This week is Mental Health Awareness Week! We asked our Student Support staff and Student Mental Health Champions to share what actions they take to look after their mental health. For more information about the week go to Mental Health Foundation website

Jose Vilela, Student Mental Health Champion at NTU

I like to ground myself in the morning with some form of physical exercise, mainly the gym, but if not then something as simple as a walk in the Arboretum or Forest Fields Park. Then also having a note book in my bag at all times that I can draw in, or just spill out all the stuff troubling me, acts as a form of ‘self-help’ and security. I make sure to socialise properly with my friends – like bowling, a climbing session, or just a cafe – at least once a week to maintain to myself that I have people around me.

Leah Wareham, Student Health and Wellbeing Project Officer

Something that is really important for me when looking after my mental health is making sure I get outside to get my steps in everyday. I do also like going out to the Peak District for walks when I can, there are some really gorgeous spots that are easily reachable from Nottingham by train! Spending quality time with my partner and friends is also important to me, whether that’s having a chilled cosy night in or going out to gigs, connecting with my loved ones really helps my mental health!

Hayley Wilson, Consent & Sexual Violence Development Officer

I try to make sure I do some form of exercise every day such as hot yoga or a run. I find spending as much time as I can outside really helps maintain my wellbeing, so I do a lot of gardening and walks with my partner, especially when the sun makes an appearance! I think it’s also really important to have something to look forward to, so I aim to always have some plan or event in the diary I can get excited about. 

Claire Dixon, Consent and Sexual Health Programme Coordinator

I can find it difficult to switch off and relax, which means self-care activities can quite easily become neglected! The most important thing I do is try to take notice of how I’m feeling at various points throughout each day, and take some kind of small action like getting a coffee or going for a walk if I’m not feeling my best. For me, spending as much time as I can being silly with my 3-year old daughter resets my brain and helps me feel connected to the lighter side of life (nightly dance parties are her fave)! My partner is also an excellent listener, so we debrief our days together every night and make sure we get some down-time watching tv or playing video games.

Ozcan Inanli, Student Mental Health Champion at NTU

I love to spend time in nature and green spaces to fully recharge, be mindful and enjoy the present moment. One of my favourite locations has to be the Peak District with gorgeous views and a very tranquil atmosphere; each town and village has so much character located in the heart of the Peak District and Derbyshire county. Also, I make time to travel to different parts of the UK to fully explore, learn and appreciate the different cultures in our country. Additionally, I make time for self-care by watching a movie, meditating, listening to classical music or just sitting in silence and doing nothing. Importantly, I make time to catch-up with family and friends as positive and fulfilling relationships are so important for our mental health and wellbeing. 

For help, advice and resources whilst studying at NTU, take a look at the following for sources of support.
Support from NTU
HealthyNTU: Advice, tools and activities for your wellbeing
NTSU Information and Advice service
Nottinghamshire Talking Therapies: Support for your Mental Health in Nottingham
Student Minds 10 Keys to happiness
Mind
Papyrus