Everything, Everywhere, All At Once

Stavros is struggling between doing all those things he had dreamed about and having to manage his fear that is getting in the way.

- Stavros

I don’t particularly enjoy taking walks in parks. Please don’t judge me when I say this, but I have to admit that walks in parks often feel like a messy plate filled with all kinds of vegetables, scattered unevenly in terms of colour and shape. People running, children screaming, dogs barking… I prefer taking naps alone. There’s no room for excitement, but there’s also no room for drama. Have I ever taken walks in parks?
— No.
Do I need to, though, to judge whether it’s worth it?
— Probably. But honestly, I really enjoy taking naps. 

Before moving to the UK three years ago, I used to be THE FUN back in Greece. If you were to spell my name, it would most likely be F.U.N. Naps were boring back then; only fun existed. After years of being “FUN”, I decided it was time to switch on the “CAREER” mode and maybe avoid paying the electricity bill for leaving the “FUN” switch on. Does that even make sense? I had bills to pay and could only afford to have one switch turned on, and “FUN” was really expensive.     

No one really prepares you for what it’s like to move abroad and say goodbye to your loved ones, starting over from scratch, being again at level zero. I mean, I don’t even remember when I was at zero; even in kindergarten, I’d say I was a solid four. Don’t even get me started on primary school, where I was a ten since I played in a movie and suddenly became the new Johnny Depp in town. How would I socialise in English all of a sudden? How would I make friends? These people wouldn’t even know about my long acting career.     

But seriously, how would I ever overcome my fear of exposure? Since moving to the UK, I’ve started to think about all the ways everything could go wrong. Watching myself miss out on all the fun activities and cool opportunities because of this fear isn’t fun or cool at all. I came here because I’ve always dreamed big. I still have big dreams, but I keep convincing myself that I shouldn’t change how I perceive things and that one day, a huge opportunity will come knocking at my door. I’d be wearing white because it’s not considered a colour, and I don’t want the colour police after me on my big breakthrough. But after nearly four years, I guess my home address got lost along the way.     

Did I mention I dream big? I really do. I can see what I could have achieved if it weren’t for this fear of failure, this fear of exposure, this fear of… people? I want to be everything, everywhere, all at once. I want to make friends, land the best job, and achieve what usually takes years of hard work. Yet, if you were to hand it to me, I’d be scared to even consider it. I keep asking myself why it’s so difficult to let myself fail at something.     

Failure isn’t bad, is it? Failure is what turns this journey into a whole movie instead of just a snapshot. It’s what creates a full song instead of the same note on repeat. The inner me knows this, but my fear keeps getting in the way of what I feel I’m meant to do. As I write this while walking back home from picking up my favourite cheese and crackers, I realise I’ve walked past my house and entered the local park. I must have been walking for quite some time now, as I’ve nearly traversed the entire park. Wait, was that it? Did I just have my first walk in the park without anything going wrong? What about the messy plate of vegetables? Why does what I see look more like an art piece? Why didn’t my fear stop me? Is my fear a friend dragging me down unintentionally, but deep down, I’m the one who has to lift them up? Why do I sound so sophisticated right now? Should I consider writing blogs for mental health charities? Wow, that would be a huge step for me. But for now, this is enough. I am enough. Tomorrow, I want to be everything, everywhere, all at once, but today I just had my first walk in the park, and I LOVED IT.  

"Fun Switch” on Xoxo, S

Find out how you can get involved with the Student Minds Blog. You can also find support at Student Space.

I am a Psychology Grad and a MSc student in Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuropsychology.  Writing for me is a form of expression and I figured that other people who express themselves in the same way might relate to my stories as I have found myself relating to many of theirs. 

Why It’s Okay Not to Have Everything Figured Out After Graduation

Julia reflects on the stress and uncertainty of life after graduation, exploring the pressures of choosing a career and embracing the freedom to explore multiple paths. 

- Julia Zablocka

Graduating from university is often celebrated as a huge milestone, but for many of us, it brings a mix of stress, anxiety, and uncertainty. The pressure to immediately figure out a career can feel overwhelming. We’re expected to choose a path at 18 and stick with it for the rest of our lives—but is that really realistic in today’s world?  

It wasn’t always like this. Back in the Renaissance, people were encouraged to explore a range of disciplines, and having a broad set of skills was seen as a strength. Leonardo da Vinci, for example, wasn’t just a painter famous for the Mona Lisa—he was also an inventor, scientist, and engineer. He designed things like early tanks and mechanical robots, embodying what we now call a "Renaissance soul." His life was built around curiosity and learning, not being tied to just one thing.  

Fast forward to now, and the idea of being multidisciplinary has faded. We’re often told to specialise and choose one career. But in a world where many of the jobs we’ll have in the future don’t even exist yet, how does that make sense? Just five years ago, most of us wouldn’t have thought jobs in AI would be a major career path, and now they’re everywhere. As a recent graduate, I’ve felt this pressure firsthand. I found myself questioning how to move forward when the idea of a "single career" seems out of touch with reality. I am not the same person I was at 18, and I won’t be the same person in 10 years. It’s daunting to be expected to have everything figured out now. The stress comes not only from the fear of making the "wrong" choice but also from the idea that I should know exactly what I want for the rest of my life when I’m still discovering who I am. 

It’s okay not to have a clear, defined path. If history has taught us anything, it’s that being curious and exploring multiple passions can lead to incredible discoveries, both professionally and personally. Our society is constantly changing, and we’re allowed to change with it. We can be artists, scientists, inventors, or something completely different over the course of our lives – although this isn’t considered to be a popular opinion nowadays.  

For me, accepting this has been a significant part of managing my mental health. The uncertainty is still there, but I no longer feel trapped by the idea that I must choose one thing and stick with it forever. Instead, I try to embrace the fact that I will continue to grow and evolve, just like the world around me. We are allowed to have multiple interests and this should be encouraged. 

Oscar Wilde once said, "If you know exactly what you want to be in life, you will become it; and that is your punishment". It is a privilege to not know what you want to be in life and have the opportunity to reinvent yourself.  

I hope that by sharing my experience, other graduates, or anyone who’s feeling the pressure to have everything sorted, can find some comfort. It’s okay not to have everything planned out. Instead of feeling weighed down by the idea of choosing just one path, let’s embrace the possibilities. Life is about exploring, and it’s okay to take our time.

