Relaxation and Self-Care Tips – Advice from Imogen
The 10 Minute Reset
Sometimes when we are stressed and live a busy lifestyle, tasks build up and this can feel overwhelming. I encourage you to try the 10-minute reset technique: identify a task to complete that would help you to feel relieved and then dedicate 10 minutes of your day to this. For example, making your bed, having a shower, making your lunch for the next day, tidying your desk or going for a quick walk.
Completing small tasks like these can make a big difference to your day. Not only can it help you to feel like everything else is more manageable, but these 10 minutes allow you to be present, and therefore calmer.
Quick and Effective 5 Minute Meditation
There is a wealth of quick and easy guided meditation videos online that can be excellent tools for reducing stress.
It can be a great way to start the day, as it encourages you to be present and feel prepared for everything you want to do. It can be really easy to pick up your phone and scroll for 5 minutes (or more!) when you wake up, but I suggest that you give this a go and see how it changes your approach to the day.
It can also be a great way to reset your stress levels and reflect on what you have achieved at the end of the day.
Do something creative!
There is a lot of research to suggest that doing something creative, like painting or drawing, has a range of benefits to your mental health.
You could do this in a group setting or with a friend and chat while making something. This is something that I do with my best friend, and we enjoy the fact that we physically can’t go on our phones during this time! The social interaction is a very valuable time for me and helps me to de-stress.
Being creative on your own can also feel really relaxing. You could play some music (I like to do this) and just really enjoy the time for you to focus on something that isn’t work.
I hope you find some of this helpful 😊
Please remember that you can email me at RO.ambassador@newcastle.ac.uk with any questions or queries about university, the programme and your applications!
Imogen 😊
