Looking after yourself can be the hardest part about living alone. You go from mum or dad constantly asking if you've eaten and looked after you for you that when it's your turn to do it yourself, you almost don't even realise that was one of the many many things your parents did for you. It is SO important to look after yourself when you're alone because ultimately it is just you. Caring for your self doesn't just mean going to the gym because to be quiet honest, gym does not work for most people. One size does not fit all in this case. 

​

Making sure you are looking after yourself Mentally, Physically and Socially.

​

Your mind is a muscle that needs to looked after and exercised. Give your brain some stimulation  even if you simply take a slow stroll to the corner shop, getting out and air can be the first step bringing your mental health to a better place. There's ways to ensure that you keep your mental health in a good place by not allowing stress to takeover. If you think you're exhausted by all the work you have on your plate, imagine how your mind is doing? Plan your day, organise your workload and allocate times to it. Don't let the workload control you. Lack of stimulation can have a negative affect on your mental health but so can lack of proper eating. Your bran needs all the nutrients it can get and when you aren't eating enough, less gets to your brain which actually leaves you feeling really depleted and lacking energy or motivation. Stimulation , control and proper nourishment. 

​

I feel like when I was younger, physical health was only ever discussed as a losing weight issue, never a staying healthy. I'm not necessarily saying that you need to be in a gym 3 times a week in order to be healthy. Exercise can be anything from a nature trail a week to spending 2 hours once a week making up silly dances with your best friend or even yoga. Exercise is exercise and as long as your hitting the requirement of 30 mins a week minimum. Eating right also plays a big part, under eating and overeating are just as bad as each other, everyone has personal hurdles so being as least judgemental as possible is important because you can't see people's personal demons. If you think you're in either the over or under category, evaluating your diet and attempting changes is something you could look into but at your own pace. If you think you need extra information and help, you can always book into to see your GP and they can give you all the information you need and refer you to the right place.  Your physical health is also a good way to look out for symptoms of a declining mental health. Small things like getting out or showering become a chore or something that you simply forgot to do. Ensuring you attempt to have a social life too helps those stresses feel not so big. Having friends to talk to is important because it helps your process your emotions and understand what is going on with you. It also helps your friends understand how yo are doing and will pick up the load within your friendship by checking in and doing small things like walking onto campus together. 

​

If you are worried about a friend or housemates health, try to talk to your other friends and see if they notice it too. Talk to the friend you're worried about and discuss the support options near you and online. Most major universities in the UK have a student support services and you can always take a friend with you. You can always visit your GP too but if in person isn't something you're ready for, there is always Health in mind. Help is always available but the first step is yours to make.

​

Health in all aspects is so important as are you. knowing when to seek help is the first major step and if that is where you are, I'm very proud of you :)

​

​

​