Filling your own cup at university: solo activities to keep feeling good as mid modules approach

As mid-modules approach, stress often follows. Between long hours in the library, lack of sleep, cooler days settling in, and stressful deadlines, it can be very easy to forget to take care of yourself. Here are some solo activities to help you refill your own cup and stay calm during the busy season. 

A great way to relax is to do some crafting activities. There are some, such as crocheting, painting, zentangle and journaling, that you can do from the comfort of your room, and if you are unsure of how to do any of these, you can just look for a YouTube video to quickly explain how to begin to do these. There are others, such as pottery painting, that you can go out and do at places such as the Pottery Experience located in Jesmond, just a 25-minute walk away from campus or a quick metro ride!

If crafting is not your thing or if you just want to try something else, doing sports is a great way to disconnect. You could go on a run, or even a walk if you prefer, around one of the beautiful parks around Newcastle, go on a hike, or even learn a new sport such as yoga or pilates, both of which, by buying a mat, you can do from your own house, maybe even in between study sessions. 

As the weather is getting colder and the days are running shorter, you could also use your time to curl up in bed and catch up on some reading or watch a nice film. This could be something related to your course that can help you develop some understanding of the topic, or something completely unrelated that can take your mind off assignments completely. 

You could also take yourself on a brunch date, try out a new restaurant, or, if you want to use up your time to develop a new skill, try out a new recipe! 

Lastly, another solo activity that you could take on is volunteering. This would be a great way of helping others while also gaining new experience to put on your CV! The Students' Union has many options for volunteering on their Go Volunteer website that you could have a look at if interested! 

In short, however you choose to spend your time, remember that looking after yourself is not a distraction from university, but the opposite, it is what helps you show up as your best self, both in your studies and beyond, giving you the energy to thrive.