It’s Mental Health Awareness Week 2024, a focus week that happens every year to raise awareness about the importance of taking care of our own mental health. Many students face the stress of exam preparation often find themselves grappling with their wellbeing as a result. The pressure to perform well can lead to heightened anxiety and feelings of overwhelm.

It’s crucial during this time to prioritise self-care and mental well-being alongside your academic pursuits. Taking breaks, practicing mindfulness, and seeking support from peers and professionals can help alleviate the burden and foster a healthier approach to exam revision.

In this blog, we’ll share ten top tips on how you can better take care of your wellbeing for Mental Health Awareness Week 2024.

1. Practice self-care

Self-care is essential for mental well-being, and it involves taking care of your body, mind, and emotions. Some self-care practices include getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and doing things that you enjoy. Think about your basic needs – nutrition, hydration, rest, exercise, hygiene and play – how can you carve out more time for these needs every day?

Girl drinking a glass of water

2. Connect with others

Connecting with others is a vital part of maintaining good mental health. It’s important to have supportive relationships with friends, family, or peers. Talking to someone when you’re feeling down can help you feel better and give you the support you need. Don’t be afraid to reach out to others when you’re feeling low.

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3. Avoid the toxic

Avoid anything that’s toxic. This might involve spending less time with people who criticise, blame and shame others, or steering clear of social feeds that encourage negative ways of thinking about ourselves and others. Try to surround yourself with things that bring you joy, positivity and happiness. Eat foods that energise you, watch TV or listen to podcasts that enrich your life and keep well clear of anything that brings you negative energy.

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4. Take breaks

Taking breaks is essential for mental health, and it’s important to take time for yourself to relax and recharge, even during study time Whether it’s a short break during the day or a simply a walk to get fresh air, taking breaks can help you feel refreshed and energised.

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5. Manage stress

Stress is a common cause of mental health problems, and it’s important to manage it effectively. Some stress-management techniques include deep breathing practices, meditation, or exercise. Try listening to your favourite music and dancing it out whenever you feel stressed.

6. Seek help

It’s okay to seek help if you’re struggling with your mental health. Talk to a trusted friend, teacher or family member if you’re struggling with the pressures of exams. Remember that you’re not alone.

7. Set boundaries

Setting boundaries can help you maintain good mental health by reducing stress and avoiding burnout. It’s important to say no to things that are not essential or that you don’t have time for, and to prioritize your mental wellbeing.

8. Practice mindfulness

Mindfulness involves being present in the moment and paying attention to your thoughts, feelings, and surroundings. It’s an effective way to reduce stress and improve wellbeing.

9. Get enough sleep

Getting enough sleep is crucial for mental health, as it helps you feel refreshed and energised. Aim for seven to eight hours of sleep each night and establish a bedtime routine to help you wind down before sleep.

10. Focus on positive thinking

Positive thinking can help improve mental health by reducing stress and boosting self-esteem. Try to focus on positive thoughts and reframe negative thoughts into more positive ones.

Exam preparation can be a stressful time. Taking care of your mental health is essential for your overall well-being. By practising self-care, connecting with others, avoiding bad habits, taking breaks, managing stress, seeking help if needed, setting boundaries, practising mindfulness, getting enough sleep, and focusing on positive thinking, you can better take care of your wellbeing.

Remember, it’s okay to seek help if you’re struggling, and there are many resources available to support you.