Starting back at university is an exciting time full of new opportunities, new friends and a whole new world of freedom. Whether you’re a new student, or are returning to the classroom, it can be overwhelming as we move back to a very different campus from the one we have all known for the past 18 months! Don’t worry if you are feeling the stress of the new semester; there are many things we can all do to make ourselves feel refreshed and ready for the new term.
While going out is an amazing opportunity to socialise with others, one thing that is especially important to realise is that you shouldn’t feel pressured into going if you’re not feeling it! There are so many other ways of socialising such as grabbing a coffee with a friend, going for a walk, or joining a society. All these things have the potential to be far more enjoyable and great for making new friends. Respecting your own boundaries and limits is so important and there is nothing wrong with a night in; getting enough sleep is extremely important now that we can’t just wake up at 8.55 and turn on zoom!
The beauty of self-care is that it can be whatever you make it.
It’s the little things that count when it comes to self-care, and seemingly small acts such as getting showered and dressed for a day that you are not going into university can make all the difference! My personal favourite way to relax is listening to a playlist while eating some good food. The beauty of self-care is that it can be whatever you make it.
Simple things such as a 10-minute phone call home can help you feel connected to those you love. However, disconnecting can be just as valuable as social interactions. Taking time off social media or turning off your phone notifications can be the key to focusing on yourself, and appreciating what we have in the real world can help us clear our heads from the sometimes negative world of the internet.
Most importantly, self-care is personal to you! It is simply about putting your mind and body first and being kind to yourself. Give yourself a pat on the back, you’ve made it to university and you are pretty amazing!
