It really is that time again. The nights are getting darker and the mornings are getting colder, making it just that little bit harder to get up for 9ams. Every student will understand the pressures of impending deadlines. It’s easy to forget about workloads and assignments when you’re having the time of your life in freshers. But now that fresher’s is over, and winter is upon us, it’s time to settle down and deal with all that work we’ve brushed under the carpet.
Stress is a natural feeling, and everyone will feel it at some point in their university lives. The most important thing is to address it, not hide it. Here are some helpful tips to help deal with any stress and anxiety you may be feeling at this point in the semester.
First tip think: healthy life – healthy mind. By adapting to a more stable, healthy lifestyle you are ultimately proving to yourself that you can take care of yourself and any situation life may throw at you. Join a gym – not only does regular exercise benefit you physically, but mentally too. Work out your anxieties and stresses by exercising and releasing that built up tension and endorphins. If the gym isn’t for you then try a run or long walk. Reward your mind with the time to reflect and recharge from the busyness of your life.
Be organised and set yourself goals. Organisation is the key to any daily problem. If you wake up and follow your plan of the day, not only will you find that you have found the time to complete every task you wanted to, but you will feel good in yourself for sticking to a plan. Once you ease yourself into a daily routine, you will find that dealing with everyday problems will become easier and come with less stress.
Try self-mediation. Although some of you may be sceptical to this kind of stress relief method, you can’t knock it until you try it. Try downloading a self-meditating app on your phone and listen to it before you go to sleep. By doing so, your allowing your mind a break from all the busyness of your day and the freedom to relax in your own personal space. If meditation isn’t really your thing, try yoga. Yoga videos, for both beginners and more advanced, can be found on YouTube for free, so dedicate 20 minutes of your day in the morning or evening to stretch your body and give it the love it deserves.
Practice self-love. It may seem easier said than done, but self-love is the key to calming your body and mind throughout worrying times. Self-love can come in the form of bubble baths, scented candles and your favourite playlist on Spotify. It doesn’t have to be expensive, just ensure that you are taking the time to care for yourself, so you aren’t letting your stress consume you.
There are always people around you who are available for support, if you are looking for a professional to talk to, why not seek advice from the university councillor? Try to remember you are not alone and learn to enjoy every minute.
