6 Ways To Look After Your Mental Health Whilst At University
It’s that time again where students from all over the world will be going to university to study courses ranging from music to nursing. Many are about to start their first year, whereas others are about to return. There are many exciting moments when starting university; you have your courses, new friends, and the societies. But, on the other side of the coin, university can come with a lot of stresses. Here are 6 ways to look after your mental health whilst at university!
1. Exercise/Sports
A walk around the park, cycling, swimming, or going to the gym are activities that can help keep you active. Each of these can have a massive impact on the brain. Speaking to people who undertake sports at university (whose identity will remain confidential), I learned that sports and exercise help release endorphins in the brain, and doesn’t just help your mental health, but physical health too.
2. Music
Music can have a massive impact on our mental health. From personal experience, music set me free from the prison I felt inside my mind. If I’m sad, I’ll listen to music and will feel happy afterwards. If I listen to music when I’m happy, I feel stronger. Music can also relax the mind and can also help you  focus when it comes time to study! It is said that people who listen to music quietly whilst doing work focus and remember more on what they have learned.
3. Creative Arts
Many will find that drawing, painting, writing photography etc. can help their mental health. I have spoken to people before who have said that being creative helps them express themselves, and share their problems. This has helped many reduce stress levels.
4. Spending time with friends
Even if it’s meeting up for 15 minutes to have a coffee, spending time with your friends can help reduce your stress, anxiety, depression etc. You may want to talk about how you are feeling mentally, or you may want to talk about the next big football game. Either way, being with someone to talk can make a massive impact on your mental health.
5. Baking
When I’m feeling low or stressed, making croutons or a cake can make me stay distracted from mental health. This in turn makes me happier and calmer. You don’t necessarily need to make anything huge; you could always make croutons which take about 15 minutes in the oven. From personal experience, it does help.
6. Read
Whether it’s paperback or on your E-reader, reading a few chapters of your favourite book can help make you calmer in your mental health. It can help you escape from the harsh feelings into a world where it is just you and the book.
What ways to you deal with your mental health whilst at uni!? Share in the comments below!
Featured Image: weheartit
