Student life is challenging, and it’s a crucial time to be looking after your mental and physical health.

We hope you enjoy these five actions, developed by the New Economics Foundation, which will encourage and enhance wellbeing to complement your studies. Being mindful of these simple steps may help you to feel happier and more positive during your time at UWTSD.

Connect

There is strong evidence to suggest that feeling valued and connecting with others can help to promote a stronger sense of purpose and enhance wellbeing.

There are several ways you can connect during your time at university. Socialise with people who have similar interests to you by joining a society in your Students’ Union, look for part-time work to fit around your studies, or simply enjoy a coffee and a chat with a flatmate.

Be Active

Being active plays a crucial role in encouraging wellbeing. In fact, research suggests that exercise can ease the symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression. It doesn’t have to be taxing – try walking instead of using public transport, or take a flight of stairs instead of using a lift. Small changes in your daily routine can make a surprising difference.

For more information about active travel visit the Green Travel page.

Take Notice

Paying more attention to the little things and being ‘in the moment’ is a great way to boost your mood. Try something new, take a different route home after a lecture or take some photographs.

Having a walk and taking some photos in your study break is a brilliant way to take notice, be active and get some fresh air. You’ll be surprised by how energised you feel afterwards. Here are some things to think about when taking photos on your phone:

• Composition – try to compose your subject in different ways in each frame to see what works best
• Light sources – where are they? Does moving your light source improve your photograph?
• Angles and cropping – you can always crop to improve the composition of your image
• Edit options – consider experimenting with different apps to enhance and edit your photos

Learn

Continuing to learn can increase self-esteem, offer opportunities to connect with others, and can help you to become more active. You’re already in university, but think about learning something fun outside your course. Join a society, learn a new skill or pick up something a little different to read in the library. You might even qualify for a bursary to support your additional learning. 

The Sustainability Delivery Team looks after allotments on all UWTSD’s campuses. Get involved and learn how to grow healthy food by getting in touch with livegreener@uwtsd.ac.uk. 

Keep an eye on @UWTSDStudents for opportunities to register for the next INSPIRE Sustainability certificate.

Give

It has been reported that those who show a greater interest in helping others are often happier themselves. Try increasing your wellbeing by getting involved in the university community. There are a number of community-focused initiatives you can get involved with:

• Participate in Go Green Week
• Help a charity to fundraise 
• Start a volunteering project  
• Have a conversation with your friends about mental health

Share your own wellbeing tips with us @UWTSDStudents