We all know that life as a student can feel overwhelming. Your time consists of meeting new people, participating in events and part time work, cooking for yourself, doing chores, keeping on top of assignments and revising for exams – it’s a lot!
Here are Lean Library’s top tips for practicing effective self-care whilst studying at university:
1. Take a deep breath.
Remind yourself of your thoughts, feelings and surroundings if things get a little bit overwhelming. The NHS has some great tips on breathing exercises which you can find here. You could also try meditation which can give you a sense of calm and balance. These simple exercises can lower your stress levels and provide much needed breathing time.
2. Listen to your favourite music.
Schedule in some breaks from studying and listen to your favourite songs to instantly boost your mood. Research shows that listening to music releases endorphins (the feel-good chemical) in the brain. You could also try listening to some soothing nature soundscapes or deep concentration playlists with a cup of tea whilst you study – Spotify has lots of curated playlists!
3. Get organised.
We all know the feeling when there are so many thoughts and tasks floating around in our heads. Take some time out of the day to grab your favourite stationary and jot down the day’s tasks into bite-sized chunks. This will make you feel a little bit more in control – plus, it’s great when you can tick something off!
4. Call your friends or family.
If you’ve moved away from your family and are living in a new city, it can all feel a bit new and isolating. Having a phone or video call with your family and friends will be sure to put a smile on your face. Why not give your friend a surprise call and see how they’re doing – it could be that they also need a chat with a friend.
5. Take a walk outside.
Research has shown that walking daily can help lessen symptoms associated with anxiety and depression, plus it’s free! Get your trainers on, see some nature, and take in the fresh air. You may discover a new area of your neighbourhood that you never knew existed before or find a new coffee shop!
We hope trying these tips will make you feel less overwhelmed and more rested in order to go about your day-to-day life as a student. Looking after yourself may feel like indulging when you have deadline approaching, but it’s a valid use of your time in order to feel refreshed and ready to tackle assignments. There are so many different ways of practicing self-care out there – we hope you find the ones that work for you!