Find out how you can get involved with the Student Minds Blog. You can also find support at Student Space.

Hi, my name is Julia and I'm a recent psychology graduate. Like many others, I've felt the pressure of trying to figure out my career path. I'm sharing my story to remind others that there are many people in the same position as them and it's okay not to have everything figured out. 

Pressures to drink as a student

Flute Spindloe shares the pressures to drink at university and how alcohol isn’t needed to have a great university experience. 

- Flute Spindloe

Before I started university, I was informed by people around me (many who hadn’t attended university for many decades) that alcohol was one of the most important aspects of university life and if I chose not to drink, I would be missing out on the ‘student experience’. There is a continuing perception of the typical student, someone who lives off pot noodles, procrastinates their coursework until last minute and spends most of their time drinking and clubbing with their friends.   

This was extremely stressful to deal with before I had even moved into my student accommodation. The thought that even though I have extreme anxiety about drinking, if I didn't take part in those crazy nights out and get drunk then I would struggle to make friends and I would end up alone at university. Did this mean I wouldn’t be able to enjoy university life? Well I can promise you that no, it absolutely does NOT mean this. 

Over the past several years, there has actually been a reduction in the number of students who feel like they need to drink to have a good time and in a recent survey half of non-drinkers reported that not drinking had a positive influence on their life at university in general and 45% say they never feel like their friends expect them to drink alcohol.  

The reality is there has been a shift in the way we view alcohol and a greater acceptance that not everyone drinks and that’s absolutely fine! I have many friends who drink but I can still get involved without drinking because not only are they completely okay with my decision, but the environment itself has changed. Student Unions are a place where lots of students go to drink and socialise, but there’s also plenty of non-alcoholic drinks available, so there has been a mindset shift which makes being a teetotal a much easier experience.  

Taking part in societies can also be a great way to socialise without alcohol (just choose the right societies as some are more pro-drinking culture than others!). I did walking and mountaineering, which meant I could regularly spend time with friends in a way I felt comfortable with whilst still having a great time! This society did have meetings set in pub environments, however, they never pressured anyone to drink and the majority of people that turned up chose a non-alcoholic beverage anyway. A lot of societies intentionally put on events that don’t involve alcohol so this is another great opportunity to enjoy being a student around other students without alcohol being central to the event. I also enjoy travelling to cities around my university and shopping or seeing sights, all things I do where there’s no drinking necessary and since my friends love sightseeing just as much as me it’s a fun experience for all of us.  

There is still a big part of university life where alcohol is involved but it isn’t as important as you might think to have a fun time. Students and the university itself are a lot more accepting of non-drinkers and hopefully we will continue to see this acceptance continuing to grow. 

University is only fun if you do what YOU want to do, no-one should make you feel like you’re missing out because you won’t have alcohol and there’s far more to university and opportunities to make friends in a variety of ways which is comfortable and enjoyable for everyone involved.

Find out how you can get involved with the Student Minds Blog. You can find further support relating to this post at Student Space.

My name is Flute Spindloe I am a student at Bath Spa University,  studying for a primary and early years education degree. I chose to share my experience of the pressures of drinking at university because I am aware that I was not alone with this feeling and thought that sharing an insight into my experience can give others a better understanding of modern-day university life. 

The Power of Resilience and Determination

To mark 'Never Give Up Day' our sub-editors have come together to discuss the importance of being resilient and determined to succeed at university.

- Student Minds Blog Editorial Team

⭐ What makes resilience so important? ⭐ by Madeleine 

Setbacks can leave us feeling deflated and unmotivated. It can take time to feel back to normal, and it is important to do this in order to heal. Needing this time doesn't reflect a lack of resilience. Resilience is picking ourselves up after a difficult time and keeping going. Whether that be for our mental health, studies, or career. Being able to take lessons from hard times but still look forward to the future is an important skill. Resilience is something that can pull us out of a loop of looking backward to harder times and can help us to feel positive for the future.

I have learned how important resilience can be. After being in hospital for an episode of bipolar in 2020, it took time to heal and feel myself again. But I knew I needed to recognise when I was ready to participate fully in my life again- when it was time to have the courage to go and meet those friends I had maybe distanced myself from, or try something which put me out of my comfort zone. 

Resilience has gotten me through the aftermath of some dark times, as I am sure it has for many others. Building it takes experience and knowledge of what helped me through other difficult experiences. If you are going through a tough time and can't see a way out, just remind yourself of all the other times you felt like this- you've always made it through, so why would this time be any different. 

⭐ How can determination be your superpower? ⭐ by Taylor

Determination can be your superpower in university life, driving you to achieve your goals despite challenges. It's the inner force that keeps you pushing forward when faced with difficult exams, heavy workloads, or setbacks. With determination, you're able to stay focused on your ambitions, whether it's getting top grades, landing your first job, or mastering a new skill. This relentless drive ensures that you don’t just start strong but finish strong, turning your goals into realities.

Determination also helps you overcome obstacles that might otherwise derail your progress. When faced with a tough course or a disappointing result, determination pushes you to keep trying, study harder, or seek help when needed. It’s this persistence that differentiates those who give up from those who succeed. By refusing to be discouraged by temporary failures, determination helps you build resilience, confidence, and a stronger sense of purpose.

Beyond personal achievement, determination can also inspire those around you. Your commitment and perseverance can motivate your peers, foster collaboration, and create a supportive environment where everyone strives to do their best. In group projects, social circles, or extracurricular activities, your determination can lead to collective success, making it a superpower that not only elevates your own journey but also positively impacts others.

How are you getting involved this Never Give Up Day? Share with the team - we'd love to hear from you!

Find out how you can get involved with the Student Minds Blog on Never Give Up Day.

Written by the Student Minds Blog Editorial Team.

Burnouts? I’ve got you.

From his journey as a student, Bach shares some of his experiences and tips from his experience of burnout. 

- Bach

We know this too well: education can be so tiring and challenging for a lot of people, where you have so many things to do yet not enough time to finish them all. Personally, in my experience as a student, there have been some times that I overworked myself, trying to fill in the 24-hour timeframe with a lot of stuff: doing coursework, hanging out with friends, planning club activities, and so on. As a result, just as any of you would face if you work too much without taking care of yourself, I faced burnout. When burnouts occur, you typically feel exhausted, and you don’t have the strength to do anything - for me, during that period I felt sick and found it hard to sleep. But as someone aware of the importance of protecting my health, I practised some skills that have proven effective in dealing with this issue, and now I’ve learned to take care of myself and haven't faced burnout since. 

