University Mental Health Day 2025: How you can look after your mental health
Thursday 13th March is the annual University Mental Health Day, designed to get students to talk about their mental health.
Between assignment deadlines, living in a new city and changing your everyday routine, becoming a student can affect your mental health and it is important to learn how to stay on top of your well-being.
We have collected our top tips for caring for your brain and making sure you stay happy and healthy while at university.
Try and maintain a balanced lifestyle
One of the best ways to balance your brain is to balance your lifestyle. Having the right mix of relaxing, socialising and studying is a great way to feel productive while allowing yourself to also have time to breathe.
Staying on top of your studies will also help to reduce your stress levels, and having breaks in between will make sure you have the right mindset to do this successfully. The balance will look different for everyone, and it is important to find your perfect routine.
Keep doing hobbies that you love
When you first go to university, the change in your usual routine can make it hard to keep up with doing hobbies and things you enjoy. Whether it is running, drawing, or something completely different, keeping up with your hobbies can help you stay in a consistent, comforting routine.
Going to university can also be a great chance to try new hobbies and find things that make you happy. Having something to do can help clear your mind, release endorphins and also care for your body, which can lead to a more positive mental state.
Prioritise your health and happiness
The overall best way to look after your mental health is to prioritise your health and happiness, however suits you best. From having rest days, staying busy, hanging out with friends or spending time alone, we all have different ways to care for ourselves.
A key way of staying on top of your well-being is to be honest with yourself about how you feel. Acknowledging if you’re starting to struggle is the first step to allowing yourself to reflect on how you can help yourself feel better.
Reach out for help if you need it
If you are struggling with your mental health, it is important to talk to someone you trust whether that is friends, family or support from your university. It is never too late to get help, and no matter what your struggles are there is always somebody to listen.
Don’t be afraid to contact your university's help service or any other mental health service anytime you need, not just on University Mental Health Day. Whether you need just a chat or more specific advice, follow the links to
The University of Sheffield or
Sheffield Hallam University’s services for help.
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