Use these tips to improve your mood and help you relax!

Take regular breaks: 

Taking breaks is important to allow yourself to reset. Even 5 minutes away from the screen can help you to feel refreshed in a long day of work. 

Spend time in nature: 

It is also important to get outside and enjoy the ever-improving weather! Highfield campus has lots of green spaces to sit and relax in. If you feel like branching out more, there are plenty of green spaces across Southampton, including The Common and Riverside park. A petting zoo has been organised by the university, which is a great way to get outside, enjoy nature, and have fun! 

Keep active: 

On your breaks remember to move around and keep active! Exercise is a great way to relieve stress and to regulate during a hard day of work. Check out the MySouthampton app for free activities run by BeActive and Moves +, come along by yourself, or even with a friend! 

Incorporate self-care into your routine: 

Whether it's taking the time to enjoy your favourite show or spending time doing skincare, it is essential that you try to take some time for you! A balanced diet full of nutritious foods can help you to refuel and boost your energy. Incorporating some form of exercise into your daily routine would also help to boost your mood and relax you, whether that is a short walk or a full workout! 

Spend time with others: 

Keeping in contact with friends and family is a great way to take care of yourself, being with people you can have fun with helps you to unwind and relax. 

Try meditation or mindfulness: 

Mindfulness is a really great way to stay in tune with your body and mind. Checking in on yourself is important to make sure you aren't being burnt out or becoming too stressed. A short, 15-minute breathing session can help to improve your mood and clear your mind of stresses you may have. If this is something you’d like to try, join the virtual guided breathwork sessions on Monday mornings and Wednesday afternoons (times and links can be found on the MySouthampton app). There is no need for you to have your mic or camera on, just join and relax! 

Do something fun or creative: 

Doing a hobby that you enjoy is a great way to look after yourself, enjoyment is essential to your mental health. Mindful colouring is a great way to shut off for a short period of time, whilst either listening to music, your favourite show or even in peace and quiet! If you are looking to get creative in a different environment, feel free to come along to a ResLife Study group and mindful crafts session running across the halls sites. Or get involved in one of the De-Stress Drop Ins happening at Avenue, Boldrewood and NOC. Check out the MySouthampton app or Halls Life events page for more information! 

Journaling: 

Journaling is a great way to let your thoughts out in a healthy manner. It can be more of a diary or a collage of things you find, perhaps in magazines or online! It is a way to express yourself whilst not having to be active or social.  

Help other people: 

Helping others is a great way to feel fulfilled, whether that is helping a friend or family member or volunteering at a local charity/event. It's a great way to connect with others and leave with a sense of achievement. 

Hopefully some of these tips have encouraged you to try some more self-care. Prioritising yourself is also important!