Balancing Studies and Self-Care: How to Prioritize Your Mental Health

University is challenging for many students; it’s a combination of exam stress, moving to a new area, and managing workload. Balancing university while looking after yourself can be tough, but it’s something that every student needs to try to do. University Mental Health Day falls on March 13th, 2025, and it’s important now more than ever to talk about the importance of self-care.

Let's go over some ways that you can put yourself first while at university.

^{Giving yourself time to unwind}

While meeting deadlines is essential, it’s also essential to give yourself breaks. Taking time to relax improves focus, reduces stress, and helps prevent burnout.

• Here are some ways to unwind between study sessions:
• Go for a walk – A quick 20-minute walk in nature can boost your mood.
• Listen to music or a podcast – Something calming or entertaining can help you reset.
• Try deep breathing exercises – Apps like Headspace and Calm have guided breathing exercises and relaxation techniques.
• Get outside – Sunlight and fresh air can improve concentration.

Tip: If you struggle to take breaks, try the Pomodoro Technique - study for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break.

^{Rewarding yourself}

When you’re overwhelmed or stressed, it’s easy to focus on the more negative thoughts. Saying something like, “I needed to do my assignment, but I still haven’t done it” isn’t healthy. It’s a toxic mindset to have and often isn’t helpful - it’s self-sabotaging.

Instead, give yourself something to look forward to:

• “Once I finish writing this section, I’ll go for a coffee with my friends.”
• “After handing in my essay, I'll watch some YouTube.”
• “If I revise for an hour, I’ll scroll on TikTok for 15 minutes without feeling guilty.”

Saying phrases like these keep you focused while also giving you something to be excited about.

^{Staying connected with people}

University can feel isolating at times, especially if you’re struggling to settle in. Having a support network around you can help you feel less alone and give you a sense of direction.

• Reach out to friends and family back home - a simple phone call to rant or update can help take some pressure off.
• Going out with other students - try to involve yourself with other students; going out for drinks or a meal can distract you from thinking about your stresses. It also allows you to speak to people who may be able to relate to your struggles.
• Using student support services - don’t be afraid to reach out to the university for mental health support. They’re there to help you.

If you’re struggling to find someone to talk to, below are some mental health resources in the UK:

Student Minds

Mind

Nightline

^{Getting organized}

Sometimes, being disorganized can add extra stress that you don’t need, especially when deadlines pile up. Luckily, there are things you can do to keep yourself organized.

• Use a planner to note deadlines - apps like Google Calendar can be a great way to keep track of things you have to get done
• Break down tasks - be more specific; instead of “write essay”, say “research” or “write introduction”
• Set realistic goals - avoid overscheduling, cramming too much into your day can actually make your plans look more daunting

^{Keeping your old hobbies and trying new}

Learning a new city, making new friends, as well as keeping on top of your studies can be consuming. But don’t forget how your routine was before. Keep doing the things that made you happy before university. There are tons of events and groups to get involved in which you can find if you check your union, or university event schedule. It’s also a great way to make friends with people who have a similar interest.

Hobbies aren’t a one-size-fits-all, but if you are looking to find a new passion, here are some activities that are popular among students and fantastic for your mental health:

• Gym - Exercising helps you feel positive about yourself. It releases chemicals that make you feel good, like endorphins and serotonin. If you don’t have a gym membership, going for a walk or doing an at-home workout is good for you, too.
• Reading - If you’re not already into reading, why not give it a go? It’s relaxing and allows you to unwind after a long day. Dr. David Lewis' research found that just six minutes of reading a day can reduce stress by 68%, easing muscle tension and lowering heart rate.
• Colouring - This might sound like a very simple hobby, but it’s more enjoyable than you might think. When you’re so switched on during studying and lectures, why not switch off for a bit? Get yourself some cosy colouring books, put some music on, and just immerse.
• Cooking and baking - Cooking or baking from scratch is not only rewarding, but it is a great form of self-care. Depending on the ingredients, it can be fairly inexpensive as well. BBC Good Food has some cheap and easy recipes for students here.

In conclusion, university can be stressful, and looking after your mental health should be a priority. Always make time to put yourself first and do something you enjoy or partake in an activity which is going to relax you.

What’s one self-care habit you’ll try this week?