5 March is University Mental Health Day

The SSL supports University Mental Health Day (Thursday 5 March)

Oxford University is committed to the Mental Health and Wellbeing of all their students.There are a number of services available which provide support to readers during their studies at the University. Advice is available from your college, department, central University services, fellow students and the Student Union.

Here are some of our Top Tips for how to improve your mental wellbeing.

TopTip 1: READ

Did you know that the Bodleian Libraries has a selection of reading lists specific for Student Wellbeing?

Reading Well Books on Prescription for Mental Health

Reading Well Books on Prescription helps you to understand and manage your health and wellbeing using self-help reading.

The books are chosen by health experts and people living with the conditions covered. People can be recommended a title by a health professional, or they can visit their local library and take a book out for free.

Reading Well Mood-Boosting Books

Reading Well Mood-Boosting Books is a national promotion of uplifting titles, including novels, poetry and non-fiction. The books are all recommended by readers and reading groups.

Why not have a look and pick a book to read?

TopTip 2: TAKE A BREAK

Here at the SSL we would like to encourage all our readers to take regular breaks and study in healthy balance and moderation. Our Take a Break Blog Post highlights in greater detail all the ways readers can take regular breaks, including:

Walking

A walk can help to stimulate your brain, allowing you to study far more effectively. Exercise is proven to improve your mood through the release of endorphins, helping to relieve stress.

Food & Drink

Studying while hungry or dehydrated can make it much more difficult to focus and process information.

TopTip 3: CHANGE LOCATIONS

Changing Seats & Library Hopping

Working at the same desk on the same seat all day can sometimes hinder effective study.

You’d be surprised how physical perception can affect your perspective on work. Even something as simple as moving to a different desk, or seat, can help!

Or why not use your break to travel to a new library? Library hopping is a great way to break up your work and refresh your mind with a new location.

TopTip 4: SOCIALISE

 

Coordinating breaks with your friends allows for social interaction which will break your own internal monologue and give you a chance to relax and focus on something outside of work.

TopTip 5: ASK FOR HELP

Talking to someone or asking for help is a strong thing to do – it means you are taking control of a problem and your life.

Whatever is happening, the best way to make sure it doesn’t overtake your life and weigh you down is to talk to someone and get the support you need.

Talking to someone or getting help for a mental health problem does not necessarily mean medication or counselling. There are all kinds of treatment for different conditions and there are often choices to discuss to see what will work best and most simply for you.

Getting help, helps you to manage the problem as quickly as possible. There are plenty of places to go to for help, including:

Sources of Help in Oxford

Sources of Online Help

What do you do to improve your mental wellbeing? Share your TopTips with us!

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