11 top self-care tips from the SSW team!

1) Switch off 

Turn off your electronic devices and focus your mind instead – why not try mindful colouring, knitting, cooking something new, or trying to build something yourself from scratch? - Nichola Carroll, UCL alumna, BA Modern Languages

2) Schedule more 'me time' in your diary & fill it with whatever makes you happy

Allocate some time in your day in which you have no commitments to do things that give you personal fulfillment. Whether that's batch cooking for the freezer, re-alphabetising your bookshelf or going for a long walk in the park - do whatever makes your world a more peaceful place. - Nichola Carroll, UCL alumna, BA Modern Languages

Throw open your windows. Buy yourself some beautiful flowers. Borrow a dog. Dance it out. Light a candle. Allow yourself space to just be. Breathe. You’re wonderful. - Nichola Carroll, UCL alumna, BA Modern Languages

3) Write it out

Writing your thoughts on paper helps you let things out, put it in to words, and to see things with perspective. Who knows, by then end of it you might have the raw material for a very interesting book. – Angel Samuel Perez, Disability Adviser

4) Get organised!

Find a place for everything you own, and keep your space organised. Start by clearing the floor of clothes! Tidy home, tidy mind. - Wes Durdle, Communications and Projects Manager

5) Laugh more

Listen to a comedy podcast – there are so many great ones around right now for all kinds of interests/humours and they are free. They are a great way to take your mind to a better place. – Adam Vidler, Communications and Projects Adviser

6) Get outside

Take some time to be outside every day and use your senses – notice the birds singing, feel the sun (or rain!) on your skin, look at the flowers. The world is a beautiful place – make sure you take the time to notice it! - Ayesha Khan, Communications and Projects Adviser

Stop and go for a walk. Even 5 minutes away from the source of your issues can help you process and re-group your thoughts. - Frankie Gall, Student Support and Wellbeing Coordinator

7) Read!

It helps me to get out of my head a bit and concentrate on something else. Plus, you know poor little Neville Longbottom is having a harder time than you right now. At least you’re not Neville. In the same vein, put some David Attenborough on. How can you feel sad when he's narrating a sloth's life to you? You just can't. - Adam Vidler, Communications and Projects Adviser

8) Sing your heart out 

You might not see yourself as a good singer but who cares! You can just do it in the shower or when you are alone at home. Singing releases endorphins, which are the feel good hormones in our brains. Learn the lyrics of a song you like and sing it. Sing it out loud, and feel the notes resonate throughout your body. – Angel Samuel Perez, Disability Adviser

9) Start the day right!

Shake up your wake-up! Take a few minutes at the start of the day to have something to eat and if you don't have time, just quickly make a breakfast to eat on the go. - Denise Long, Director of Student Support & Wellbeing

You should also sleep with the curtains/blinds open to be woken up by the sun. It helps to wake up more naturally and you can get some of the scarce winter sun. - Emma Hughes, Student Projects and Events Coordinator

Practice breath-syncing for 10 minutes on your way to uni/work for a calm and focused mind. - Lina Kavenova, Deputy Director of Student Support & Wellbeing

10) Treat yourself!

Take regular breaks from work. Make a conscious habit of drinking more water. Eat delicious food. Make sleep a priority!  - Nichola Carroll, Student Support & Wellbeing Adviser

Don't forget to always have a collection of herbal teas at hand! - Giovanna Amorosi, Student Support and Events Co-ordinator

Listen to music as you get up and get ready; drink warm hot chocolate; tuck in to an amazing hot pot. - Adam Vidler, Communications and Projects Adviser

11) Or just work on your downward dog!

A little yoga goes a long way, even if you can't do crazy poses (even if you can't do beginner poses and essentially just lie on the floor in savasana) and even if you don't feel like it. Actually, especially if you don't really feel like it. - Annie Warren, Student Support & Wellbeing Adviser

Last revised: 8 September 2021.

Nichola Carroll, UCL alumna, BA Modern Languages