Let's Talk: Stress
April is Stress Awareness Month - the perfect opportunity to reflect on how stress affects us and try new ways to live a happier, more relaxed life.
University brings lots of changes which can introduce stress. But it’s important to remember that you are part of a supportive community and though everyone experiences stress differently, you’re not alone in your feelings.
Managing Anxiety workshop
Join ThriveWell for an online workshop designed to help you gain a better understanding of anxiety and how you can manage it.
Thursday 3 April
2pm - 2.30pm
Online
In this 30-minute session, you'll learn ways to improve understanding of anxiety, the difference between normal and disruptive anxiety and strategies to help you manage.
Looking for a cosy, stress-free space to relax and recharge? Join the ThriveWell team in MySurrey Hive Stag Hill every Monday* for free drinks and biscuits, mindful colouring and board games and a chance to connect with fellow students. No need to book, just come along, either by yourself or with friends.
Small changes
Tackling stress can be daunting at first, however, small changes can make a huge impact. Why not try introducing one of the habits below to your routine?
Move more
Movement is a great way to get out of your head and relieve stress. Surrey Sports Park offers a range of classes and facilities so you can find movement that brings you joy, including classes designed specifically for wellbeing.
New connections
Clubs and societies are a rewarding way to take a break from studies and meet like-minded people. Learn something new, continue a hobby and join friendly communities.
Get outside
Connecting with nature gives an opportunity to be present and notice the beauty of the world around us. Even a ten-minute walk by the lake on campus could help you relax in between studying. Or enjoy the amazing green spaces in Surrey.
Prioritise sleep
Sleep is vital to health and our ability to deal with stress. Hear from second-year student, Gabi Hayward, about how you can improve your sleep habits.
Mindful moments
Mindfulness is a process of being present in the current space and moment. You could try mindfulness exercises at home or even in our sensory room on campus.
Journaling
Carrying all our stresses in our head can make life feel overwhelming. Taking the time to write worries down is a great way to prioritise tasks, process emotions and reduce stress.
Log off
Social media can be a stressful space and it's easy to compare yourself to others. Try taking time away from your phone to enjoy another activity - reading a book, listening to music or drawing.
Reach out
Stress can feel isolating, but you're not alone. You are part of a community with shared experiences. Whether it's a phone call or a chat over a cup of tea, talking to friends can help you see things from a new perspective.
Balanced diet
Keep hydrated and consuming a healthy can help deal with stress management by strengthening our immune system and increasing energy. Visit Rubix on Thursday for a fresh fruit and vegetable market.
As part of University Mental Health Day, one of the Support Zone part-time officers at your Students' Union asked fellow male students about the importance of opening up and about mental health and developing coping strategies for dealing with stress.
Additional support
Centre for Wellbeing
If you are finding it difficult to cope with stress, the Centre for Wellbeing offers a range of pastoral services to support you. They aren’t a clinical service provider but they can signpost you to clinical services if you need.
ThriveWell
Thrivewell is a mental health and emotional wellbeing service which can help with a range of low-level issues including anxiety, low mood and exam stress. You can contact Thrivewell via email: thrivewell@surrey.ac.uk. ThriveWell also host a weekly wellbeing café to relax and recharge.
Disability and neurodiversity support
The Disability and Neuroinclusion team can support you with diagnosis and disability related queries which may add stress to your student life. Find out more.
MySurrey Help
If you have specific stresses or concerns, MySurrey Help can offer answers or direct you to relevant teams for further support. Ask MySurrey Help.
Nightline
Nightline is a confidential listening service for students run by trained student volunteers. Find out more.
Let's Talk
Our Let’s Talk campaign provides a space for wellbeing support and connection – helping you to find professional help and peer-led support as well as encouraging meaningful conversations around mental health.
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