Tips for looking after your mental health and wellbeing at uni
Bradford Life Blog

University life brings your prospects, growth, and new skills to higher heights. Along with this, there are more academic challenges, social exchanges, and personal adjustments. It's fundamental to navigate university while putting your mental health and wellbeing before anything else.

In this blog post, I'll aim to provide you with some practical tips from my own experience to help you reach a fine balance and ensure your university career is not only academically successful but also mentally inspirational.

Sleep routine

While the late nights are unavoidable, starting a sleep routine might make a massive world of difference. You should routinely stick to a consistent sleeping and waking up time, even if your schedule is erratic. This helps control your body's internal clock, making it comfortable to fall asleep and wake up naturally. Resist the urge to pull all-nighters. A mind that is well rested is more productive than a sleep-deprived one.

Time management

One of the solutions to balancing sleep and university commitments is valuable time management. Personally, I plan my study sessions and project work well in advance to avoid last-minute cramming that can lead to sleep deprivation. If you do the same through managing your time wisely, you'll discover excellent productivity for your university projects and much-needed rest.

Instead of long sessions of non-stop work, you may allocate time for breaks, physical activity, social interactions, and personal activities. This balanced approach might help you enhance your overall well-being and contribute to better mental health whilst at university.

Less takeaways

Treating yourself to takeout occasionally can be a delightful treat but making it a regular routine can take a toll on your health. While that burger might be satisfying in the moment, it's fundamental to strike a balance between occasional satisfaction and a diet that supports your overall well-being. It's the well-rounded meals that nourish your body and inspire you to tackle your academic activities.

For example, do not have an energy drink on its own for breakfast and expect it to have a positive impact on your university day. Instead, try to get into the habit of waking up early to have some cereal so that you feel energised for the long university days.

Remember, your body is like a machine that needs the right fuel to perform at its best. Arranging a balanced diet that supports your physical and mental health will only benefit you in the longer term from personal experience.

Inform your personal academic tutor

Sharing your mental health and wellbeing experiences can help reduce feelings of loneliness. Don’t worry at all, it is highly likely that your tutor has encountered similar situations or knows of other students who have faced similar challenges. They might suggest strategies that have worked for other students in the past which could very well work for you too. This united understanding can create a sense of understanding to help your wellbeing extremely well.

Remember, you're never alone in this experience. Several students face similar challenges, and universities provide resources to help you succeed both academically and individually. By being practical about your mental health and well-being, you're setting yourself up for a fulfilling and triumphant university journey. Believe in yourself, take care, and know that you're capable of overcoming whatever comes your way. You've got this.