How to practice self-care as postgraduate student

At the UCL Global Business School for Health, we want to make sure our students feel supported and ensure our students prioritize their mental well-being. UCL GBSH Social Media Ambassador Feham Riaz shares her top self-care tips for postgraduate students.

UCL Student’s Union and Support & Wellbeing Team

While UCL’s courses are full of growth, passion, and excitement, they can also be demanding, and the UCL GBSH is no different. We all strive to do our best but sometimes it can become overwhelming, especially during the busy nature of the first term of a postgraduate programme. Therefore, we must make an active effort to not neglect ourselves and our needs. UCL Students’ Union provides a number of free resources for student support and well-being including professional counselling, peer support, and mental health resources. When things feel overwhelming, it’s important to know that you can reach out to the UCL support and well-being team to receive specialised support and guidance.

Take a break!

Sometimes, we tend to spend a significant amount of time in our rooms studying. Most modes of learning involve the use of technology and therefore, while studying, make sure to follow the 20-20-20 rule, that is; for every 20 minutes spent looking at a screen, a person should look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Although continuously studying for hours may seem the best way to get work done, it is crucial to take breaks for our mental and physical well-being.

A few healthy break options include:

Volunteer

Volunteering is a great way to connect with a diverse array of individuals, build new skills and all that while giving back to the community. Designating some time during the week to volunteer can help us recharge, give back to the community and give us a break from studying. A good place to find volunteering opportunities is the UCL Student’s Union which has an array of volunteering opportunities for students. 

Go out for a walk

London has the most beautiful parks and architecture. A great way to relax and unwind is to go out and enjoy London’s breathtaking autumnal green spaces. UCL East, where the UCL GBSH is based, is right next to the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park which has 560 acres of greenery and boasts some peaceful canals to walk along. You can also do a mindful walking practice as suggested here by Mindful. 

A good night’s sleep!

The national sleep foundation recommends 7-9 hours of sleep per night. A good night’s sleep refreshes the mind and body enabling us to feel recharged and face the next day of studying. As much as we all enjoy staying out late, during exam season or a hectic university schedule, a good sleep sets us up for a great working week.