In one of the occurrences when I faced burnout, I felt as if I was unable to do anything - everything was just tiring, and I felt very stuck. I still wanted to do things, but my emotions and body just wouldn’t allow me to. During that time, I went to journaling as my very best friend. I know that many people may become bored when even just thinking of doing it, but honestly, please try to do it. Journaling my emotions, really helped me with sorting out my feelings by letting myself have the ability to figure out the problems that are going on with myself. Simply by doing that, everything just became a bit easier when I was able to find out the main cause of my burnout. With that, I was unable to sketch out some plans for how I could solve that issue. 

The burnout period has taught me a lot about the importance of taking frequent rest. Rests don’t have to be long hours of napping or something - simply, things like taking a break after you study. For the majority of the time, burnouts come from the fact that you are doing so many things continuously that you don’t leave yourself time to rest, which means you have no time to take care of your mental health. Something I have practised when studying is called the Pomodoro technique - there are two main things with this technique: first, for every 25 minutes of studying, let yourself rest for 5 minutes; and second, for every 3 to 4 of these 30-minute intervals, give yourself a rest for around 15 minutes. Doesn’t seem so difficult to do, does it?

Something I have also done and found very effective is that you shouldn’t hesitate to reach out to your loved ones when talking about this issue, because it really helps when you are able to share this problem with someone. When I told my parents about what I was going through, they were extremely empathetic and gave meaningful advice on how I could protect my health. I have a strong belief that you shouldn’t keep your feelings bottled up in your mind all the time. By letting them out I felt much more relieved.

Burnouts can be such a horrible period of your life, but just like me, you don’t have to go through it alone! Through these occurrences, I have learned so much about how crucial it is to balance your time between working and resting, and I hope that you are able to do so so that you don’t have to face this alone.

Find out how you can get involved with the Student Minds Blog.

My name is Bach Le, and I am currently studying in Hanoi, Vietnam. As someone who cares about others and is interested in learning about the mental well-being of students, I wanted to share the tips that I find helpful to others in dealing with different problems we commonly face.

Balancing Exams and Well-being: My Journey to Success

Zainab shares her journey to managing academic stress through effective time management, active learning, self-care and seeking support when needed.

- Zainab

University exams and assignments often felt overwhelming, turning what should have been a learning experience into a major source of stress for me. I noticed that stress showed up as anxiety, trouble concentrating, and even physical symptoms like headaches and insomnia. Recognising these signs early was key to managing them effectively and I found that good time management really helped with academic stress.  

Creating detailed schedules, breaking tasks into smaller chunks, prioritising urgent assignments and setting realistic goals all helped me avoid last-minute cramming and ensured I had enough time for more challenging subjects. It wasn’t just about how many hours I studied, but how effectively I used those hours. Active learning methods like summarising information in my own words, teaching it to someone else or applying concepts to real-world scenarios were incredibly helpful. Joining study groups with my peers was also beneficial; we reviewed content, discussed complex topics and shared different perspectives. This also helped me become more outgoing and confident in speaking to new people, which had always been a struggle for me.  

Waiting for results was another big source of stress for me. I was always terrified the outcome would be disappointing. When I did well, I made sure to celebrate my achievements and acknowledge the hard work I had put in. If the results weren’t what I had hoped for, I tried not to dwell on the negativity. Instead, I used them as a learning experience, identifying areas for improvement and seeking feedback. I reminded myself that one set of results didn’t define my overall ability or future potential. Keeping a balanced view, I remembered that academic results were just one part of my life, and I had strengths and achievements outside the academic sphere as well.  

Self-care became a crucial part of my routine during periods of academic pressure. Regular exercise, whether it was a brisk walk in the park near my house, heading off to the gym, or my personal favourite—a movie marathon, especially when it was cold and rainy outside—was a great stress reliever for me. I tried to nourish my body with a balanced diet, avoiding too much caffeine and sugar, which was hard for me given how much I loved sweets. I found that too much sugar and caffeine could increase anxiety and disrupt my sleep. Ensuring I got 7-9 hours of sleep each night became a priority, as good sleep improved memory, concentration, and overall thinking, which were essential for effective studying and exam performance. 

Incorporating mindfulness and relaxation techniques, like meditation or spending time reading the books piled up in my never-ending TBR, significantly reduced my stress levels. Staying connected with loved ones and sharing my concerns with them was also important for my well-being. I found that just talking about what I was going through could alleviate stress.  

When stress became overwhelming, seeking professional help was vital. My university offered counselling services, and speaking with the wellbeing and support team provided me with strategies to manage stress and maintain mental well-being. While exams and assignments are integral parts of the academic journey, they shouldn’t come at the expense of health and happiness. 

By implementing effective time management, engaging in smart study practices, handling results with a balanced perspective, and prioritising self-care, I navigated these pressures successfully. I learned that maintaining a healthy balance was key to both academic success and personal fulfilment.

Find out how you can get involved with the Student Minds Blog.

I'm Zainab, a university student who has struggled with the overwhelming stress of exams and assignments. I'm sharing my story to help others who might be facing similar challenges. By sharing the strategies that worked for me, I hope to offer support and practical advice for managing academic pressure and maintaining well-being.

Remote Working: 5 ways to keep motivated

In this short blog, Emily highlights some of the common issues people have with working from home and suggests some ways to overcome these challenges.

- Emily

I graduated with my undergraduate degree a few years ago. I was in the midst of my second year when the world went into lockdown and, to begin with, I was placed on furlough and shipped back home to a condensed family life again. In the third year, we returned to the yo-yo of regulations that, had it not been for being a key worker, would have had me isolated back to my student accommodation for weeks on end, as we cycled through lateral flows and trekked for PCRs in the park. During my Masters, I worked full-time in my nursery, meaning I was out and about from 8-6 every day of the week - and I loved it! After our ordeal with COVID, I was grateful to be out of the house.  

I surprised myself, a few years later, by taking up a new role - a dream job… fully remote and working from home. Having always worked in an environment where I’ve physically been involved in the day, socially working with others, solitary working was a huge change for me. How would I cope with nobody to guide my routine? Would I get lonely? How would I keep motivated?   

