October 10th is World Mental Health Day, and as a student at Uni, you\u2019re more familiar with stress than most. You\u2019ve heard all the usual advice: meditate often, breathe deeply, sleep well and drink a cup of tea before bed. Each of these tactics can be effective, but a path to mental wellness is a personal and unique experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019ve tried the basics and still have anxiety, we\u2019ve curated four unique bits of advice to share with you on managing your student stress. A few ideas might feel totally mad, but trust us: they just might work!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Managing your mental health and stress begins in your flat. Whether you\u2019re curled up on the couch watching the telly or want to enjoy a good read before bed, your space should exude calmness and comfort. Use soothing and neutral colors to create a soft environment, tidying the space daily to avoid unnecessary clutter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s also important to make your flat a safe space to let out your emotions. It\u2019s totally okay to cry\u2014in fact, crying<\/a> is a scientifically proven way to address unalleviated stress. If you begin to feel overwhelmed, you don\u2019t have to experience this alone. Invite a flatmate or friend to join you for dinner and a chat. You\u2019d be surprised what a chill night can do for the soul.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Do you find yourself rushing from class to class, and then to a campus activity to finish the day? If you\u2019re beginning to feel extra stress during your week, you need to consider taking a break. Don\u2019t be afraid of saying, \u201cno\u201d or setting aside time to simply be alone and do nothing at all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you have trouble setting boundaries with others, we recommend walking through the following mental process:<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can have a good laugh at our suggestion, but we aren\u2019t kidding. Did you know that movement and dancing are linked to reducing stress? Even if you\u2019re not a professional, having a personal dance party will have a dramatic effect on your mood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The real question is: does the music you listen to matter? Peter Lovatt<\/a>, head of the Dance Psychology Lab at the University of Hertfordshire, recommends \u201canything where there\u2019s a high degree of tolerance for not getting it right. Things such as ceilidh dancing [make] people smile, laugh and giggle, and they are adults and it\u2019s absolutely fine. It\u2019s wonderful.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n2. Slow Down Your Day<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
3. Throw a Dance Party<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
4. Find a Furry Friend<\/h2>\n\n\n\n