Every Monday, firstpoint publishes five points about a topic related to life at university. This week, some ideas to help you look after your mental health over the summer months…
POINT ONE: CONNECT WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS…
Good relationships are important for mental wellbeing. Connecting with family and friends can help you feel a sense of belonging, share your positive experiences and good times, as well as offering support to each other when needed. You can always use technology to connect with each other if you’re too far away to catch up face to face.
You may want to establish new relationships or networks; perhaps you’d like to volunteer for a local organisation. Find out how to volunteer on the GOV.UK website
The Student Support and Wellbeing team are continuing the Fancy a Cuppa events in June and July, each Wednesday 1pm-2pm and so if you are staying in Worcester over the summer pop in and see us and stay connected with support staff and fellow students, whilst enjoying a free drink and biscuit. Staff are also very welcome to join and come and say hello. If you would like any further information regarding these events, please contact: fac@worc.ac.uk.
POINT TWO: STAY ACTIVE…OR GET ACTIVE…
There are lots of options and they don’t have to cost a lot.
The list of things you can do to stay active is endless; try walking, running, swimming, yoga or cycling. Join a local club – you can search for a fitness club in your area via the NHS website.
You could swim for a charity like Alzheimers.org or take part in one of Mind’s active challenges.
Many local parks have free exercise equipment available for public use and of course, you can download your favourite app on-line to exercise in your own time. There are many free apps you can download such as Couch to 5k.
POINT THREE: GET YOURSELF OUTSIDE…
Spend some time in nature, the local park, a walk by the river or even sit in the garden.
Being outside can boost your mood, help you keep active, relieve stress and anxiety, give you a boost of vitamin D and serotonin and improve your sleep – so many reasons to get out and explore.
Take a look at MIND’s information on taking a mindful moment in nature for ideas you could try and don’t forget to stay sun safe.
POINT FOUR: SET SOME PERSONAL GOALS…
What have you been wanting to do but just never had the time?
Set aside some time so you can work towards those goals. It doesn’t have to be anything big; you don’t have to write a novel but maybe you wanted to organise your photos or declutter your wardrobe – you’ll feel a great sense of achievement getting those things done.
POINT FIVE: TRY SOMETHING NEW…
Take up a new hobby, try art, cooking, meditation; find something you enjoy and invest some time in yourself. Remember it’s important to connect with other people, perhaps you can get a friend involved too. Search for “free events near me” on-line and you’ll be surprised what you can get involved in.
We hope you enjoy your Summer – just a reminder that firstpoint and the university’s support services (including the Counselling and Mental Health Service) remain open throughout the summer. We’re here to help you and so don’t hesitate to get in touch with us if you have a question or need somebody to talk to.
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