Looking After You

Advice and Tips from Your Student Leaders

Tips for Studying

• Organise your time: set aside time for work, revision, breaks, food rest and sleep - having a plan can help reduce anxiety and stay on track.
• Reward Yourself: If you hit a target or complete an assignment recognising that you've achieved a goal will help motivate you for the next one. But don't shout about it, seeking approval for a small goal can actually detract your mind from the bigger picture. Save the social media posts for the big goals, like end of year achievements, it'll help you concentrate on the end goal and have chance to celebrate them with your supporters.
• Reach out to people: You may be tired of staring at the screen, reach out and have a conversation with someone, whether it's a friend or a course mate. Pick up the phone, or arrange a trip out to for drinks, making contact with others can help us feel less isolated.
• Take regular breaks: We all need breaks to avoid burn out and recharge, if you feel like you need some space, go for a walk, play some music or watch an episode of your favourite show. Most importantly, don't feel guilty about taking a break! They are essential to moving forward.
• Keep your work space clean, tidy and organised, knowing where everything is will help you focus on the task in front of you and reduce anxiety.

Day to Day

• Eat a healthy, balanced diet and drink plenty of water, but don't worry about the occasional treat or takeaway. If you want something, go for it and enjoy it. Don't beat yourself up if you don't get all your fruit and veg in some days, we always have tomorrow to try again, but relying on energy drinks is likely to increase your anxiety and disturb your sleep.
• Take time away from social media, it can be detrimental to our wellbeing to constantly see the comparisons of other people's lives. Remember, they only show their best days, don't compare yourself to them, you have your own path and that's ok.
• Surround yourself with people that lift you up, having people around us that support what we want and where we are going is important. Just having a friend to vent to once in a while is helpful!
• Get outside! It's great to get out and explore nature or the city when you can, just going on a short walk can help you feel clearer and calmer.
• Practice self-care and take up a hobby: Whether this means grabbing a colouring book, listening to some music, growing a plant or littering the room with scented candles, if it makes you feel good then do it more often.
• Don't supress your emotions, if you're upset, it's ok to cry, it's ok to get angry once in a while and it's ok to be frustrated about things you care about. Find a way to channel them into motivation to move forward, you can find apps, books or podcasts that will help you do this.

The most important thing to remember is we all go at our own pace, it's ok to have a tough time, it's equally ok if you're moving forward quicker than your peers too. It's not a competition and whatever works for you is best. Reach out if you need support, whether that's to a friend, through channelling your thoughts into writing or seeking professional help. Listen to what your mind and body needs and don't be afraid to say no to something that doesn't make you feel good about yourself.

(With contributions from Alexandra, Nina, Sam, Ella, Nicola, Tamzin and Fay.)