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Managing stress and enhancing wellbeing as a student
In honour of World Wellbeing Week, BSc Computer Science student Usman shares his advice for managing wellbeing as an online, distance and flexible learner.
Being a student can be stressful at times with academic pressures and deadlines. However, by taking a few practical steps, we can help ourselves to manage stress and maintain wellbeing. This World Wellbeing Week, I wanted to share some of the tips that have helped me.
Time management
Create a study schedule to help you plan your work and manage your time, including time for regular breaks. I try to break tasks into manageable chunks and set realistic deadlines to stay on track. Don’t forget to celebrate your progress in the smaller steps along the way. Why not explore using planners or apps to stay organised?
Mindfulness and relaxation
Breathing and mindfulness practices such as meditation can help to reduce stress and give you a break from screen time! You can try deep breathing exercises anywhere that suits you. If you need something more structured, apps like Headspace or Calm can guide you through mindfulness exercises.
Physical activity
Making time for the activities you enjoy is key to managing wellbeing. Engage in hobbies like walking, working out, or dancing. Exercise is a great way to boost your mood and energy levels.
Eating a balanced diet
Give your body and mind the nutrients they need by eating a balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, proteins and whole grains. Keep your energy levels consistent through the day by avoiding excessive caffeine and sugar. Keep a water bottle with you and drink regularly to stay hydrated. Learn more about the benefits of .
Getting enough sleep
Establishing a regular sleep routine is key for wellbeing and being able to perform your best. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep as often as you can. Create a relaxing bedtime ritual to help you switch off. Improving your sleep by exploring the activity on your wellbeing hub for helpful tips to establish a routine.
Social connections
Your support network are key to staying healthy and happy as a student. Make time to stay connected with family and friends. Grow your network by joining virtual student clubs or study groups. If you are in need of someone to talk to, try downloading TalkCampus, a peer support app connecting you with students worldwide. is available 24/7 for sharing experiences and seeking advice.
Practice self-compassion
We are often better at being kind to our peers than we are to ourselves! Practise treating yourself like you would a friend and showing yourself kindness. It is normal to feel stressed from time to time and to reach out for support. You might also find it helpful to try a gratitude practice where you can reflect on what you are grateful for. By incorporating these tips and using the resources available, you can manage stress and enhance your wellbeing.
Managing Stress Through Physical Activity
As a student, I’ve found running and walking to be my best stress busters. Running clears my mind and re-energizes me, while walking provides a peaceful way to relax and reflect.
Staying Active in the Student Community Student community's Slack group and , is where we students communicate, help each other, and support each other. This involvement has helped me stay connected and engaged with my peers.
Usman studies BSc Computer Science in Pakistan.
