Your usual routine is likely to have been quite different both over the winter break and now during the January exams and assignment period. This change can sometimes affect your wellbeing, so we're sharing these tips from our Student Wellbeing team to help you try and keep happy and healthy during this busy time.
Tip One
Over the holidays, it’s likely your eating and drinking habits changed – everyone knows a big part of Christmas is about the great food! If you did indulge now is the time to maintain a relatively balanced diet, maybe set yourself the task of eating your 5 a day.
And, if you drink alcohol, try to drink sensibly - since it’s a depressant, it can cause low moods and irritable behaviour. It is particularly important to stay hydrated – alcohol consumption can leave you really dehydrated so a great technique is having a glass of water between each alcoholic drink to give your body a chance to keep up!
Tip Two
Your exercise routine is also likely to have changed over the holidays, whether you’re a strict gym-goer or not. It’s important to keep your body moving, both for your physical and mental wellbeing. It may be cold outside, but try wrapping up warm and taking a brisk walk – there's still time to set a New Year’s Resolution! Nature is great for you so leave technology at home, take a stroll and see how much better you could feel.
Tip Three
Get social! For those of you who don’t like much face to face contact or don’t get to see friends and family that often, try and embrace some time away from your studies. Social contact with others can really improve your mood, so go in with a positive attitude and have fun!
Tip Four
Finally, relax. Both the festive and exam periods can be an overwhelming time between all the people, food, activities and study. It can also be stressful, so make sure you take a little bit of time every day for yourself. Just ten minutes can suffice, where you could try breathing techniques or even meditation. Sleep is also really important when it comes to your wellbeing so try and get a good routine and a few early nights of good quality sleep.
If you would like any support during the exam and assignment period, our Student Wellbeing team now run three drop-in sessions a week during term-time where you can go for a chat, find helpful resources and see what sort of support is available to you, or a friend.