I’ve not been at it for long, but here are some of my top tips for transitioning to a remote working environment.   

• Make your own routine It can be difficult to get into a prepared routine when your office is a few steps away from your bed! Make a conscious plan to get up as you might if you were working elsewhere. In the sunnier weather, why not have a coffee outside, or take a quick walk before getting ready for your day?   
  
  
• Find new spaces Working from home doesn’t have to always mean ‘home’! Look for other spaces you can utilise for your working day. This might be a library, a park or a cafe. Make sure to check with your employer regarding their remote-working guidelines to ensure this is possible.   
  
  
• Keep a diary It’s important to keep track of your to-dos and to-bes but we’ve all been caught out! Working from home makes it much less likely that a colleague will remind you about that morning staff meeting… keep a clear diary that allows you to plan out your day in terms of meetings with others, tasks to do, and things to monitor.   
  
  
• Set up a separate space It can be tricky to switch off from work when you’re working where you relax, too! Try and create a separate space for your working day that can either be packed away or shut a door on when you finish to ensure a healthy work-life balance.    
  
  
• Keep to your times When you aren’t working to a timed routine with others, such as how a school day is structured with breaks, new classes, and lunchtimes, it can be easy for the day to roll into one. By the time you realise, it’s 4pm and you’ve not eaten since breakfast! Ensure that you take regular breaks that are really breaks: this means getting up from your space and doing something completely different. This could be something as simple as sorting the laundry, or as extravagant as a picnic in the park for lunch. Whatever you do, make every effort to govern your time and set your own scene.   

Working remotely comes with amazing benefits and can give you a great sense of independence and flexibility in your working day. But, it can be a challenge to transition to and it’s important to take the steps you need to make it work for you. 

Find out how you can get involved with the Student Minds Blog.

I'm Emily, part of the Student Minds Editorial team. I'm an Early Years Teacher and, when I'm not writing with the SM team, I'm content writing all about Early Years.

Recharging and Reconnecting when Travelling

Abi shares her experiences while travelling during a study abroad, expressing a priority in making sure to take time to rest and recharge

- Abi

A side of travelling that is not so commonly spoken about or showcased across social media accounts is the effect of loneliness and exhaustion, particularly for solo travellers. It can be very easy to get caught up when jumping from place to place or travelling somewhere new or with new people. From personal experience, whilst all of these experiences can be exciting, they can also become very overwhelming, mentally draining or daunting for even experienced travellers. 

When talking about loneliness too, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you are physically alone. It can sometimes just be a sort of disconnect from all that’s going on around you. 

One of the things that I have loved about my travelling experiences so far is the fact that no matter where you end up, there is almost always someone to meet. Whether that be in a hostel, on the way up a hiking trail or simply wandering around the local streets. Despite sometimes only being small interactions, every new person I meet has always helped me learn more about new cultures, given me new fun stories to share and/or taught me things about myself which I hadn’t necessarily come across before. 

Whilst I would say I love the outgoing and social side of travelling, I also place a big importance on having time to recharge away from all of the socialising and new interactions. Prioritising time to settle down after a long day of travelling or a busy day of activities can help me to stay present. I find it essential to make time for myself even when travelling with friends. It seems like an obvious thing to relax when back home or at University. Yet sometimes when I’m travelling, I find myself stuck in the mindset of having to do everything for fear of missing out.  

In my recent travels with friends, I’ve been lucky that we have all shared the same appreciation for a bit of down time. Whilst it’s not something we necessarily scheduled into our days, it was almost always accounted for that we’d come back from a busy day and spend an hour chilling out, reading, scrolling online or napping. It’s been so important to balance this drive to make the most of our time but also ensure we are recharging our batteries to truly enjoy the time that we have engaging in the new experiences whilst not draining ourselves entirely. Looking back on a lot of my trips now too, one of my favourite parts from my trips will always be the people that I got to spend them with. 

My grandmother always used to say that you should leave a place wanting to do something else; not only can it motivate you to come back but it also encourages you to not overdo it and just appreciate the time you have. When I find myself in times that I think I need a bit of a break from the constants of travelling, I try to set some time aside to prioritise reconnecting. 

When solo travelling, it is particularly important to reconnect with people from home: friends, family, partners or pets! Alongside this, I try to take some time to find out what I need at that moment. Sometimes, it’s having a long shower and chilling in the hostel for the night. Sometimes, it’s trying to put me out there and socialising at an event. Sometimes, it is trying something new by myself, such as going for a walk in a new area, journaling or anything that will boost my energy.

For everyone it will be different relating to themselves and their current situations, the main thing is to make sure you allow yourself time to recharge and reconnect.

In those really hard times, it is still really important to know you’re not alone. If there’s someone back home you can reach out to and you’re comfortable speaking with, I encourage you to pick up the phone or drop them a quick message. Sometimes a quick call/message will break those internal barriers which stop you from reaching out to get things off your chest or gain the support you need. 

Before travelling, it is important to ensure that you have the right travel insurance to support you that includes medical cover to access professional services. Make sure your prescribed medications are allowed in your travel destination or across certain borders. 

During and after travelling, remember that you are not alone and that there are online services available too to help you get through the harder times. Even if you don’t think you’ll need these resources, knowing they’re available for yourself or others can be reassuring in challenging times. 

Stay safe and remember to look out for yourself!

Find out how you can get involved with the Student Minds Blog.

I am currently in my final year of studying at University before graduating in the summer. Last year I spent time studying abroad and it really helped me have a break from my studies and allow me to realise how much I love travelling. Sometimes, despite having an incredible year, there are times when you need to look after yourself and take a step back. Hearing other people's experiences really helped me with this and I hope to do the same. 

Stress Awareness Month 2024

The Editorial Team are raising awareness for Stress Awareness Month by sharing their top tips for managing stress at university.

- Student Minds Blog Editorial Team

⭐ Tip 1: Find your people ⭐

by Taylor

Managing stress is so much easier when you can get out of the zone and feel truly happy with the people around you. It certainly doesn't mean that the problem will go away but having a good distraction doesn't hurt and neither does a good support network that you can talk your problems through with. After all, a great friendship can get you through anything!

