Simple tips for when you're feeling stressy

Whether you're feeling stressed about exams or you're just not feeling your best at the moment - that's okay! We've come up with some quick mood boosters to help you at times like this:

5-minute boosters ⏱️

Sometimes you just need a quick 5-minute energy booster:

• Dance break: Yes, you heard us. Put on a high-energy song and move. It could be something trending that's stuck in your head or one of your favourite throwbacks - you really can't go wrong with cruisin' for a bruisin' from Teen Beach Movie!
• Micro-meditation: Try the 5-5-5. Breathe in for 5 seconds, out for 5 and repeat 5 times. This can help calm your nervous system and refresh your mind.
• Hydration: Get yourself a glass and hydrate yourself! Even make yourself a cuppa if you enjoy different teas or stick with the classic.

Quick environment shifts 🌳

• 10-minute walk: Take a walk outside to increase blood flow and soak up those sunlight-induced endorphins, especially if you've been in a dim room.
• Desk declutter: Spend 3 minutes tidying your study area. It can typically get messy quickly, so have a quick refresh. A tidy desk often leads to a tidier mind. It's also good to do during one of your breaks. You might then find you're more motivated to study afterwards.

Digital & mindset shifts📱

• Dopamine menu: Create a list on your phone of quick activities you enjoy and that make you happy so you don't have to think about it when you're feeling low.
• 3 good things: Note down 3 small things that went well today or that you enjoyed. This could be as simple as a funny TikTok you've seen, a good coffee, or just finishing a paragraph of your assignment.
• Practice 'passive' gratitude: Look at a photo that makes you smile, or listen to a nostalgic, happy song. It's more of a quiet appreciation for yourself, your friends/family and your life.

Physical comfort ❤️

• Soothe your senses: Put on your comfies! When you're feeling low, sometimes the thing that makes you feel instantly better is changing into something relaxing and comfy. 
• Warmth: Similarly to putting your comfies on, taking a warm shower can also be a quick mood booster. Sometimes that might feel like more energy to do, and that's okay. If you want, you can just sit down in the shower and let the water wash away the stress and relax your muscles.
• Physical touch: Hug a friend for 5-10 seconds to trigger dopamine. This kind of comfort can really help in times like this and quickly take that weight off your shoulders. 

When you're feeling low, you don't need to go out of your way and do extreme hikes or change your entire lifestyle to feel better. It's little by little when it comes to this, acknowledge that it's okay to feel like you do and be kind to yourself.

If you need any more support with this, contact our Residential Welfare team, who are here to help and give advice 😊