Student wellbeing

Student wellbeing encompasses a broad range of factors that contribute to a student’s overall mental, emotional and physical wellbeing. It includes not only their academic performance but also social integration, personal development and overall life satisfaction. In today’s demanding academic environment, prioritising student wellbeing is crucial, not only for the student’s success, but also part of the wider academic community.

What is student wellbeing? 

Student wellbeing is important, as you want students to be at the best academically and personally. Student wellbeing covers mental, physical and emotional health, it is more than just academic success, it’s about building a holistic sense of fulfilment and happiness during their time in education.

• Mental health

This covers a wide range of factors including stress, anxiety, depression, self-esteem and resilience.

• Physical health

This includes nutrition, sleep, exercise and healthy habits.

• Emotional health

This focuses on managing emotions, building healthy relationships and developing social and emotional skills.

• Social wellbeing

This covers social connections, a sense of belonging and the ability to build and maintain healthy relationships.

• Academic wellbeing

This involves a healthy relationship with learning, managing academic pressures and achieving academic goals.

Why is wellbeing important for students

Good wellbeing not only helps students perform better academically but also enhances their overall university/college experience. It promotes focus, creativity and problem-solving skills, which are essential for success in both studies and their future careers. Conversely, neglecting wellbeing can lead to burnout, mental health challenges and a decrease in academic performance.

• Prioritise selfcare by setting aside time for rest, hobbies and relaxation

• Use campus resources such as the counselling services, wellness workshops or student support centres

• Build routines that include balanced meals, regular exercise and a consistent sleep pattern

• Stay connected to friends, family or mentors who can provide support and encouragement

Student wellbeing is not a one-size fits all concept; it’s about find what works best for you to maintain balance and thrive in all aspects of your life. Taking care of yourself is not only important for your studies but also for building a solid foundation for long-term health and happiness.

How to improve student wellbeing

University and college life can be exciting, but it also comes with challenges like academic pressure, tight schedules and social expectations, all of which can take a toll on your wellbeing. Prioritising your mental, physical and emotional health is essential for thriving both in and out of the classroom. Here are practical strategies to help improve your overall wellbeing as a student:

Prioritise sleep

Sleep is the foundation of good health and productivity, yet it’s often the first thing sacrificed during busy periods. Aim for 7 – 9 hours of quality sleep each night. Establish a consistent sleep schedule, avoid screens before bed and create a relaxing nighttime routine to ensure your mind and body get the rest they need.

Maintain a balanced diet

Eating a nutritious, balanced diet can boost energy levels, improve mood and enhance focus. Incorporate a variety of whole foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins, while limiting processed foods and sugary snacks. Hydration is equally important, so aim for 6-8 glasses (around 2 litres) of water per day.

Stay active

Regular physical activity not only improves physical health but also reduces stress and enhances mood by releasing endorphins. Even 30 minutes of movement a day, whether that’s walking, yoga, a workout at the gym, can make a significant difference. Find activities you enjoy and incorporate them into your routine.

Manage stress effectively

Learning to manage stress is crucial for student wellbeing. Practice mindfulness techniques like deep breathing, meditation or journaling to stay grounded during high-pressure times. Break down large tasks into smaller steps to avoid feeling overwhelmed and don’t hesitate to reach out for support, asking for help when needed will help reduce stress.

Build a support network

Connecting with others can significantly improve your sense of wellbeing. Surround yourself with supportive friends, family or peers who understand your challenges. Join clubs or societies to meet like-minded individuals and make time for social activities to balance work and leisure.

Seek help when needed

If you’re struggling with your mental health or emotional health, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. Whether that is counsellors at university or college or reaching out to the counsellors at Health Assured, help is available. Taking this step is a sign of strength and not weakness.

Balance work and relaxation

While academic success is important, overworking yourself can lead to burnout. Schedule regular breaks during study sessions and set aside time each week for activities that make you happy, whether that is reading, watching your new favourite show or spending time outdoors, make sure you have time for you.

By focusing on these areas and making small, consistent changes, you can improve your wellbeing and create a healthier, happier university/college experience. Remember, your health is just as important as your grades.

Wellbeing activities for students at home 

Taking care of your wellbeing doesn’t always require leaving your home. Creating a supportive and nurturing environment where you live can help you recharge, manage stress and improve your overall mental and physical health.

