Looking after yourself during Lockdown - a student guide

With a second lockdown taking effect from this weekend in Wales, we know this might leave many students who are living alone or with new people feeling worried, anxious or even lonely. We care about the welfare of all of our tenants, and although we aren't experts, we would like to signpost you to the places that can help, and so have collected some tips to help your wellbeing during this time, and below that, links to resources or websites you can turn to if you need help, advice or just someone to talk to.

So our top tips...

1. TALK!!! Yes, you've heard it before, but it's a cliché for a reason. Bring back zoom nights with friends, a zoom pub quiz with your family, phone your relatives, unmute those whatsapp groups or engage on social media. You may feel isolated in your student home away from family, so it's so important to stay connected, whether that's with people you normally see, or by reconnecting with old friends. If you're worrying, tell someone. Share your concerns with someone you trust, you never know, it might actually help them too. Alternatively if you are concerned and don't feel comfortable talking to someone you know, have a look at the resources below which even include some webchats if you don't want to talk on the phone.
2. GET ACTIVE! Move that body! Looking after your physical health can have a massive impact on the way you feel. Whether you go for a walk, run or cycle, or give a home workout a go. There's everything from cardio dance workouts, boxing and martial arts, to yoga and pilates. Get those endorphins going.
3. TAKE TIME OUT! It's totally normal to feel helpless, worried, anxious or depressed with the current uncertainty, and the pressure to carry on studying from home. so this is you're reminder: WE'RE IN A PANDEMIC, GIVE YOURSELF A BREAK! Netflix? A nap? A new TikTok video? Read a book? Redownload candy crush? A large gin and the Great British Bake Off? What ever it may be, take some time to do something you can escape in.
4. CURATE YOUR INSTAGRAM! We know, with extra time and being stuck at home it's easy to lose a few hours just scrolling; but did you need to see another death toll, another conspiracy, or that video of your cousin's health kick/new job/perfect wardrobe/PB in the gym that made you feel bad about yourself? There's nothing offensive about muting! Mute anything or anyone that doesn't make you feel happy. If you only want to see videos of dogs, photos of cute baby seals, and TikTok impressions and dances, that's great, you do you.
5. SLEEP! No, we don't mean all day, but a good night's sleep and a proper daily routine has been proven to help with your mental health. It's been reported that people everywhere are having crazy dreams during the pandemic, so you're not alone. If you're struggling to sleep try a  proper bedtime routine (we don't mean pulling off your fake eyelashes after 12 tequilas and hoping you make it to the bed). Give the CALM app a go, or try and not go on your phone before bed.

We hope some of those tips might help, but we know there are times where you need support, or might want more tips form the experts. See below links to places to find it:

MIND: For all things mental health, and for their Coronavirus and your wellbeing advice. If you're struggling, always a good place to start: Website: www.mind.org.uk Phone: 0300 123 3393 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm)

CALM: For men age 15 to 35, providing help and support, and someone to talk to. They even have a live webchat if you don't want to talk on the phone: Website: www.thecalmzone.net Phone: 0800 58 58 58 (daily, 5pm to midnight)

SAMARITANS: For everyone, whenever you need it. 24 hour support for anyone experiencing feelings of despair, depression, worry or anxiety. For anything you are going through. Website: www.samaritans.org/ Phone: 116 123

STUDENT SPACE: Wellbeing support and advice specifically for students. "Whether it’s your mental health, your studies, money, housing or relationships, we’re here to support you." With a phone line 4pm-11pm every day and a webchat service, as well as loads of resources online specifically aimed at students. Website: www.studentspace.org.uk/ Phone: 0808 189 5260