Stressless Week: Take a Break, Recharge, Feel Your Best (26-30 May)

Stressless Week: Take a Break, Recharge, Feel Your Best (26-30 May), join us this week to de-stress!

This time of year can feel a lot; from assignments, exams, to expectations, everything can build up fast. That’s why Stressless week is here: to help you slow down, take a break and recharge. 

📣 What’s happening this week? 📣

Whether you’re on campus or away, there’s something for everyone: 

• On campus? Join us for stress management activities, relaxing walks around the city, cozy craft and study sessions and puppies (we saved the best for last)
• Off campus? Tune into our TikTok lives with Lottie to learn study hacks like the Pomodoro technique and stay motivated by studying along with others

🗓️ Click here for the full schedule of events

🧩 Building a routine that actually works for you

Let’s be honest, strict routines don’t always survive the chaos of student life. You plan to start studying at 10AM, and next thing you know it’s 1PM and you’re still in bed scrolling (guilty 😔). So instead of rigid schedules, try setting a focus for the day. For example: 

‘Today I want to get more confident with this topic before the exam’ - then plan your day around that. 

Leave room for flexibility. If you start later than planned, no shame. Just shift things around and keep going. If you miss something? Reflect, reset and try again. Progress > perfection. 

⚖️ Find your balance 

A well rounded day can make a big difference. Here’s what a balanced day might look like (feel free to mix and match):

Morning:

• Get ready, even if you’re staying in. Wearing clothes that make you feel good sets the tone
• Look over your plan for the day, or write a short to do list

During the day:

• Study in focused blocks (try 25 min study, 5 min break - aka the Pomodoro method)
• Include breaks that actually help you recharge: walking, stretching, coffee with a friend, a bit of reading or gaming

Evening:

• Try a wind down routine: shower, journal, stretch, read, or whatever works for you!
• Prepare your bag, outfit or meals for the next day. Your future self will thank you 🙏

Every task you complete, big or small, is worth celebrating! 💜

🧠 Study tips that help

Studying this late in the year can feel like a slog, even if you’re usually motivated. These tips might give you a boost:

• Pomodoro technique - focus for 25 mins, break for 5. Repeat x4, then take a longer break
• Cornell note taking - helps you organise your notes, understand them better and test yourself later!
• Change the vibe - try background music, ASMR (suggestion links at the end), or lofi

Don’t forget: Lottie’s TikTok sessions this week walk you through these techniques!

✨ Self care add ons to try 

These aren’t a must, but they might help you feel just a little bit more grounded. Incorporate what sounds and works the best to you in your daily routine. 

👟 Move your body 

We know, we know. You’ve heard it a thousand times! But it’s true, movement boosts your mood and reduces stress. Find what works best for you:

• Walks between study sessions 
• Stretch breaks 
• YouTube yoga or dance routines 
• Joining a sports or walking/running society 
• Seated stretches between your study breaks 

There’s no right way, just the way that makes you feel better.

🥗 Nourish yourself 

A balanced diet helps fuel both brain and body. Think:

• Fibre rich foods - berries, beans, whole grains
• Mood boosters - bananas and fatty fish
• Steady energy - proteins and carbs

Hydrate too!!! Sometimes stress feels worse when we’re just dehydrated (and definitely stirs away the worst of the worst - stress headaches) 

💤 Prioritise sleep (seriously) 

It’s not always easy to prioritise sleep, especially if you end up cramming for an exam/assignment but aim for a consistent sleep and wake up time. Try to follow your natural rhythm and skip all nighters if you can. Your brain retains information better with rest.

📵 Digital detox (just a little bit 🤏)

Screens can be draining, especially late at night. It can also set unrealistic expectations of what your day should look like from someone that's not going through the same experience as you. Try setting a short no screen window (even 10-30 minutes) to shift your focus to your mind and body. You could:

• Go for a walk
• Journal 
• Have a self care night 
• Chat with a friend 
• Read something not academic 

Use an alarm reminder if needed. Start small :) 

💜 A moment for gratitude

Practicing gratitude is one of those small habits that makes a surprisingly big impact on your day. Try this: each morning, jot down 3-5 things you’re thankful for. Big or small - sunshine, a good coffee, meeting with a friend, something that made you laugh (bonus: put on your favourite song while you write them).

Take what works, leave what doesn’t and remember that you’re doing your best. And that's more than enough. Be proud of how far you’ve come, you got this 💜

Extra support:

Sometimes stress gets a bit too much, and that’s totally okay. These links redirect you to resources and support services. If you’re struggling please don’t hesitate to reach out.

• From Advice Service - resources to help manage stress (click here)
• Advice Service page - support request form, contact details, support services (click here)
• From the University - advice and support services (click here)

ASMR links:

As promised, here are some ASMR recommendations, it might be just what you need to stay focused:

• Safe Space ASMR - click here
• Nanous ASMR - click here
• No talking ASMR (some whispering though) - click here