⭐ Tip 2: Explore hobbies you love⭐

by Madeleine 

Having hobbies you can go to for destressing can be a massive help when it comes to managing stress. Having things you enjoy aside from academics will mean that you have something to turn to when studying gets a bit much. Taking time out to reset and enjoy something else will mean you can later return to your studies refreshed and ready to take on your next assignment. 

⭐ Tip 3: Use your stress to your advantage ⭐

by Emily A

Like anything, stress is a good thing to have in moderation. An element of stress can be a powerful motivator for getting things done and reaching out of your comfort zone to explore new passions. Pay attention to your relationship with stress as it can be a useful mechanism for understanding your limits and when you might need to follow some of the other tips in this blog!

⭐ Tip 4: Journalling⭐

by Emily T

This year, perhaps more than others, I have encountered many stressful situations. Working abroad as an English Language Assistant has been an amazing experience, but I have sometimes struggled with the unpredictability of travelling abroad. To avoid the feeling of being overwhelmed in stressful situations, I have found that writing every day in a diary about the situations that I have faced and what the solutions were has been super important in managing my stress. Having solutions to many common problems while travelling written in my journal has enabled me to refer to past situations and resolve the situations quickly through predetermined steps!

How are you getting involved during Stress Awareness Month? Share with the team - we'd love to hear from you!

Find out how you can get involved with the Student Minds Blog this Stress Awareness Month.

Written by the Student Minds Blog Editorial Team.

Inside the cave - opening Up

Ali shares his experience of opening up to people about his feelings while at university.

- Ali

Despite being on a counselling training course, the idea of me “opening up” didn’t really come to mind when I applied, enrolled, and attended my degree. Perhaps naively it didn’t occur to me that I would have to “open up” as part of the mandatory hours of personal therapy I have to attend as part of the course…

“you’re such an emotionally mature person” 

“you’re so connected with your feelings”  

“I feel like I could tell you anything”

But, opening up can be scary. Being heard can be terrifying. And being seen, properly seen, by another person can be horrifying. 

The first time I felt seen was when a lecturer picked up on a twinge of anger in my voice as I talked about my first academic year not ending how I wanted it to. That small recognition of my feelings, my experience, and of me drained the blood from my face. I felt incredibly cold. 

As if the usual words of everyday life we use to fill the day had vanished and I had been spotted. It was cold…but also a relief. I hadn’t said what I was feeling but someone had heard/seen it. I suppose being heard or seen was my precursor or first step to opening up. Knowing someone had received a small part of me and what I had feeling at the time gave a little nudge to open up a little more.  

When my mental health needed attending to, beyond the requirements of my course, it took a while to open up in therapy. I remember my therapist nodding along to what I was saying and then slowly but suddenly leaned forward and said  “why are you here today? You’ve spoken, very eloquently, about “stuff” but what do you want?”  I was taken aback. A deer in the headlights! My clever disguise of words and conversation had been seen, accepted, and they wanted to know more- more about what I wanted, more about what I felt, and more about who & how I was. 

The “old cold” came back as I told them, just a little bit, about how I felt about my reasons for coming for counselling. I suppose the “old sensation” of being perceived and received doesn’t go away and may be part and parcel of opening up. Opening up can involve a treading lightly of who we are and how we feel to another person. All the good, all the bad, and all the everything even just a little. 

Every time I have “opened up” it has felt like opening up a protective stone layer, like a cave door, over my chest and letting a little bit of the warmth out. It has gotten easy to open the cave door to others and let them see what is inside. It still feels somewhat cold but a different cold, more refreshing or brisk than scary. 

Anyone reading this who feels anything resembling the cold sensation and fear of opening up I have described I would say … I get it. Opening up, about mental health, about life, about yourself, and how you feel takes a certain amount of bravery and risk. I would also say, when you feel ready, give it a try with someone you know and who you trust. Ask them to listen to you without judgement (or as little as they can muster) and without intention to fix (again as much as they may want to). Ask them to let you be seen and be heard. Ask them to be there as you are being brave. 

Whether you are looking for support for your own mental health at university or supporting a friend, help is available.

Hi, I'm Ali. I'm a student who wants to write more about the ups, downs, and side-to-sides of navigating mental health and University life.

Embracing a New Chapter: My Ambitions and Aspirations for the New Year at University

Our author shares her thoughts and feelings about the new year and what her aims are.

- Anon

As the new year begins, I find myself standing at the threshold of a fresh chapter in my academic journey. The canvas of 2024 awaits, and with it, an array of ambitions and aspirations that I am eager to bring to fruition during my time at university. 

First and foremost, the advent of a new year invites reflection and the setting of goals. I believe in the power of resolutions, for they serve as guiding stars, illuminating the path toward personal and academic growth.

his year, my goals for university extend beyond the classroom. I aim to not only excel academically but also to engage more actively in extracurricular activities, fostering a well-rounded university experience. 

In approaching the task of adhering to new year goals, consistency becomes paramount. I've found that setting realistic and measurable objectives, breaking them down into smaller tasks, and regularly assessing my progress keeps me on track. 

This method not only aids in maintaining motivation but also allows for necessary adjustments to ensure success. As I step into 2024, I am also mindful of the importance of shedding old habits and embracing new ones. What I leave behind in 2023 are any lingering self-doubts and procrastination tendencies. 

• I’m aiming to start my coursework earlier so that I don’t feel that much pressure when the deadline is coming. The new year provides an opportunity for a fresh start, and I am committed to cultivating habits that promote productivity, time management, and a healthy work-life balance. 
• In terms of routines, 2024 holds the promise of structure and purpose. Establishing a daily routine that includes dedicated study time, breaks for self-care, and participation in campus activities will be instrumental in achieving a harmonious balance between academic and personal life. 
• The arrival of the new year elicits a mix of excitement and anticipation within me. It symbolizes not only the beginning of a semester but also a chance to redefine and refine my academic and personal pursuits. While challenges may arise, the prospect of overcoming them fuels my determination to make the most of every opportunity the university offers. To maintain a positive outlook in January, a month that often brings the post-holiday blues, I engage in activities that uplift my spirits. 
• Connecting with friends, setting aside time for hobbies, and practicing mindfulness through activities like meditation or journaling contribute to a positive mindset. 
• Additionally, I remind myself of the fresh start the new year signifies, focusing on the potential for growth and accomplishments in the months ahead. 

