There are a range of methods students can use to look after their mental health, now and in the future. Having the tools in place to address stress and low mood and combat feelings of doubt are vital to set you up for success and build you emotional resilience. In this fun guide, we’ve outlined a few activities you could try to help support your wellbeing.
Happiness Calendar
Coping with the changes and the daily stress of life is something that we will all have a slightly different perspective on. What works for you for dealing schoolwork, exams, choices about university, apprenticeships and your future career, might not work for your friends or family. Everyone will have a different set of personal circumstances, but in a lot of scenarios there will be some similarities which could help us all.
Action on Happiness have produced a variety of monthly calendars that are packed with actions you can take to help create a happier and kinder world. You can see an example of one of the calendars below or click https://bit.ly/2VPi5Fk.
Activity 1
Identify 5 of the actions above that you really like and would do, and then plan how you can fit them into the coming week.
For example, some of our favourites are:
- Number 3 – reconnect with nature even if you are stuck indoors.
- Number 7 – let someone you love know how much they mean to you.
- Number 23 – share an inspiring quote with others to give them a boost.
Also have a look at some of the other calendars and actions. This will enable you to look after yourself and support your friends and family through different challenges such as coping with exams, deciding on your university options and whatever is important to you.
Visit the Action for Happiness website here.
Mindful Colouring
Colouring is said to be relaxing, which is always a good think. There are colouring books galore which you can easily in many bookstores or online. There are also many downloadable options which you can print off or colour online.
Activity 1
Sit back, take 10 minutes and lose yourself with colour! You can find some pictures and patterns from the following websites.
Mindfulness Mood Boards
Putting together a mood board can be a very therapeutic way of setting out your goals and ambitions for the future. It could cover any aspect of your life, whether it is career focused, future travel plans, ideas and dreams, how to re-design your bedroom, or simply of collection of images and quotes that make you happy.
Activity 1
Go to this link https://bit.ly/2Xm1dqz and follow the instructions of how to make a mood board. Let your imagination run wild with things that inspire you and make you happy. Here’s a visual example with some different items you could include in your mood board:
Need More Ideas?
Team DANCOP have compiled a range of helpful resources and activities for learners to complete. Check out our blog to find helpful tips, tricks, and exercised to help support your student journey. And if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch with your local hub or contact us directly.