Looking after your mental health should
be as ‘normal' as looking after your physical health. You can look after you mental health in so many ways throughout
your daily routine in life, it's not just something you need to do if you feel something is wrong.
Think Positive
has created Top 10 tips for a happy you as a guide in keeping mentally healthy and balanced.
Download it and keep it near by for helpful information of being a healthy version of wonderful you.
01. Have some Good Mood Food
Eating five pieces of fruit or veg
a day to stay healthy is not just good for our bodies. Eating healthily prevents you feeling sluggish and tired, increases
your concentration and can give you the much needed energy to stay awake for the last ten minutes of that Friday afternoon
lecture.
02. Exercise
Ok, so sweating it out at the gym every day may not be everyone's idea
of fun, but just walking more, or even having a dance around your home, can actually make you feel happier.
Joining
a sports team or a walking group will also give you the chance to meet people and try new things. Exercise, even done moderately,
releases endorphins in the brain, stimulating a better mood.
03. Socialise without alcohol
Socialising
can also be beneficial to you, but this doesn't always have to involve alcohol. Although you may think a drink will help
you forget your worries, it can actually do the opposite.
Alcohol is not a stimulant it is a depressant drug. Like
everything, alcohol should be consumed in moderation and not used as an escape from worries or mental health concerns. Visit
http://www.drinkaware.co.uk/ for further information on alcohol and your recommended alcohol intake.
04. Spend time laughing
Having
a laugh is always a good way to improve your mood. Spending time with friends and family can make you feel good about yourself
and life in general.
An easy way to do this is by joining a club or society - whether you want to join something
related to what you are studying or a random interest/hobby, you're bound to find something you like!
05.
Live well
Your mental health is influenced by your surroundings, so try to make your living space somewhere
you want to be. Put photos on your wall, make your room comforting and make sure your accommodation is good enough for you
to be living in.
Managing your money is really important too - debt and financial difficulties are very stressful.
Living well doesn't mean spending lots. Being with friends and taking care of yourself can be done within a budget. For
advice on finance or housing visit: http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/
06. Take a break
Make sure you don't over do it. Being a student does mean revision, coursework
and exams but try to take breaks in between to keep a good balance between work and social time. Take a walk and get some
fresh air
- being in green spaces can help lift your mood.
07. Volunteer
Make the most of
your spare time and do something fun. Volunteering isn't just something good to write on your CV, it's a great way
to make new friends, learn new skills and do something for others.
Your students' association might be able
to help you find a project suited to you. There's lots you can do, from being a class rep to campaigning for a good
cause.
Talk to your students' association about how you can get involved. If you want to volunteer in your local
community you should contact your local volunteer centre. More information can be found at volunteerscotland.org.uk
08. Support network
It's important to know where to go for support. Whether you just want
to talk to someone, or need help with a specific issue, there is always someone to offer support and advice.
Friends
and family are often your first contact. Learn to be honest with them about what is going on, and share your problems with
each other. If you feel you need some extra support, there are plenty of orgnisations out there that can help you.
Take
time to familiarise yourself with the support services at your college and the support the students' association can provide.
09.Remember
the good
It can be easy to let the bad things overshadow your day and forget the little things that make you
smile, especially when times are tough. Try to get into the habit of ending your day on a positive. Before you go to bed,
write down the good things that have happened to make you smile.
10. Get some sleep
Sleeping and
student life don't always seem to go together, but you should aim for about eight hours every night. A lack of sleep not
only causes tiredness but
has been associated with mental health problems.