Life at university can be hectic and overwhelming, especially if you’re a fresher in your first few weeks of term. It can take a while to adapt to a new routine, and you might be reassured (or scared!) to learn that some people never do. With this in mind, here are five ways you can de-stress and unwind from any tension you may be feeling during this difficult time. Stress and anxiety surrounding any aspect of your life can decrease your productivity and can even result in long term health issues. Everyone is different, so take a step back and explore how you feel!
1. Organise your timeÂ
This may sound like a strange way to de-stress, but planning ahead and being organised can give you some serious peace of mind. You could use the calender on your phone, invest in a student planner, or simply make lists on lined sticky notes of what you need to get done. Creating lists can be a good way of keeping your thoughts in order, but work day by day instead of writing everything down at once. You know how and when you best work, so don’t over estimate what you can do in a morning or afternoon if you know there will things on the list left unchecked! Planners and organisers tend to be more useful as you can note down allotted periods of time for different tasks, meaning you can’t forget to slot in some breaks! Over time you might find yourself becoming more productive and less distracted. Focus is key!Â
2. Move around
Exercise doesn’t have to mean anything strenous, but if you find that you’re overworking yourself by sitting hunched over at a desk all day then taking breaks to move around and relax your body can greatly improve your wellbeing. Some people do find relief through the sweaty kind of sports; being a part of a sports team means you also get to meet new people, whilst others feel better after a solitary run or bike ride. Personally I find yoga most beneficial, as it targets the mind as well as the body – if you feel uncomfortable attending a public class, find a space in your room and do it there! There are some great channels on youtube that offer all kinds of flows and routines that you could do at any timeof day, such as the beginner friendly ‘Yoga with Adriene’. Â
3. Talk to people
The first weeks of uni tend to be the toughest, mostly because you’ve dumped yourself in this unfamiliar place full of strangers who seem to be on a different wavelength to you, simply because you don’t know them well yet. Even if it’s your second or third year of uni, coming back can still feel a bit disorientating. Stress can result in loneliness, so don’t be afraid to call or video chat with friends and family when you feel like this. Modern technology is great! It’s also important not to hide away in your room – getting to know your own space can help ease homesickness, but getting to know your flat or housemates can help even more. Feel comfortable opening up around them, because they’re probably as tense as you are!Â
4. Zone Out
It’s a good idea to take time out from the world every now again to find some peace. Maybe have an hour each day when you turn off your phone/laptop and ignore social media. Facebook’s great, but think of the brain cells! If candles aren’t allowed in your residence, find a cheap reed diffuser (Wilkinson’s are great for these) or an aromatherapy room spray so that your dorm feels refreshing. Dim the lights or close your curtains, as the darkness can help ease headaches. If you’ve never tried meditation before, now would be a good time to start; find a youtube video on guided breathing techniques you can listen to in the background, or see if there are any classes in the area. If it’s not your kind of thing, just lay on your bed for a while and let everything else but the silence and stillness of your room fade away. Feeling tired is normal and naps aren’t just for babies and old people!
5. Find a ‘happy place’
No, this isn’t a meditation technique! It can be nice to have somewhere besides your bed room where you know you can go to when everything gets a bit too much. It can take a while to find one, especially if you’re a fresher, but it’s a good opportunity to go exploring! You could find a quiet spot on campus to go and read, or a coffee shop/cafe nearby where you can sit in the window and watch the world go by. We’re lucky to have lots of places like this at our Cornwall Campus: it’s often only a five minute walk to sit on a bench in the apple orchard in between lectures, or a short bus ride to have a beach day at the weekend. It doesn’t really matter where your happy place is, as long it’s somewhere you feel safe and secure.Â
Happy exploring!Â