There are a number of simple and effective wellbeing activities you can try at home:

Practice mindfulness and meditation

Mindfulness and meditation are great ways to reduce stress and improve focus. There are various apps that can provide you with advice, you can also find meditation and mindfulness guides on the Wisdom app. Even setting 5 – 10 minutes a day to sit quietly and focus your breathing can help calm your mind and improve your mood.

Get moving

Staying active at home doesn’t have to involve fancy equipment. Try bodyweight exercises, yoga or online workouts which are tailored to small spaces. Dance around to your favourite playlists or take a quick stretch break during study session to keep your energy levels up.

Create a study self-care balance

Make time for self-care in your daily routine. This can include skincare, a relaxing bath, reading for pleasure or journaling. Balancing study time with moments of self-care helps prevent burnout and keeps you motivated.

Explore create outlets

Expressing yourself creatively can be therapeutic and more importantly, fun. Try activities like drawing, painting, playing music, writing or even baking. Creative hobbies provide a sense of accomplishment and allow your mind to take a break from academic pressures.

Organise and declutter your space

A tidy and organised environment can boost your mood and help you focus. Dedicate some time to cleaning or rearranging your living space. Adding small touches like a house plant, scented candles or even cosy lighting can make your home feel more relaxing and inviting.

Learn a new skill

Engaging your brain in learning something non-academic can be both rewarding and enjoyable. Consider picking up a new hobby like cooking, photography, learning a language or learning how to paint. This can give you a sense of progress and boost your confidence.

Connect with friends virtually

Maintaining social connections is essential for wellbeing. If you can’t meet friends in person, set up a virtual hangout, study group or movie nights to stay connected and avoid feeling isolated.

Practice gratitude

Take a few moments each day to reflect on what you’re grateful for. Write these down in a journal, this can help shift your mindset to a more positive one, even during challenging times.

Engage in relaxation techniques

Activities like progressive muscle relaxation, aromatherapy or listening to calming music can help you unwind. These techniques are especially helpful for managing stress and improving sleep quality.

Prioritise rest

Remember that downtime is essential for your wellbeing. Allowing yourself moment to simply relax without feeling guilty, whether that’s by bingeing on a tv show, napping or just sitting in silence with a hot drink, whatever works for you, do it.

By incorporating some of these activities into your routine, it can help create a supportive and healthy environment at home, allowing you to better navigate the challenges of student life.

What is digital wellbeing for students?

Digital wellbeing refers to maintaining a healthy relationship with technology to ensure it enhances, rather than disrupts your overall wellbeing. For students, who rely heavily on devices for learning, socialising and/or entertainment, striking the right balance Is vital. While technology can be an incredible tool, excessive or unhealthy usage can lead to issues like stress, poor focus, disrupted sleep and feeling of isolation.

Digital wellbeing isn’t about cutting out technology all together, it’s about using it in a way that benefits your mental and emotional health. This involves being mindful of how, when, where and why you use your device and ensuring that technology supports your academic, personal and social goals, instead of hindering them.

Student Assistance Programme (SAP)

The Student Assistance Programme (SAP) is ideal for all students, you have access to 24/7 support from a counsellor, on the phone and via live chat through our Wisdom App. Wisdom is packed full of resources from articles, videos, recipes to exercises, meditation and mindfulness.

Wisdom also gives you access to Wisdom AI, a dedicated search engine which answers your questions with the knowledge from our team of highly qualified and experienced counsellors.

Conclusion

Student wellbeing is a foundation for academic success and fulfilling university or college experience. By prioritising your mental, physical and emotional wellbeing, you can better manage the challenges of student life while enjoying its many opportunities. From maintaining a balanced diet and staying active, to managing stress and practicing digital wellbeing, small, consistent efforts can make significant differences in how you feel and perform.

Remember, wellbeing is not a luxury, it is a necessity. Taking care of yourself is not only essential for your studies but also for building healthy habits that will support you for the rest of your life. Whether it’s reaching out for support, balancing work and relaxation or simply taking a moment to pause and take a breather, every step you take towards improving your wellbeing is a step towards a happier and healthier you. Your wellbeing matters, take time to nurture it.