A mental health first aid kit for Nottingham students

Burnt out? Swamped in deadlines? Feeling exhausted? Well, here’s five top tips to prioritise your mental health whilst you’re at uni in Notts.

We all know that feeling of being overwhelmed with the copious amounts of essays and seminar readings. Whilst crisis or ocean Wednesdays are fun, sometimes we need those self-care Sundays to enjoy the more wholesome activities and most importantly, to put our mental health first.

Here are some therapeutic ideas that you can do to take a moment to chill.

Going for a walk around campus

The University of Nottingham is home to the most beautiful campus (in my opinion) with lots of nature, greenery and an incredible lake.

Having a designated trail, students can take a peaceful walk around the lake exploring many relaxing bench spots, stepping stones and a bridge.

This is perfect for an evening run or simply just a well-being walk to de-stress. As well as taking a stroll round the lake, during the summertime, students can hire a boat on the lake and discover even better views.

Baking with flatmates/housemates

Whether it’s Great British Bake-Off worthy or not, baking is a great way to de-stress from uni work and look forward to that sweet treat after studying.

It’s both rewarding when you bake something that tastes good, but also a fun activity to do with friends after a long day at uni or as a way of procrastinating uni work!

Some of my go-tos are banana bread, carrot cake, cupcakes, brownies and cookies, they will go down a treat with your flat/uni house.

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Going for a walk round Wollaton Park

Best known for its historical hall, Wollaton Park is perfect place to take a scenic walk around. It’s both a great autumnal spot, as well as a great picnic place in the summer.

Whether you’re going on your own or with friends, Wollaton Park is an amazing walking spot to grab a hot chocolate and wander around its beautiful lake with incredible views.

Catching up with friends over a meal/coffee date

As much as uni can feel exhausting, it’s also important to keep in touch with friends. This is guaranteed to boast serotonin levels and improve your well-being.

Whether its breakfast in the Coates Building (which is actually so good) or a coffee in town, it’s so important to meet with friends.

There are some great brunch spots in town such as the Fox café, the Pudding Pantry, Toast, the Cosy Club etc which are all definitely worth a try.

Watching a film with friends

A comfort friendly way to de-stress is sticking on your favourite film with friends in your uni house/flat.

After a long week at uni sometimes all you want to do is sit on the sofa and stay there all weekend, so what better way than to stick on a film and chill. Alternatively, some uni accommodations like Nottingham Two and Deakins Place even have its own cinema room, so go make use of it!

Join a sports club/society

The University of Nottingham has over 300 societies and what better way to make new friends and boost your mental health than to join one.

Joining a society helps create new friendships outside of accommodation and course mates. Similarly, it means meeting people of the same interest.

If you decide to join a sports club, this not only improves your physical health, but equally your mental health. Personally, joining a sports club (tennis) was one of the best things I decided to do at uni!

Whilst these are all helpful tools for your mental health during uni and the winter months, if you have something you are struggling with, please speak to a doctor or a professional. If you are experiencing mental health concerns please speak to someone, or call or text Samaritans on 116 123 at any time.