Stress free student living
Student years are some of the most memorable years of our lives. Unfortunately, the last year hasn’t allowed students to truly enjoy their time at university. With full time online learning and lack of socialisation - it’s been a very stressful year for many reasons. The Guardian reported that 80% of those studying in higher education experienced symptoms of stress or anxiety.
Although many have finished university for the year, we want to share some tips on how you can decrease your stress levels in the next academic year.
Look after your mind
Whilst you’re studying it’s important to look after your mental health. There are so many ways you can look after your mental health whilst at university and you can do so from the comfort of your own student flat.
Why not try some yoga? Yoga helps you relax by increasing the release of serotonin in the body, it also assists in decreasing the symptoms of anxiety and stress so is the perfect activity for those bad days. The Yoga for Beginners app is free and a great way to get started and try yoga. If you stay in our Lancaster student accommodation, Bailrigg Student Living next year we have a selection of rooms on offer ranging in size. If you want to skip the gym or yoga studio, book our Super deluxe Ensuite for the biggest space, which is more than large enough for your yoga practice.
If you don’t fancy yoga you could always try meditation. Meditation is often used to better your focus and concentration and is also said to lower stress and anxiety levels. This can be done in the comfort of your student room and be accessed easily from your phone through YouTube or apps such as Headspace, Calm or Simple Habit.
Look after your body
Mental health and physical health go hand in hand. Luckily for students living at our Lancaster student housing, Bailrigg Student Living, we have an on-site gym open 24/7 for your convenience, so you can take care of your body without having to leave your accommodation. Physical exercise helps your brain release endorphins, which are the feel-good chemicals produced by your body to relieve stress and pain.
If you’re not a gym fan, you could instead get your exercise from a lovely country walk. Luckily for you we have beautiful country walks on our doorstep at Bailrigg Student living or you could take a short drive to the River Lune and take in the amazing countryside or why not check out Lune Valley where you can take in even more of the beautiful scenic views Lancaster offers. Not only will walking help release those endorphins, but studies show that being in and around nature has positive side effects such as improving your mood and reducing stress and anger - so why not take a hike next time you’re stressed out?
Cook stress relieving foods
Cooking might not be your strong point and that’s ok. There are plenty of foods and drinks that need little to no preparation for you to reap the benefits.
Research has suggested that warm drinks such as coffee or herbal tea increase feelings of friendliness and “warmth”, so when you are studying make yourself a brew to help minimise negative stressful thoughts.
The B-vitamins in nuts, the carbohydrates in whole grain bread and the omega-3 fatty acids in avocados are all known to play a role in reducing stress and anxiety and in some cases boost concentration and mood. So when you are reaching for a study break snack, why not try avocado or peanut butter on whole grain toast to help you concentrate?
If you are an accomplished cook or just fancy trying a few recipes while staying in your Lancaster student housing start with some mood boosting goodness! A salmon recipe like honey garlic salmon or teriyaki salmon is a great place to as Salmon is known to contain mood boosting omega-3. If you don’t like fish but still want to eat healthily, try a simple fresh salad full of vitamin C or a comforting dish such as poached eggs and avocado toast which is high in vitamin D..
Make the most of your communal areas
Cooking is always an excuse to have friends over, there is nothing better than sharing a good meal with your mates to help boost your mood. If you’re having a tough time with university or even personal issues you can always rely on your friends to help you out, why not invite them over to your Lancaster student accommodation and use the communal areas of your shared flat or one of the many common spaces we have at Bailrigg Student Living?
Being with other people is a great way to reduce stress and to be able to share your problems, why not spend some time with your flatmates? Start a tv series together or play a board game, anything to get your mind focused on the positives and most importantly have fun.
If you are suffering from stress or anxiety, you can always speak to our team at Bailrigg Student Accommodation, or alternatively use one of these fantastic external support services:
https://www.studentminds.org.uk
