. It’s essential to make time and space in your life to regularly practice self-care, so here are three habits you could try to integrate into your day-to-day life, if you’re not already doing them!
Make time for yourself
Studying for 12 hours a day might sound good, but really, all it will do is contribute to burnout later down the line. So, try to make time for yourself, whether that’s only working in the week between 9 and 5 or being strict with your boundaries between your studies and everything else going on in your life.
Put in some time for sleep hygiene
If it’s taking you a long time to fall asleep, try to start winding down for bed a bit earlier. Are there some things that make you feel sleepy? Perhaps reading a book, having a cup of tea, listening to some music or a podcast could help. Try some different things until you find out what helps you relax and get ready for sleep.
Get out and about, however and whenever you can!
Yes, we are in the midst of a pandemic but you can still get moving. Staying in the same room or house can definitely get boring and it’s easy to feel cooped up or a bit lethargic. Try to get yourself moving in a way that works for you. Some fresh air on a walk around your local area is always a good idea.
There is no better way to give your mind a little breather and your soul some rest than to take some time out for yourself or move your body.
There are plenty of events happening for you to get involved with. We’ve got activities from Students’ Union UCL and Student Support and Wellbeing staff, to help you to look after your body and mind.
Student Support and Wellbeing are running sessions to help you manage anxiety, think about productivity and focus on your mindset, and there are also Project Active sessions, where you can get involved in exercise and sports, no matter whether you’re a beginner or expert.
All classes are free, open to all, and suitable for any level of experience or fitness.
Life is anything but normal at the moment and it’s a strange and difficult time for everyone.
With all the information out there, it’s difficult to know where to start so we’ve done the research for you and have found some great websites, apps and tips on how to keep your mind and body healthy.
Use the guides below to find useful websites, apps and support services.
Take breaks with nature
Term 3 can mean we spend a lot of time indoors revising. Make sure you take screen breaks in nature. You can do this by having lunch in a park, meeting up with friends outdoors, or by going for a short trip around the block on wheels or on foot. Just walking along a quiet road with trees instead of a busy road can help reduce stress.
Green your space
Watching a plant (or five) grow can be hugely rewarding, and seeing leaves unfurl over a few days is pretty special. If you’re lucky enough to have some outdoor space, or even if you only have space indoors, why not try your hand at planting! Swap seeds with friends to save money, take cuttings to provide plants for your roommates, or grow some vegetables to save money on veg. Caring for something else may help you care for yourself too.
Mark out time to do something in nature
If you’re in London, there are some amazing natural spaces, so why not explore? Near campus, we’re lucky to have Regent’s Park, a good spot to enjoy some lunch whilst watching the giraffes at London Zoo. We’ve also got Primrose Hill, Hampstead Heath and countless parks scattered across London, with canal paths and walkways interlinking them.
Whatever happens, we’re here to support you.
Student Support and Wellbeing Students’ Union UCL Advice Service