
There is no denying that today’s students are under a lot of pressure, so much so that student wellbeing suffers as a result. While balancing school, extracurricular activities, and social lives, they are attempting to figure out who they are and what they want to do with their lives.
When I was a student there was a lot to manage, including my student wellbeing, so it makes sense that so many students are anxious.
But did you realise that stress can have a negative impact on your health? Stress can cause physical issues including headaches, stomachaches, and even heart disease. These are not only concerns for mental health.
That is why it is essential for students to find ways to manage their stress and promote their well-being, read on to find how.
This post is all about student support and wellbeing that every student should know about.
STUDENT WELL-BEING AND SUPPORT
So what exactly is wellbeing? While happiness and a positive outlook are obviously crucial, they are not the only factors. Well-being is about feeling good physically, mentally, and emotionally.
It’s about having a sense of purpose and feeling like you’re part of something larger than yourself.
Well-being is not only a state of mind and body; it’s also a huge industry worth a staggering 1.5 trillion dollars, according to a recent McKinsey report.
But how important is it if you are a student?
According to a recent study by the U.K. government, untreated poor mental health can cause distress among students, which not only impacts self-confidence but can also contribute to unstable relationships, poor concentration, a lack of energy, and also affect your final exam results.
The good news is that there are numerous ways you can improve your well-being and start feeling more energised, focused, and happy—and ace those exams!
Here are five of my best ways to start improving your well-being today.
My easy hacks can transform your experience and start seeing the progress you deserve!
Let’s start with one of the cheapest and simplest things you can do to start feeling great straight away:
1. Get enough sleep

Most people need around eight hours of sleep per night, but some need more or less. Find out how much sleep you need and make sure you’re getting it.
Everyone knows students will occasionally pull an “all-nighter,” but try to make it the exception rather than the rule.
It’s tempting to stay up all night studying or socialising, but your body needs sleep to function properly.
If you find it difficult to fall asleep, there are some things you can do to improve your sleep habits.
- Get into a regular sleep schedule: This means going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, even on weekends. Establishing a regular sleep schedule will help your body get into a rhythm and make it easier to fall asleep at night.
- Create a relaxing bedtime routine: An hour before you go to bed, start winding down for the night. This could involve taking a bath, reading a book, or writing in a journal. Doing something calming will help your mind and body relax, so you can fall asleep more easily.
- Avoid caffeine before bed. Caffeine is a stimulant that can keep you awake. If you want to drink coffee or tea, do it earlier in the day so it doesn’t affect your sleep at night.
2. Eat healthy meals and snacks

Eating nutritious foods helps your body to function at its best.
This one can be hard for students, especially if you’re living on your own for the first time.
It’s tempting to subsist on energy drinks and junk food, but it’s important to eat nutritious meals and snacks to keep your body and mind functioning at their best.
According to recent research by the Cleveland Clinic,
“Students who ate breakfast had better daily attendance, were more likely to graduate, and had higher grade point averages than students who did not eat breakfast.”
Even if you are a newbie to cooking eggs, avocado toast, oatmeal with fruit, roasted vegetables, and quinoa bowls are full of protein, which helps keep you feeling full for longer and gives you energy to get through your hectic schedule!
This is a good time to get together with more experienced family members and friends who can give you some tips on cheap but nutritious eating!
3. Get regular exercise

Exercise releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects. A little exercise can go a long way to improving your mood and energy levels.
Even if you can’t make it to the gym every day, try to fit some form of exercise into your daily routine.
Most Universities will have some form of recreation and fitness facilities available for students.
These facilities are usually free or have a very nominal charge. Some easy and cheap ways for students to get important regular exercise to build their well-being are:
- Taking the stairs instead of the lift
- Walking or biking to class instead of taking the bus
- Joining a sports team
4. Connect with others

According to recent research, having a never-ending workload and no time to relax with friends is a major cause of anxiety in students.
One of the most important things for our well-being is feeling connected to others. When you’re feeling stressed or down, talking to someone you trust can be a huge help.
Whether it’s a friend, family member, or therapist, spending time with people who make you feel supported can do wonders for your mental health.
Expanding your social circle, learning a new skill, or connecting with others who enjoy similar activities to you can all help to lift your spirits.
Some of the best ways for students to connect to others are by:
Joining a club or organization: Universities will have a list of clubs you can join, so you can find something that interests you. There may also be special interest clubs for things like gaming, Harry Potter, and more. If there isn’t a club for what you’re looking for, you can always start your own! For more help on making friends at uni, check out my other helpful article, Why Is It Important to Make Friends at University?
- Spending time with friends and family: Sometimes the best way to feel better is to spend time with those who make you feel good. If you’re feeling down, give your friends or family a call and see if they want to hang out.
- Volunteering: Giving back to your community can be a great way to feel good about yourself. You can find volunteering opportunities through your school, local organizations, or online. For more reasons to help out others, head over to my other helpful article, 10 Benefits of Student Volunteering That Will Help You Stand Out.
5. Take breaks and relax

According to new research from study gurus Statista, taking Swedish-style coffee breaks increases productivity.
So when you’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed, it’s important to take a break and relax.
There are many ways to do this, but some of the best ways to boost your well-being include reading, listening to music, spending time in nature, and meditating.
Taking regular breaks during the day can help you to refocus and recharge so that you’re able to better handle whatever challenges come your way.
You might even find yourself studying for hours, getting exhausted, and still not feeling like you’ve retained any information! I know this was something I certainly felt sometimes back when I was a law student!
Try to take a 5–10 minute break every hour or so to give yourself a break.
So not only is it important to take breaks for your mental well-being, but it’s also beneficial for your academic success!
Final thoughts on Student wellbeing…
It is important to know that every university has a student well-being officer. If you’re struggling, I guarantee you are not the only one, so go and seek some help and support.
That’s not all, watch this video done by King’s College London on the impact of the pandemic on a student’s mental heal and well-being.
This post was all about student wellbeing UK.
Related articles about student support support and wellbeing:
- Student Scams: Examples and How To Get Your Money Back
- Why Is Student Networking Important? 10 Best Tips For Success
- 10 Benefits Of Student Volunteering That Will Help You Stand Out
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