Working towards exams and deadlines can bring on a lot of stress during this time at university. From 23 April – 9 May NTU’s Stamp Out Stress campaign will be running to help you find activities and resources to relieve some stress during Term 3. Our Healthy NTU SharePoint has lots of resources and helpful tips for you to look after your wellbeing during exam season, you can also find out what relaxing activities are going on university wide too.

Top tips for managing stress from HealthyNTU

Create a routine that works for you

Sticking to a routine can help you feel more focused and less stressed during deadline season. What’s important is making sure it’s a routine that works for you. It could be having the same wake up time or having the same set breaks. Taking breaks is really important. Getting a change of scene and some fresh air to switch off from your studies is good for your stress levels and productivity.

Fuel your mind

Make sure to be eating as well as you can during this stressful term. Planning your meals in advance and batch cooking will really help to make sure you have healthy meals in your routine. Eating well and staying hydrated as best you can will help with your overall concentration. Our HealthyNTU SharePoint Stamp Out Stress page has some healthy snack inspiration too.

Getting enough sleep

How much sleep and also the quality of sleep we are getting impacts on our stress levels. Trying getting into a good sleep routine. Getting up and going to bed at the same time each day, doing something relaxing to wind down before bed and making sure to limit phone time just before bedtime too.

Talking to others

Sometimes we all need a vent to help us de-stress. Connecting with others, especially your peers who understand the pressures of exam season too, can help to manage your stress. A problem shared is a problem halved and sometimes just talking about how you are feeling can make a huge difference.

Practice relaxation and self-care

This will look different for us all. Our minds are all unique and so the way we look after our mental health will be unique to us too. There are lots of great relaxation techniques on YouTube that you can check out or perhaps even going along to one of many relaxing activities happening during Stamp Out Stress

For help, advice and resources whilst studying at NTU, take a look at the following for sources of support.
Support from NTU
Self-Care books in NTU’s libraries
Silvercloud: SilverCloud is our online system designed to help with a range of mental health issues.
Health and Wellbeing resources
NTSU Information and Advice service
Wellness in Mind: Advice and support for anyone in Nottingham experiencing issues with their mental wellbeing
Student Minds or Student Space
10 Keys to happiness
Mind
Papyrus
CALM