In conclusion, the new year at university beckons with promises of growth, achievement, and self-discovery. By setting clear goals, cultivating positive habits, and maintaining a resilient attitude, I am poised to make 2024 a year of academic success and personal fulfillment. This new year I’m not going to let dark thoughts enter my mind when I’m stressed about university, I will get over them! I just want to succeed this final year of university!

Whether you are looking for support for your own mental health at university or supporting a friend, help is available.

We're on the lookout for new writers! If you have a story to share then get in touch with the Editorial Team.

Balancing Law School Amidst Emotional Challenges: My Personal Routine

This blog is about finding the right daily routine. It shares personal experiences, encourages being yourself, and gives simple tips for getting things done despite challenges.

- Areen

Navigating the widely-promoted regimen of early wake-ups, journaling, workouts, and seamless work-life integration is a familiar journey. As a longstanding member of the study community, I've delved into countless vlogs, attempting to mold my life in the image of those I admired. The attempt to rise early and adhere to a disciplined lifestyle, however, faltered after just three days, leading me to a profound realization: that a prescribed routine was not a harmonious fit for my unique circumstances. I found myself comparing myself to children from Korea who could study for 18 hours, yet I struggled to even rise from my bed on challenging days. It took years to embrace a fundamental truth: my differences don't diminish my worth compared to those leading dissimilar lives. 

My primary advice is to cease the relentless comparisons with others. While external sources can serve as inspiration, recognizing and embracing individuality is crucial. We all possess distinct strengths and weaknesses, rendering a one-size-fits-all study plan is impractical. The only true competition is with oneself; the goal should be self-improvement, surpassing one's capabilities from the previous day or week, understanding that progress is a unique journey for each individual. 

Now that I have established that a single routine cannot fit all people, I would like to share my daily routine, which can be changed according to your needs. 

I am a law student; I usually stay at home (I can take online classes) but prefer to study on my own. So, I don't have deadlines. In addition to my studies, I'm trying to learn languages, get published, try for internships, and deal with societies at my university.

But, I am the most apathetic person I know. I struggle a lot with mental health and what I like to call 'sad girl' days. This is a period of time when I am so unmotivated that I cannot move. Then, as a girl, the days before my periods are also just as bad mentally. On the day of my period, I am hardly able to get up from my bed. Moreover, some days are made difficult by my ongoing family issues. And so, in a month, I only get a few days when nothing goes wrong, and I can actually get my tasks done. 

So, how do I manage all this? But before this, I'd like to shout out two YouTubers that have helped me a lot, FayeFilms and The Thought Spot, whose video on managing executive dysfunction has been immensely helpful. I highly encourage you to check them out. After watching countless videos, particularly those from the two sources I mentioned, I have finally managed to construct a routine that suits me well. My strategy involves: 

• Weekly task delegation
• Prioritizing impending deadlines
• Daily activities like practicing German and working out
• Studying two modules alternately for three days each. 
• Additional tasks such as internship work, blog writing, and research are woven into the week. 

Beyond this structure, I envision my ideal day at the start of each week. Unlike time blocking, which proves confining in the face of unexpected disruptions, my schedule remains flexible. Studying occupies the morning until lunch, followed by a break and less mentally demanding work. If I feel a bit more energised around the evening, that is when I workout before resuming studying and addressing any remaining tasks. Crucially, I prioritize rest after 8 pm daily by engaging in activities like drawing and watching anime to unwind. 

While an ideal day might involve high productivity, realism sets in. My unpredictable life and the onset of 'sad girl' days make adhering to a strict routine challenging. To mitigate this, I front-load the most critical tasks, ensuring that, should disruptions occur later in the day, essential work is already completed. 

On days when sadness overwhelms, I consult my to-do list, prioritize tasks with deadlines, and grant myself a break—be it a nap, shower, or a sweet treat. Music or background YouTube provides a motivational backdrop as I push through work that is urgent. If my mood improves, I tackle additional tasks; if not, I acknowledge the day's limitations and opt for a fresh start the next day. 

Importantly, I've learned to accept that calling it a day and prioritizing rest is entirely okay. The mindset shift is crucial; one is not a failure for leaving tasks on the to-do list uncompleted. 

In essence, the journey to effective time management and productivity is a personal one. Recognizing individual differences, embracing flexibility, and prioritizing mental well-being are foundational principles. 

By sharing my experience, I hope to inspire others to tailor their routines according to their unique circumstances, fostering a mindset of self-compassion and continual improvement.

Whether you are looking for support for your own mental health at university or supporting a friend, help is available.

Hi, I'm a first-year law student and have been a part of the study community for several years. I'm thrilled to have found this platform where I can share my struggles and perhaps share something useful that can help others.  

Navigating the winter blues as a PhD student

Chrissie shares her experience of managing the winter blues and tips for getting through this alongside doing a PhD. 

- Chrissie 

Life as a PhD student can bring its own unique benefits and challenges. We get to pursue our own intellectual curiosities and benefit from flexible working hours. But doing a PhD also means working alone, juggling lots of responsibilities, and managing the stresses of a demanding degree. PhD students are particularly vulnerable to poor mental health, so during the winter months – when many people experience a drop in mood and experience the winter blues – it’s especially important that we take extra time to look after our wellbeing. 

PhD life amidst the winter blues

I’m currently a PhD student and work predominantly from home. I’ve come to realise that the winter season affects my mental health, and in turn my ability to work. I can feel my mood dropping as I watch the sunset during working hours, my motivation sinking with it. My work output reduces, my daily word counts get smaller, and I feel less enthused about working alone at a desk. I feel the desperation kick in as I think to myself, ‘I must go outside!’, and take myself on a walk or enforced errand to capitalise on what’s left of the daylight. It can be challenging to keep working in this frame of mind. 

As PhD students, our schedule is different to that of other students. Postgraduate researchers don’t follow semester patterns in the same way. So, while campus winds down for Christmas, and undergraduate students leave their university cities for hometowns, we continue working and living our normal routines. This can make it all the more challenging - emails land in our inbox from student unions reminding us that term is over, but for most PhD students, we keep working to meet all our work demands and deadlines.

Winter blues or Seasonal Affective Disorder?

