We all have mental health, just as we all have physical health. Over the next few weeks, we’ll be sharing tips from our Student Wellbeing and Inclusivity Team on how to manage yours.
So what is mental health?
Mental health is defined as “the capacity to live a full and productive life and the flexibility to deal with life’s ups and downs”.
Did you know?
People normally wait over a year before telling their close family or friends about a mental health problem.
What can you do to improve your mental health?
- Eat well – there are strong links between what we eat and how we feel. Your brain needs a mix of nutrients to stay healthy and function well. Eat at least three meals a day, and drink plenty of water. Try to limit how much caffeine, sugary drinks, and alcohol you have.
- Be active – physical activity is thought to cause chemical changes in the brain, which can help to positively change our mood. Some scientists think it also contributes to greater self-esteem, self-control, and the ability to rise to a challenge. Even a short burst of 10 minutes’ brisk walking increases our mental alertness and positive mood. (See https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/publications/how-to-using-exercise for more information)
- Regular sleep – sleep problems can affect mood, energy and concentration levels, our relationships, and our ability to stay awake and function during the day. Sleep allows our brains to consolidate our memories and process information. Without enough sleep, the brain can’t ‘clean’ itself of all the information it no longer needs to hold, leaving us feeling disoriented the following day. Try not to use anything with a bright screen in the hour before going to bed. Make sure the room is as dark as possible, and not too hot or too cold.
You don’t have to change everything at once, but why not try changing one thing this week, if you are not doing all of the basics already?
For more information on support available through the University, please contact the Student Wellbeing and Inclusivity Team.
