Keeping your mind healthy
Our mental health is often complex and individual to each of us. However, research suggests that there are five steps which can help with wellbeing...
- Connect – connect with the people around you: your family, friends, colleagues and neighbours. Spend time developing these relationships.
- Be active – you don't have to go to the gym. Take a walk around the campus, go cycling or play a game of football. Find an activity that you enjoy and make it a part of your life.
- Keep learning – learning new skills can give you a sense of achievement and a new confidence. So why not sign up for that cooking course, start learning to play a musical instrument, or figure out how to fix your bike? Keele has a variety of student societies which might help you to learn a new thing or develop your original hobbies.
- Give to others – even the smallest act can count, whether it's a smile, a thank you or a kind word. Larger acts, such as volunteering locally, can improve your mental wellbeing and help you build new social networks.
- Be mindful – be more aware of the present moment, including your thoughts and feelings, your body, and the world around you. Some people call this awareness "mindfulness". It can positively change the way you feel about life and how you approach challenges. Check your Keele email for our mindfulness sessions.
There are many resources and apps which are free for you to use, such as the Health Assured 24/7 helpline and app free to all Keele students and these self-help guides. There's also more information available on our wellbeing web pages.