Student Wellbeing
We recognise that thriving at university will be determined as much by your wellbeing as it is by your academic ability: if you feel healthy and content within yourself and your environment, then you are far more likely to perform to the best of your academic ability.
Studies shows that there are five simple things that you can do as part of your daily life, both at work and at home, that can build resilience, boost your wellbeing and lower the risk of developing mental health problems. Why not take a look for yourself, below, and see how you could incorporate the Five ways to wellbeing into your day to day activities.
Be active
Be active
Regular physical activity has been shown to lower rates of depression and anxiety. Exercise is essential for promoting wellbeing and slowing age related decline in cognitive function.
It does not need to be intense for you to feel good, a gentler paced activity such as walking can have social benefits as well as physical ones, by providing the opportunity to interact with others whilst exercising.
Why not think about the ways in which you could be physical today. Perhaps you could:
- Go for a walk at lunchtime
- Take the stairs rather than the lift
- Get off the bus one stop earlier, or park further away from the building
- Walk to class, perhaps with friends so that you are able to socialise as well
- Join in with an online fitness class
Connect
Connect
Good relationships are good for mental wellbeing. They can help you build a sense of belonging and self-worth, and give you an opportunity to share positive experiences. They can also provide you with emotional support, whilst allowing you to support others.
Why not do something different today to make a connection.
- Talk to someone instead of sending an email
- Say hello to someone you pass on the street
- Ask how someone's weekend was and really listen to their answer
- Join a group or society that does something that you are interested in
- Visit a friend or family member who needs support or company
- Make the most of technology to stay in touch with friends and family. FaceTime and Skype can be particularly useful
- Search and download online community apps from the NHS apps library
Spiritual support
Spiritual support is offered to religious and non-religious students (and staff) to help with pastoral support and deal with questions of faith.
Get in touch studentengagement@uhi.ac.uk
Mental health
Student support
Give
Give
Commiting an act of kindness once per week has been shown to have an increase in wellbeing.
Acts of giving and kindness can help to improve your mental wellbeing by:
- creating positive feelings and a sense of reward
- helping you to connect with others
- giving you a feeling of purpose and self-worth
There are many ways you can give. Including:
- Volunteering - Volunteer Scotland
- Give yourself a break
- Give someone your time - offer to do their shopping, help them with their coursework or a project. There are some many possibilites!
- Give to charity - find out what charities and projects we're supporting on the UHI Just Giving page or check out the Charity Choice website, the UK's largest directory providing detailed information on over 160,000 registered charities
Learn
Learn
Continual learning throughout life enhances self-esteem and encourages social interaction. This in turn can lead to a more active life. Setting goals has been shown to have higher levels of wellbeing.
- Student Health - contains information on all aspects of health and disease
- Health & Wellbeing Library Resources - resources available through the Library services to support your mental and physical wellbeing
- Student Recipes – some easy, healthy recipes which won't break the bank!
- Support Helplines - a comprehensive list of external helplines and agencies who deal with a wide range of issues from mental health difficulties to bullying, and more
- Action for Happiness - helps people take action for a happier and more caring world
- Visit our dedicated Health and Wellbeing Facebook page
Take notice
Take notice
By paying more attention to the present moment, you can improve you mental wellbeing.
This can include your thoughts and feelings, your body or how the world around you looks. This is sometimes known as mindfulness, and it can help you to enjoy life more and understand yourself a bit better. This can have a positive impact how you feel about life and how you might approach challenges.
- Read more about mindfulness and some steps that you can take to be more mindful in your everyday life
- Download the Action for Happiness Calendar