Many of us may feel a bit lower during the winter months – with the lack of sunlight causing a dip in our mood and shorter days limiting evening activities. According to the Wellcome Trust, 1 in 5 people “claim to experience the winter blues”, and serotonin levels tend to be lowest in winter. The government also advises that everyone takes vitamin D supplements in autumn and winter. 

But it’s important to note that what some people experience is actually a type of seasonal depression, known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). If you think you may have SAD, you can read more about the symptoms and when to see a GP from here, plus some ways to help manage it here. 

Tips to keep going during winter

Doing a PhD is already stressful enough, and lonely too. Data on PhD students showed that 37% “sought help for anxiety or depression caused by PhD study”, while 80% said they “believe a career in research can be lonely and isolating”. It’s helpful to acknowledge this vulnerability, and emphasise that it’s therefore especially important for PhD students to take extra steps towards self-care during winter. I try to do the following: 

Consider workspace

I predominantly work from home, as do many PhD students. This can mean waking up in the dark, working indoors, and finishing work in the dark. So I try to schedule time outside (like breaks, walks). You could also move around – for example go to coffee shops, libraries, a designated study space if you have one. This forces you outside (even for a little while) and offers a change of scenery, which may give a bit of a mood boost.  

Adapt work expectations

If you find that your productivity shifts during winter, that’s okay. In my experience, my output ebbs and flows – sometimes I get lots done in a day or week, sometimes not so much. These waves are reflective of the writing and research processes, and are natural and expected. It’s all about making the PhD journey more sustainable, and aligning your working pattern with your energy levels and work capacities. 

Practice gratitude for the season

Generally I’ve learned that I struggle in winter, so I try to hold on to things that bring me joy during this time period. Engaging with festivities around Christmas helps, such as going to a market at the weekend, watching a Christmas film with a friend, or getting a fun winter drink while I work at a coffee shop.

Get outside when there’s daylight (especially when there’s sunshine!)

This is perhaps no surprise, as we’re often encouraged to do this – it helps our circadian rhythms, and generally makes us feel better.  But it’s important to emphasise that no work is more important than mental health. Even if I feel like I don’t have time for a break, I try to remember that it will help my headspace in the long run (and probably also make me more productive as a result!). 

I’m writing these suggestions not as a self-care wizard, but simply someone experiencing these challenges myself and figuring it out along the way - and not just get through it, but keep my PhD on track as well. Most of all, my advice to any student at this time of year would be: listen to what your body is telling you about your physical and mental health, and what support or comforts it needs. 

Whether you are looking for support for your own mental health at university or supporting a friend, help is available.

Chrissie Thwaites is a PhD candidate at the University of Leeds, funded by the AHRC. During her studies she has discovered how widespread mental health struggles are for postgraduate researchers. She is therefore passionate about advocating for wellbeing within higher education, as well as amongst those navigating the challenges of young adult life.

Dissertation Stress As Deadlines Approach

Amber shares her tips on how to avoid dissertation stress as it gets closer to the panic period!

- Amber

With the final year we can expect a little bit of stress. However, with the added dissertation we must come to adapt to more stress that will become familiar to us. This does not mean it is something to avoid though! It is a combination of our previous years of hard work and research finally combined into a project that we created and came to love despite all of the stress. Here are some tips on how to navigate this time!  

Initial Overwhelm

Starting your dissertation can be overwhelming, the thought of retrieving and analysing data AND writing about it can leave any student feeling intimidated. Remember that this is a normal feeling and you are not alone! Other people will be feeling this too. One way to help tackle this feeling is to break down the dissertation into smaller steps. Create a timeline! This can help you keep track of things and make it seem less daunting.  

Planning is key

A dissertation can seem like a huge chunk of work, which is A LOT, so breaking it down into small pieces can make it seem a lot more manageable. A well-thought-out plan can help with any feelings of overwhelm. Start by outlining your research questions and objectives and continue to plan from there. Include steps such as literature reviews, data collection and analysis. By having a clear plan with smaller goals it can help you see the progress you are making and keep you more organised.  

Use the resources around you

As a final year student, you will have loads of resources and supplies that can help you with your dissertation! Use the library and the online resources that you may have overlooked before. Take advantage of these things, they can provide good guidance and interesting angles for your work that you may have not considered before. Also, make use of your supervisor! Arrange meetings with them and ask them for advice, as well as your peers! You are all going through the same process so some friendly support can go a long way.  Completing a dissertation can be a lengthy and stressful process but it will all be worth it in the end. Remember that you are not alone and there is support there for if/when you need it! This is a rewarding experience that can show off your skills and knowledge. Stay focused, and motivated and you will emerge from this experience stronger than you are now!

Whether you are looking for support for your own mental health at university or supporting a friend, help is available.

I'm Amber, a third-year undergrad student studying psychology, psychotherapy and counselling. I have recently started my dissertation and am experiencing some stress surrounding it, however, I have found some ways to manage this and hope to share them with others who feel the same way.

University: The Best and Worst Time of Your Life

Xaviera (Vee) describes their university experiences as a student from many marginalised backgrounds and gives advice to any students who need it.

- Xavieria

When I first came to university, my focus was on studying only. I care a lot about my academics and plan to stay in education as a researcher at some point. I spent my first year alone and isolated. I lived in a self contained studio, away from a lot of people, because of my Autism. I didn’t do too well mentally and physically, although I achieved an okay grade at the end of the year (considering my mental health issues), at least I tried my best. 

This blog is not a reflection of my first year however, it is a discussion of how my second year changed drastically. 

Since moving to my university, I felt very isolated due to my race. I was a black student on a course with nearly 400 students. However, every time I went to lectures, I would see maybe 10 black students amidst the crowds. I felt unwelcome from the very beginning. 

Flash forward to second year. This year, I wanted to ensure that I did better than my first year in grades, and I made sure to attend every lecture possible. This lasted for about 3 weeks. The course content (13 hours per week) was too overwhelming. Because of my ADHD, Irlen’s and Dyslexia, I didn’t understand a word that was said in lectures. In addition, I was taking on so many extracurriculars that I ended up becoming physically weaker. My brain thinks too fast, and my IQ is too high for my own good. I kept up with things mentally, but physically my body started shutting down. I can no longer walk long distances without mobility aids, and due to the environmental stresses faced at my university, I had to withdraw from my studies. 

