Summer Self-Care Tips

Summer is made to be enjoyed, an opportunity to celebrate all you have achieved this year, and a well-deserved chance to wind-down and re-charge.

 But sometimes, being away from your uni friends and the sense of routine you had can feel a bit overwhelming. As you look for ways to fill your free time, remember to put some time aside to take care of the most important thing – you!

Eight tips to boost your wellbeing and support your mental health this summer

1.     Spend time outdoors

Getting outside doesn’t just feel good, it also does good for your body! Natural light and fresh air can help to boost your mood, improve your sleep patterns and even increase your concentration.

Whether it’s a walk in the park, a short bike ride, or even a trip to your local art gallery or museum – there are plenty of ways to exercise which can be fun for you and your friends.

It doesn’t have to cost a lot in travel either, we have plenty of local green spaces in and around Manchester which are accessible from our campus. Just check out our guide!

2.     Join a new club or learn a new skill

If you’ve enjoyed participating in societies over the year – or feel like you just missed your chance – there are plenty of sports groups and activity hubs  around Manchester.

Getting involved  can build your confidence and help you establish a new group of friends  in Manchester. Meetup has plenty of local sports and activity teams encouraging new members, with venues as local as Manchester Met’s Sugden Sports Centre.  If you’re heading home for summer, you can use Meetup to search your local area, or enquire at some clubs near to you!

There are also lots of courses, internships and volunteering opportunities available through RISE which will help you to build your CV, learn new skills, and earn extra credits towards your degree. Whether its practical skills such as Excel and Powerpoint training, or something you’re interested in like achieving a Photoshop or Illustrator certification – there is something for everyone.

3.     Get involved with volunteering

Volunteering can be hard to work around your studies, which is why you should make the most of any opportunities over the summer!

If you find that you have extra free time, volunteering can be a great way to build new skills, give back to the community, and add value to your CV. It can also be a fun way to try something new or meet a group of likeminded people. There are plenty of charities with sites across the UK, such as The Canal and River Trust who support the canals and wildlife in Manchester and beyond.

If you’re staying in Manchester over the summer, and looking for ways to give back, you can visit the Rise x Future Me webpage to discover local volunteering opportunities.

4.     Start a summer reading list

If you’re looking to reduce your screen time this summer, why not start a summer reading list? Make the most of your local library or swap books with your friends. There are plenty of ways to enjoy free books, such as the Little Free Library scheme, where you can check if there are any libraries set up near you or set up your own.

Reading for fun can help you to wind down over the summer, and keep you in the right mindset for continuing your studies after the break. Keep an eye on our socials for our top picks of the best summer reads, with a little help from our friends at the Library.

5.     Stay hydrated and eat healthy

Proper hydration and healthy eating are important for your physical and mental health – especially in the heat. When you are well hydrated and eating right, you will notice that you will have more energy during the day and a better sleep at night.

It can be easy to fall into the habit of having quick and easy meals whilst you are studying, but processed foods and takeaways can leave you feeling sluggish and unmotivated. Whilst you have some spare time, treat yourself to a little extra care by preparing fresh  meals from scratch.

If you’re stuck for ideas, check out our guide for eating well on a student budget – you might even find you enjoy cooking more than you think!

6.     Practice mindfulness and gratitude

Get into the right headspace after your exams and assessments by practicing mindfulness. This can come in many forms, and it’s really all about taking a moment for yourself and treating yourself with kindness.

It can be as simple as 5 minutes of meditation, setting a good routine and sleep schedule, or cracking out the adult colouring books. Another great activity that some people enjoy is keeping a gratitude journal, where you can write down all the things you are thankful for each day or week.

All of these things can help to improve your mood, increase your optimism for the future, and reduce your stress. Getting into a good mindset over summer will put you in a  good position to start your studies again with a positive outlook come September, or to start your new graduate job.

7.     Plan fun activities

Having something to look forward to will help you to maintain your relationships and keep a positive, optimistic attitude all summer long.

You could organise a virtual games night for friends that have moved back home for the summer, or even take a day trip somewhere. If you’re looking for inspiration, check out the Top 15 Weekend Breaks and Getaways for Students in the UK, or discover our articles on five beaches you can reach by train from Manchester and six of the best day trips from Manchester.

Remember, travel doesn’t have to break the bank - apply for a railcard for subsidized train travel, or make use of National Express and Megabus services.

If you’re looking to go further afield, discover Sky Scanner’s tips for getting a student discount on your next flight, or look into one of LoveHolidays’ package student holidays from £120pp for 7 nights!

8.     We are still here for you over the summer

If you feel like you need further support over the summer, the  Counselling, Mental Health and Wellbeing service will remain open over the summer break offering 1-2-1 appointments.

You can also call our 24/7 support helpline, Spectrum.life, where you can talk to a qualified counsellor who will assess for your needs and ensure you receive the most appropriate support.

You can also contact the UK’s student mental health charity Student Minds or contact your local GP for advice.