NHD STUDENT BLOG SERIES
Looking after No 1 - Your health and well-being
Siân is now working with the British Dietetic Association as Professional Practice Manager. She previously worked as an Assistant Professor at the University of Nottingham. She has worked in a range of clinical areas, specialising in learning disabilities, palliative care and nutritional support.
Twitter@: siancunningham2
Siân Cunningham, MSc, RD, AFHEA
Professional Practice Manager, BDA
This is not the first time I have written about how important it is to take care of yourself, but given how important it truly is, I felt the need for a little reminder!
The long run up between the start of term and the winter holidays can start to take its toll. As the excitement of starting a new course or being back at university after the summer break wears off and you settle in to the daily routine of lectures, study, assignments, work, caring responsibilities, and let’s not forget having a social life, your overall health and well-being can start to take a hit. Add in to that mix the clocks going back with darker nights and mornings and many of us start to feel the struggle.
Looking after yourself and building a routine that supports your health and well-being is key to enjoying and thriving in your time at university (and beyond!).
For those of you, and there are many of us, who also have a mental health condition, a physical health condition or who struggle with imposter syndrome (big dose of self-doubt anyone?), taking care of yourself and listening to what your body (and mind) needs is vital!
Think about self-care...
Self-care is the practice of protecting your wellbeing and happiness, especially during periods of stress. It is protecting time to do things that help you to live well, improving your physical and mental health. Self-care can help you cope with stress, lower the chances of you becoming unwell and increase your overall energy levels. Little things add up, so trying to build in small amounts of self-care each day to make a big difference.
Exercising, eating well, staying hydrated, reducing caffeine and alcohol intake, getting enough sleep, activities like spending time in nature, meditation, relaxation, practicing gratitude and spending time with friends and family (the ones that put you at ease!) can go a long way to building your resilience during stressful times.
What works for self-care for you will be different to someone else, so spend time thinking about what you would like to build into your routine, being realistic about what is right for you, 5am Yoga isn’t for everyone, but getting a good night’s sleep before and after a long day at university, or getting off social media and reading a good book, might be just the things you need.
It’s not just a want it’s a must!
Don’t just take my word for it, self-care is so important that the Health and Care Professions Council (your regulatory body when you qualify) has made it an essential part of meeting the requirements of the register. The standards of proficiency state that to take care of others, you must take care of yourself. HPCP registrants need to be able to look after their health and well-being and seek appropriate support where necessary.
As a student your university is there to provide that support. Please, and I can’t stress this enough, don’t wait until hitting crisis point before speaking to someone. I was surprised at how much students were dealing with before they felt the problem was big enough to share with me as their personal tutor.
No issue is too small if it is affecting your well-being and happiness, it matters, you matter!
So next time your personal tutor asks how you are, tell them and I mean really tell them, don’t do that thing we’ve all done when we say we’re fine when in truth we’re far from it!
Don't be afraid to ask for help or support
Getting help and support as early as possible can prevent things from getting worse, it can grow your coping strategies and gives your course lecturers the opportunity to get to know you and understand the challenges you are facing, allowing them to provide you with the right support at the right time for you.
