Starting at university or college is an exciting, daunting and transformative time. And for many, it will be a reminiscent time for years to come.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Between lectures, seminars, workshops, deadlines, part-time jobs and social commitments, it can be hard to look after ourselves properly. Couple this with student budgets and varying levels of culinary skills, there can be a lot to contend with!<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Thankfully, we’ve put together a guide on easy yet impactful ways you can look after yourself as a student. From nutrition to adequate rest, looking after yourself properly will allow you to juggle all the things student life and academia throws at you.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n If you’ve been feeling off, and can’t seem to figure out why, it’s worth taking stock of what’s going on. Has uni or college work ramped up? Is a deadline approaching? Are you struggling financially? There are many things that can cause us to not look after ourselves properly. Here are a few signs to look out for:<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Looking after yourself doesn’t have to be complicated. Taking small steps can get you leaps and bounds into a better state with your mental and physical wellbeing.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Trying to fit too many things into your routine can cause more harm than good. Instead, really look at your problem areas. Is a uni deadline causing most of your worries? If so, create a step-by-step study plan to help you cover the areas you’re struggling with. You may also wish to speak to your tutors and\/or student counsellor to ensure you’re set up for success.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Alternatively, if other areas of your existing routine are causing you issues, such as mealtimes or social activities – look at ways you can simplify them. Here are a few ideas to get you started:<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Do you get public transport everywhere? Make it a point to get more walking in your daily routine. Whether that’s walking to lectures or your supermarket, it’s a great way to get some movement in your routine. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Alternatively, see if there are any free meetups for running our outdoor exercise classes that you can participate in a couple of times a week.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Sometimes it can be hard to adapt your routine for a better you. That’s why it’s important to reach out for support. Your university or college may have a student assistance programme<\/a>, or student counsellor you can reach out to. They can support you with any issues you might be facing and can provide you with practical ways to look after yourself that aren’t overwhelming.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n It’s all too easy to stay out late with friends or finish that Netflix binge show late into the night, but what this is really doing is robbing you of adequate rest for peak cognitive functioning. Set a bedtime at a time that you can realistically stick to and see how you feel in the days to come. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n We understand that some nights this may not be possible – especially if you have a deadline looming around the corner. In these instances, ensure you’re properly hydrated with water and hydrating fruits to help your body get through the day with less sleep than usual<\/span><\/span><\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n When we have a lot on, our social wellbeing can suffer. When was the last time you spent quality time with a friend or spoke to your family? Make it a point to spend more time with the people you care about – even if it’s just hopping on facetime.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Learning to say no when you’re overwhelmed will be your biggest asset. To slightly contradict our earlier point, if you feel pressure to socialise all the time and it’s taking away from your self-care, saying no can help you achieve a balance between socialising and time for yourself.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Ways to look after yourself when you don’t have time<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n If uni or college work feels unmanageable or you’re going through a stressful time, self-care can fall very low on the priority list. However, here are some small ways you can look after yourself when you feel like you have no time.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Whether that’s a few minutes to stretch or step away from your desk, it can help break up tasks and get you moving – which is great for your physical wellbeing.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Habit stacking can be used in everyday life to manage all of life’s tasks, but it is especially useful when you feel like you have no time. Habit stacking can look like:<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Taking time away from your phone can work wonders in clearing the mind. This is especially important if you find yourself ‘doom-scrolling’ social media and find it’s affecting your mental health.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Whether it’s doing a 5-minute workout instead of a 50 minute one, done is better than perfect. Simply doing a task can help you feel a sense of accomplishment. This can also look like:<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\nHow do I know I need to look after myself?<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/b><\/h2>\n
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Tips for looking after yourself as a university student<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/b><\/h2>\n
1. Create and simplify your routine<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/b><\/h3>\n
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2. Get moving<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/b><\/h3>\n
3. Reach out for support<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/b><\/h3>\n
4. Set a bedtime<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/b><\/h3>\n
5. Make time to connect with friends and family<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/b><\/h3>\n
6. Set boundaries<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/b><\/h3>\n
1. Take micro breaks<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/b><\/h3>\n
2. Habit stack<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/b><\/h3>\n
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3. Put your phone down<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/b><\/h3>\n
4. Aim for finished, not perfect<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/b><\/h3>\n
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Looking after yourself if you have a mental health condition<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/b><\/h2>\n
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