Celebrate World Mental Health Day: Find Your Calm

This year’s World Mental Health Day focuses on the mental health impact of repeated exposure to news coverage of crises and conflicts. 

Although we may not have the power to influence or change everything we’d like on a global scale, there are things we can do to protect ourselves and others from feeling overwhelmed and hopeless in the face of current events. 

Today, we want you to take a break and focus on your wellbeing. In this article, tips and tricks on how to distress and stay motivated, Animal Spotlight (cute little distractions) as well as the support services you can find at the UPSU, UoP and around the campus.

Tips and tricks on how to distress

• Physical activity - even a 5 minute walk can help reduce stress hormones
• Healthy diet - give your brain the power to regulate mood and reduce inflammation
• Prioritise sleep - improves mood, focus and resilience
• Read for half an hour - reduces anxiety + you learn something new!
• Listen to your favourite album
• Mindfulness activity - such as mindful breathing or walking (there are lots of apps you can download on your phone to assist you with this!

Every day exposure to crises and conflicts raises your brain’s alarm systems, making it challenging to stay focused and motivated on your studies. Along with various ways to distress, incorporate some tips and tricks to stay motivated on days when it’s more difficult: 

• Stay positive - don’t be harsh on yourself! Don’t focus on the negatives, but rather on the positives (e.g. if I start now I can still finish my assignment on time)
• Create a supportive environment - work in a cozy but yet productive space for you. Whether it’s at home, the library, Ravelin or Park Building, make yourself comfortable!
• Set SMART goals and track your progress - incorporate smaller manageable tasks in your routine and give yourself enough time to complete each task. As you go down the list, ticking things off, it’ll be easier and easier to stay positive
• Take breaks in between - if you follow the Pomodoro technique, you can watch follow along videos on YouTube 
• Reward yourself - whether that’s a small snack, a coffee or a game, every task completed is an achievement

✨ Animal Spotlight ✨

What better to distract yourself than looking at some cute animals? We’ve got you covered ⬇️

Support Services

University of Portsmouth - Health and Wellbeing

The university offers a range of services, resources and spaces on campus to help you look after your mental health and wellbeing:

• Student Wellbeing Service - access free mental health, wellbeing and counselling support
• Wellbeing workshops and events
• Urgent support - urgent help and where to go after an incident or crime
• Wellbeing resources and other support - talk to the NHS, charities and guides on how to navigate mental health
• Chaplaincy - a quiet, safe and inclusive space for all students

UPSU - Advice Service 

The Advice Service Team is here to offer confidential, impartial and non-judgemental support on a range of academic and university issues that may affect your experience:

• Appeals 
• Extenuating circumstances
• Student conduct & plagiarism
• Transferring university/course
• Withdrawing from university
• Suspension of studies
• Fitness to study, reside & practice 

If you need guidance on any of the above, you can request an appointment on the Advice Service Page.

Additionally, the Portsmouth Mental Health Hub is the place to find local services and support for your feelings. Their website includes contact details and articles that may be helpful to you.