I hope to return to a different university next September, but my advice to you is this: take it easy.  Sometimes you need to practice self discipline in order to succeed in life, and spending all your time trying to be a “typical” student may not be the way to do that. I learn better when I self-study, but I told myself that I had to attend all lectures if I wanted to gain the most out of my degree. I burned myself out to the point where my mental disorders simply worsened. Once I was at a point where I was physically and mentally unfit to do anything, my university turned their back on me, and I nearly gave up. I have so many needs and difficulties, but learning about how to cope with everything and how to manage these things is crucial. 

I may be going through a rough patch now, but if you put the work in, sometimes things will get better. Not always, but logically speaking, you cannot determine that things will never get better, so giving up straight away is not the answer. 

Get the help you need, and try to remember: you deserve a break sometimes. University is not a time constrained education, you can take years to do a bachelor’s, or a masters, but do it in your own time, not anyone else’s.

I hope to make some positive changes, especially with equality, diversity and inclusion across the UK. My experiences have told me that universities may try to incorporate EDI, but not because they listen to student voices, but because they feel they have to. I’m gay, transgender, black, disabled, and assigned female at birth. There are students facing anti-Semitism, students being stigmatised for their mental health issues, and many other students facing all sorts of low-level discrimination. 

I want to change that. Writing this blog is the first step. Gathering statistical data and conducting my own research is next. One day, I hope to make universities across England better at being more diverse, not just to a couple of marginalised groups, but to everyone. Because that is what equality, diversity and inclusion is truly about.

Whether you are looking for support for your own mental health at university or supporting a friend, help is available.  

Hi, my name is Xaviera but most people call me Vee! I'm 19, and wanted to enjoy university so badly, but found it difficult due to my disabilities and the internal racism I felt during my studies. I'm sharing my story so others who feel the same can hopefully feel less alone. I like to make productive changes, and the education system is a good place to start, especially from students themselves.

How to Calm Anxiety Within Five Minutes

Kortney shares a helpful grounding technique to cope with anxiety. 

- Kortney

Anxiety is an emotion that appears quickly whether doing errands, playing a game, or visiting with others. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, anxiety “can make daily life feel like a constant state of worry, fear, and dread.” This can cause an anxious individual to be unable to focus or complete a to – do list. 

However, there are things we can do to manage our anxiety levels.

Grounding techniques help recenter oneself from the current situation. Healthline defines grounding techniques as, “[an] exercise to help you refocus on the present moment to distract yourself from anxious feelings.” These techniques help us refocus and continue our day with a lower, more manageable level of anxiety. 

Anxiety is something I have struggled with in recent years. It became so bad even a little bit of overstimulation would cause a panic attack to start. I decided to go to counseling to discover techniques to help calm myself quickly in any situation. This grounding technique I am going to share with you is one my counselor introduced me to, and appeared in many searches through the web. I personally like this technique because no matter where I am, I can use it to help calm my anxiety within five minutes.   

The grounding technique I am going to walk you through is called, 5 – 4 – 3 – 2 – 1, and uses all five of our senses. This can be used to help shift our focus from the over-stimulating environment to the objects around us. 

Before Starting: Set it Aside 

Set your task aside, because whether you realize it or not, it could be contributing to how you’re feeling in the moment. Turn your car engine off. Pause in your morning run. Shut off your electronic device. Pause the music blaring through your headphones. 

Create a space free of the distractions in order to immerse yourself in the moment to bring you back.

Sense of Sight: Look for Five 

Look around your environment and find five simple things to focus on. The dandelion blooming along the path. The snow glistening in the lights. Your favorite blue pen in its wire holder. The yellow notebook filled with scribbles. The crumbs within your car’s cup holders. 

Why are they there? 

Switch your mindset from the things making you anxious to objects that bring you happiness, bring forth memories, or evoke a certain emotion.  

Sense of Touch: Reach for Four 

Reach for four things around you and focus on how each object feels. The rough fabric of your chair. The softness of the blanket around your shoulders. The coldness of the snow beneath your feet and the warmth of the sun on your face. Focus on the way the objects feel in your hands, against your skin. Is it rough, soft, comforting? Attach yourself to something physical rather than being stuck in your mind.   

Sense of Sound: Listen for Three 

Listen for three sounds happening around you and concentrate on them. The car horn in the distance, or the leaves rustling. The AC, or heat, hissing through the vents. Your roommates down the hall. What does this tell you about the world around you? Focus on the comforting noises you hear every day, but maybe never noticed. Let the sounds remind you that you are safe where you are.  

Sense of Scent: Smell for Two 

Smell the air for two things and think of the memories they evoke. The candle burning on your desk with its sweet aroma. The trash cans smelling of last week’s leftovers. The smell of the rain. Feel present in the smells within your environment. What does this smell remind you of? Maybe Thanksgiving morning, or baseball games in the pouring rain. Switch your mindset from panic to remembrance.  

Sense of Taste: Taste One

Discover one thing you can taste. This is often the hardest sense to complete but a great way to test your imagination! If you can, focus on the flavor of the object you are eating. The fruit snacks in your bag for emergencies. Can you recall a taste? The faint metallic or plastic taste of your water. The sweetness, or bitterness, of your coffee. The action of eating or drinking will provide something physical for your brain to focus on. 

Return to the day

Take a deep breath: how do you feel? Return to your previous activity with your new mindset. Continue the errands, or your morning run. Turn on your electronic device and resume your project. Finish your conversation with friends and family. Leave your anxious thoughts behind. Remember the things you saw, touched, heard, smelled, and tasted. Finish your task strong with your changed mindset. 

You got this! 

A few tips:

• If you are unable to fulfill all the senses, do not stress. 
• Take as much or little time as you need for each category. 
• The important thing is allowing your mind to switch its focus from the anxiousness to the objects in your environment! I have personally used this technique in multiple occasions, including school. I have found it to be effective and timely, working in less than five minutes but that doesn’t mean that it works as well for everyone. We are all unique so it’s important to treat ourselves as such. Give it a go, and make it work for you!

Whether you are looking for support for your own mental health at university or supporting a friend, help is available. 

Hello! I am Kortney, a senior in college majoring in Multimedia Journalism. Anxiety is something I have struggled with for a few years, and have learned techniques to keep this feeling calm. I want to share some of the tips and tricks I have learned to help others who are struggling to calm this overwhelming feeling.