Are you feeling overwhelmed as you start your journey at Bournemouth University?
With the pressure of coursework, exams, and social activities, it’s easy to become stressed. Stress can have negative effects on both physical and mental health, which can impact academic performance and overall well-being. But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! In this blog post, I’ll provide you with some tried and tested stress management techniques that helped me and can now help you stay mentally healthy throughout your time at Bournemouth University. So, read on and learn how to manage stress like a pro!
Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness is a technique that involves paying attention to the present moment and accepting it without judgment. Practising mindfulness can help you feel more grounded and less overwhelmed. Being a student in Bournemouth is lucky as you have an easily accessible beach and lower gardens to go to when you feel down. It can also help you manage stress and anxiety. You can practice mindfulness in other ways too, such as meditation, deep breathing, or yoga.
Stay Active
Exercise is a great way to reduce stress and improve mental health. Physical activity releases endorphins, which are chemicals in the brain that promote a sense of well-being. You don’t have to spend hours at the gym to reap the benefits of exercise. Even a 20-minute walk can be enough to reduce stress and improve your mood.
Gym
There are many gyms in Bournemouth that offer a variety of fitness classes and equipment to help students stay physically active and mentally healthy. Bournemouth University also has its own sports facilities, including a gym, swimming pool, and sports hall, that are available to students. Regular exercise can help reduce stress and anxiety, improve mood, and increase overall well-being.
Get Enough Sleep
Sleep is essential for physical and mental health. Lack of sleep can increase stress levels and make it difficult to concentrate. Aim for at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night. Establishing a regular sleep schedule and creating a sleep-conducive environment, such as a dark and quiet room, can help you get a good night’s sleep.
Connect with Others
Social support is important for mental health. Connecting with others can help you feel less isolated and more supported. Joining clubs and organizations on campus can help you meet new people with similar interests. You can also reach out to friends and family for support. Every Wednesday at BU Faith and Reflection Global Cafe students can connect with other international students and share insightful conversations.
Manage Your Time
Time management is crucial in university, where you’ll have to juggle coursework, exams, and social activities. Poor time management can lead to increased stress levels and lower academic performance. Creating a schedule on Outlook with your student email id and prioritizing tasks can help you manage your time effectively.
Take Breaks
Taking breaks is essential for mental health. It’s important to take breaks throughout the day to give your mind a rest. Taking a short walk or doing something enjoyable, such as reading or listening to music, can help you recharge and reduce stress. You can have refreshments from the SUBU shop, Café Nero, Dylan’s bar, Starbucks and other places available on campus.
Eat a Healthy Diet
Eating a healthy diet is important for both physical and mental health. A balanced diet can help reduce stress and improve concentration. Try to eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Avoid consuming too much sugar and caffeine, as they can increase anxiety and stress levels.
Seek Help if Needed
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or struggling with mental health issues, don’t hesitate to seek help. Bournemouth University has resources available for students who need support. The student well-being team offers a range of services, including counselling and mental health support. It’s important to seek help early before problems become more severe.
In conclusion, starting university can be a challenging time, but there are many stress management techniques that can help you stay mentally healthy. Practising mindfulness, staying active, getting enough sleep, connecting with others, managing your time, taking breaks, eating a healthy diet, and seeking help if needed are all important strategies for managing stress and maintaining good mental health. Remember, it’s okay to ask for help when you need it, and taking care of your mental health should be a top priority.
