University can be a very stressful time. Whether you’re moving cities, moving house, writing your dissertation or juggling plenty of assignments, it can all feel stressful. Stress is something that can feel overpowering but it’s also curable.

Here’s ten things you could do to combat those feelings:

  • Talk to somebody
    If you are feeling stressed, make sure you talk to someone. A problem shared is a problem halved and I’m sure most people that you speak to will happily help you and offer their support. If its work related or you feel behind at university, talk to lecturers or your head of course. There are lots of options to help you, such as deadline extensions or one to one support. They will always try their best to help wherever they can.
  • Eat healthily
    Eat healthily and regularly. Cooking a hearty meal is a great way to distract yourself and to take your mind off of your concerns. Use this time to have a break from revision or your assignment. Take the time to cook something nice, or even go out for a walk and grab your ingredients. Get some fresh air to clear your head. Eating is fuel for the body and without it, you won’t be able to function properly.
  • Exercise
    Exercise is a great stress reliever. Once again it clears your head, gets you out of the house and keeps you fit. Even if it is just a walk, it makes a difference on your mood!
  • Try somewhere new
    Try a new place! Leeds is full of quirky coffee shops and lunch cafes. Most of these places do student discount too. My dad always says that he gets his best ideas when he’s out of the house and exploring somewhere inspiring. Get yourself to the park, a coffee shop or even a new spot in the library. Being around people and new areas will inspire you to have new ideas, and it will help you to function at your best. It’s good for people watching too!
  • To do lists
    Manage your time! Write down a to-do list and plan out what you need to do. Tick things off your list as you go and then you will feel successful once you complete something. This will also help you to stop feeling overwhelmed. I set reminders on my phone to remind me to do things at a certain time. I also set myself goals when to finish work and this helps me to be more pro-active.
  • Snooze
    Make sure you get a good night’s sleep. Try not to go to sleep too late. Sleep well and set an alarm to start your day off! Your brain can’t function without sleep and if you try, you’ll become lazy and less active which is definitely not good for your mood.
  • Drink up
    Stay hydrated! Have water on you at all times... and a cup of tea every couple of hours of course!
  • Rewards
    Try to relax and reward yourself after a day of working. After a stressful day, I make sure I make myself a nice dinner, use a face mask and watch a film! It’s important to unwind and relax. Then you’re fresh for the following day too!
  • Listen
    Music helps a lot of people to de-stress. When taking a study break, play some of your favourite music and enjoy it! You could even play your music while working if you’re sure it won’t distract you, you’ll find that it subconsciously boosts your mood.
  • Make time to have fun
    Do things that make you happy. Plan fun things with friends and family. Movie nights in your flat, family meals, nights out and just time spent with people you love. These plans will allow you to have something to work towards. It’s important to have something to look forward because it makes all the hard work worthwhile.

And finally - make sure you take it easy. Don’t pile things onto your schedule, and remember that things like stress and worry are temporary. Look after your body and yourself and never hesitate to ask for help. There is ALWAYS help out there. The closest people to you have your best interests at heart, so always keep them in the loop :-)

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