Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
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Five evidence-based steps you can take to improve your mental wellbeing
There are lots of things we can do to improve our mental wellbeing. Research from the New Economic Foundation suggests that there are five ways of wellbeing that we can all use to improve our mental health.
Find out how you can make them a part of your everyday life from LBU Wellbeing Practitioner Danielle Robinson.
1. Be active
Most of us are aware of the benefits of movement for our physical health but there's also loads of evidence demonstrating the benefits for our mental wellbeing and for concentration too. So being active can really help with our academic performance.
Getting a small amount of exercise each day has been found to reduce fatigue, improve concentration and alertness and research also shows that exercise reduces levels of the stress hormone cortisol in the body and stimulates the production of feel-good hormones serotonin, which is our body's natural feel-good hormone (Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust, 2020).
For myself, when I'm at work, I like to take a short active break by going on a walk for 15 to 20 minutes around campus as a way of getting some headspace, but I also found that it would noticeably improve my concentration too.
2. Take notice
This is a simple one of just noticing your surroundings. Whether you are on a train, eating lunch or talking to friends, trying to be aware of the world around you and what you are feeling can help us to feel more grounded and present.
Being 'mindful', or 'mindfulness' is often associated with meditation, but it doesn't have to involve sitting with your legs crossed and your eyes closed. It's just about being attentive to, and aware of, what's taking place in the present moment.
3. Connect
We're social animals and we know that social networks promote a sense of belonging and wellbeing, so make sure you have time to connect with others whatever you are doing.
Whether you're still studying or prepping for exams, it's still important to spend time with friends or family and if you're struggling for whatever reason, reach out for support.
Take a look at some of the events coming at the Students’ Union
4. Give
We often think that giving to others will cost us something but giving can be as small as giving a smile to a stranger, doing something thoughtful for others, a friend, or a family member, volunteering your time or joining a community group.
The evidence shows that when we give, we are often the ones who benefit the most and regular acts of kindness are associated with an increased sense of wellbeing.5. Learn
The research shows that learning can improve our confidence, life satisfaction and help with our sense of who we are. It can also enhance your self-esteem and reports show that people feel happier in their lives and are more optimistic when learning new things. So, learning goes beyond just getting your qualification, it can literally help us feel better about ourselves.
Why not learn something new today? Here are a few ideas:
- Learn a new hobby or sport
- Listen to a podcast
- Try out a new recipe once in a while
- Learn something new about the people around you
If you need additional support, your Student Wellbeing team can offer advice on lots of issues, as well as signposting other helpful support services and resources.
