6 WAYS TO PROTECT STUDENTS’ MENTAL HEALTH AT UNIVERSITY
While being a student can be a lot of fun, living away from home for the first time, becoming financially independent, making new friends, plus with possibly very tough academic expectations, can also weigh heavily on young minds.
So it’s clear mental health should be a priority at the start of a new academic year.
Dr Nic Hooper, of the University of the West of England, has written a book, The Unbreakable Student, with six ‘rules’ to help students “stay sane” at university.
1. Exercise
Physical activity, whether the gym, joining a sports club, or getting into a running routine, has been shown to reduce depression, anxiety and other psychological troubles across all generations, says Hooper. “One study found mood improvements could occur with a single 10-minute session.”
2. Challenge yourself
Challenges could be to learn a new language, an instrument, or even just writing a blog.
“People who challenge themselves through learning tend to have better mental health and can expect improvements in other things too – cognitive skills, confidence, resilience, civic engagement, life satisfaction and even health behaviours.”
3. Connect with others
Joining a university society or club, or simply having a coffee with other students is linked to better health behaviours and living a longer life.
Hooper says: “Having good social relationships is the best predictor of wellbeing in people of every age category.
“People who don’t have good social relationships are more likely to develop mental health problems,” he stresses.
4. Give to others
Donating money is, of course, likely to be tougher for cash-strapped students. However, “people who volunteer or help out with community activities, and even those who commit to one act of kindness per week show improved psychological wellbeing,” says Hooper.
5. Practice self-care
“Better sleep quality is related to better mood regulation, motivation, quality of life and mental health,” Hooper says. “Diet and nutritional habits are just as important, with healthy eating associated with better psychological wellbeing and cognitive functioning.”
6. Embrace the moment
“When we spend all our time ruminating about the past or worrying about the future, then our present moment isn’t really a nice place to be,” Hooper explains. “Mindfulness can help us to slow down, to notice when our minds have wandered, and to bring our attention back to the now, resulting in better mental health and wellbeing.”
n The Unbreakable Student by Nic Hooper is published by Robinson, priced £13.99. Available now.