How to look after your mental health

It’s #mymentalhealthmatters month, and so we spoke to Hugh Dykes, the college's Mental Health Liaison Officer, to find out what students could do to try to improve their mental health and wellbeing.

Here are the main things Hugh would like you to consider during #mymentalhealthmatters month. Give his suggestions a go and see if things improve. If not, Hugh, as well as the Student Services team at the college, are always willing to help any student suffering with their mental health, so please speak to us if you need to. 

Here are Hugh’s top tips: 

Be Kind to Yourself

Being kind to others is obviously important as well, but make sure you take the time to be kind to yourself. Put yourself first without being selfish. Try to be more assertive: saying no to things you know you don’t want to do, stop being so hard on yourself - which I know can be difficult.

Exercise Daily

When I mention exercise, a lot of students immediately think “I don’t like going to a gym” or “I don’t want to play a sport”, but it’s more about just getting yourself moving - even if that’s just a 20-minute walk. There are lots of benefits to the body and the mind; you’re increasing your serotonin and endorphin levels when you exercise - which improves your mood.

Try Some Mindfulness

Mindfulness and breathing exercises can be very good for you. 

What is mindfulness? Let’s take the example of a mindfulness walk. When most people walk, they have their head down, whether that’s because they’re looking at their mobile phone or because they have self-esteem issues.

A mindfulness walk is all about being aware of what’s happening around you. Make eye contact with people, take in the smells and sounds to get your senses working properly. We know that this engages the brain and can make you feel better. Life is busy. Make sure you take the time to enjoy the things that you do.

Reduce Your Social Media Time

I know this is one that students might not want to hear, but it’s important. Studies right now are all over the place in terms of the effect social media has on people’s mental health, but we know for sure that it’s reducing exercise time and actually stopping people talking to each other face-to-face. It also ties into self-esteem issues where you might start unfairly comparing yourself to other people.

Improve Your Diet

Getting a good balance of carbohydrates, proteins and fats is important to your overall wellbeing. Also reduce caffeinated drinks and energy drinks if you know you’re having too many.

Reduce Your Alcohol Intake (and illicit drug use)

Alcohol is a depressant, so reduce your alcohol to the safe limits. 

Rest

Finally, make sure you get enough sleep! This is your time to re-charge your batteries.

#mymentalhealthmatters