Studying can be stressful and can often consume your thoughts and manifest in tight knots in your shoulders and the sinking feeling in the bottom of your gut. There is no need to worry, however; living and studying in Melbourne is a fantastic experience and will be highly rewarding. To get the most out of your studies whilst enjoying the beautiful city and all it has to offer, it is important to manage stress and maintain good mental health. Below are some tips to de-stress and stay on top of your studies.

 

• Get plenty of sleep

Whilst it might be tempting to pull an all-nighter, getting sufficient sleep is an important tool in regulating both physical and mental health. When we don’t get enough sleep, our body has to work harder to manage and regulate emotions, which can lead to lower mood and irritability. Aim for between 7 and 9 hours of a sleep a night and both your body and mind will thank you.

 

• Eat well

We’ve all heard of the ‘5-a-day’ rule, yet sticking to this can often be tedious and somewhat pricey. By shopping at local markets you can help keep the costs of fresh fruit and veg down as well as reap the benefits of a healthy body. In addition to the physical benefits, vitamin deficiencies can often negatively affect mood and so eating healthily is also an important tool for maintaining good mental health.

 

• Walking to class

Avoid traffic and walk instead. Not only can exercise promote mood positivity by increasing endorphins, it is also a fantastic way to be at one with your own thoughts and take in the beautiful scenery around you. Additionally, by avoiding traffic, you will be steering clear of any negative feelings first thing in the morning and will arrive to class in good, or at least better, spirits.

 

• Join a meditation group

Joining any group is a great way to make friends and increase your social engagement, which in itself can already boost your overall mood. When combined with meditation, you will reap the added benefits of increased self-awareness, stress reduction and increased positivity. If you are not quite ready to join a group, but still wish to gain the benefits of meditation, there are numerous guided meditation videos on the internet that you can access for free.

• Do something you enjoy

Lastly, one of the most important tips for maintaining good mental health is to set time aside to do the things you enjoy. Whether it’s watching reality TV, painting or shopping with friends, doing what you love and most importantly making time for doing so is one of the best things you can do for your mental wellbeing!