Did you know that April is stress awareness month? As we begin to gear up for the assessment period, our Wellbeing team have put together their top stress-busting tips to keep the stressy vibes at arm’s length – whether you’ve got 5 minutes or 1 hour to spare!
The Stress Management Society is at the forefront of stress awareness month and this year’s theme of #LeadWithLove encourages us to approach ourselves and others with kindness, compassion and acceptance. Whether that means through acts of self-care or offering support and comfort to others, our gestures can go a long way if anchored in love.
With this in mind, we asked the School Wellbeing Team for their advice on taking care of ourselves and others, particularly when preparing for assessments.
Resource recs
First off, the great news is that you have wealth of resources to support you in this! To get started, a Wellbeing Management Plan is a curated workbook, based on NHS guidance, which helps you identify ways to look after your wellbeing and develop healthy habits. Head to Wellbeing Management Plan to create yours.
Take a look through University Student Services’ Stress Management guide for self-help advice on managing stress or, looking further afield, Student Minds is a UK registered charity focused on student mental health and has loads of useful articles, including this one on stress management.
Similarly, Student Space (led by Student Minds): has some great content on Managing imposter syndrome and fear of failure, Managing deadlines and Exam stress. They also recommend the 7-11 breathing method, detailed in this YouTube video.
Apps in action
Breathe is a free app that offers Guided Breathing helping you to slow down your breathing and heart rate and Mindfulness encouraging you to take moments throughout the day to stop, relax, and practice mindfulness. Download Breathe from the Apple Store or Google Play.
Headspace offers hundreds of meditations and an 85% discount for students. Check out Headspace on the Apple Store or Google Play.
De-stress top tips
Even if you’re short on time, you always have the chance to get centred and get those stress levels down. Inspired by Student Minds.
Got 5 minutes?
- Brew a cup of tea or coffee - and enjoy it without your phone or laptop. Just pause.
- Cuddle a pet or even a comforting soft toy - physical touch is powerful.
- Jot down a quick to-do list to help clear mental clutter.
- Send a check-in message to a friend
Got 10 minutes?
- Try a short guided meditation (try Headspace or a free one on YouTube).
- Step outside for a quick walk - fresh air can help reset your mood.
- Do a 10-minute tidy of your room or workspace - tidy space, tidy mind.
- Put on your favourite songs and have a mini dance break (no one’s watching!).
Got 30 minutes?
- Move your body - try a yoga video, go for a run, or take a brisk walk.
- Call a friend or family member for a feel-good catch-up.
- Take a power nap - 20–30 minutes can boost focus and energy.
Got 1 hour?
- Watch an episode of your comfort show - laughter or a good plot can help you unwind.
- Meet a friend for coffee or a walk - connection boosts wellbeing.
- Cook or bake something nourishing or tasty - your brain loves it when you slow down and create.
Who else is feeling better already? Don’t forget to have a browse through the Study Skills and Revision Tips area of the student intranet, bursting with further handy hints. And of course, the Wellbeing Team are available for 1 on 1 appointments, Monday – Friday 8am-7pm face to face, online or over the phone. Book an appointment online.