Weekly Wellbeing Themes

Welcome to Warwick: Transition and Settling In

Welcome to Warwick! As we begin a new academic year, we'll be sharing useful information and tips through these Weekly Wellbeing Themes.

Welcome Week is full of opportunities to get to know campus, your course, and to connect with others. It takes time to form new friendships, but being open to new experiences and going to social events can make a huge difference. Consider joining Warwick SportLink opens in a new window or a societyLink opens in a new window to find people with similar interests. You can also find exciting events at the Student UnionLink opens in a new window and Together at WarwickLink opens in a new window. For tips on how to break the ice and make new friends, check out the Meeting New People pageLink opens in a new window.

While it's exciting, transitioning to university can bring mixed emotions. A change in routine, along with new places and people, can feel overwhelming. Make sure to prioritise time for self-care. Getting into a routine with sleeping well, eating properly, and staying active are foundational to your wellbeing.

If you live in on-campus accommodation, our Residential Community TeamLink opens in a new window is here to support you. They also run events and activities for everyone to help you connect with others.

All students can access the Student Health and Wellbeing ServiceLink opens in a new window for support. Check out our website to see what services we offer and to explore our self-help resourcesLink opens in a new window. Brief consultations are typically the starting point for support. They are available Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. You can speak with a Health & Wellbeing Practitioner face-to-face in Senate House or online via Teams. To get started, use the Wellbeing PortalLink opens in a new window to begin a brief consultation or to submit an inquiry directly to the Disability Services teamLink opens in a new window.

For out-of-hours or emergency support, please see these Emergency & Support ContactsLink opens in a new window.

What's On in Wellbeing

Here's a look at what's happening this week and in the coming weeks. All term-time events are ongoing unless otherwise noted.

Weekly Sessions

·Student Anxiety Peer Support Group: Mondays, 4-5 PM in the Library Gathering Space.

·ADHD Peer Support Group: Tuesdays, 4-5 PM at Senate House.

·Gardening Club: Wednesdays, 2-4 PM at the allotment, in collaboration with the Student Allotment Society.

·Exploring Mindfulness: Thursdays, 4-5 PM in the Library Gathering Space.

Upcoming Events

·Bee keeping talk (with Student Allotment Society)

·Wednesday, 1st October 12:30 PM, FAB6.02 (Faculty of Arts 6)

Join our beekeepers Alan and Steve for a calming wellbeing session exploring how beekeeping and connecting with nature can support your mental health. Includes honey sampling and a chance to hear from the Student Allotment Society.

·Bereavement Cafe: A supportive space for those who have experienced loss.

·Monday, October 27th, 3:45-4:45 PM

·Monday, November 24th, 3:45-4:45 PM

·Location: Chaplaincy

·Labyrinth Walk: A meditative walk for reflection and calm.

Wednesday, October 22nd, 2:30-3:30 PM

Thursday, November 11th, 2:30-3:30 PM

Wednesday, December 3rd, 2:30-3:30 PM

Location: Chaplaincy

For full details on these and other wellbeing events, visit: What's On | Wellbeing and Student SupportLink opens in a new window.

Sleep

Good sleep really is the cornerstone of wellbeing and is essential for positive physical, mental, and emotional health. When you sleep your brain consolidates your learning, so it is important for your academic work too.

It is not unusual to experience disrupted sleep from time to time, particularly during times of change or increased stress. Taking regular exercise, making time to relax, and going to bed and getting up at regular times will all help to keep you sleeping well.

Our self-help resource sleepLink opens in a new window contains advice and tips for improving your sleep regime. You can access a free online course ‘Improve your sleep’ via www.togetherall.comLink opens in a new window full of hints and tips to help you sleep, leaving you more energised and refreshed.

Just a reminder that our Exam Anxiety Drop-In sessions offer a safe space to connect with peers, learn practical coping strategies, and get support from Wellbeing Advisers.

Drop in for:

-Wellbeing Adviser support and tips

-Relaxed peer support

-Practical anxiety management tools

-Sensory techniques

-Refreshments

If you would like to speak to someone at Wellbeing, you can have a brief consultation with a Wellbeing Adviser. Please access the

Wellbeing PortalLink opens in a new window

to join a queue for a brief consultation with an Adviser, Monday to Friday from 10am to 3pm. Consultations can be face to face in Senate House, or online. They both require you to join the queue online when you are available

Managing Exams and Deadlines

DESTRESSTIVAL & MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS WEEK

It is Mental Health Awareness Week 12th-18th May 2025 and it’s also De-Stresstival – there are lots of opportunities across campus this week to focus on your mental health and wellbeing. Why not join some of the De-stresstivalLink opens in a new window or MHAW activities and look out for tips to help manage your mental health on social media this week.

Feeling nervous, anxious and stressed around exams and deadlines is normal. It can be helpful to recognise these feelings and put in place strategies to best manage them. Feeling calmer and more in control can help you manage exams and deadlines. We have some great tips on managing deadlinesLink opens in a new window and exam stressLink opens in a new window to help through these times.

If you have multiple deadlines, be organised and work to smaller, more manageable goals. During exam time, remember to look after your wellbeing - take regular breaks, eat well and have a revision timetable which allows you a rest in between your studying. Remember all the successes you have had in your academic journey so far and be kind to yourself.

Unwind and get creative with Draw Your Feelings! Express yourself, de-stress, and connect with others in this relaxed arts session. No experience needed – just come as you are!

Join us Wednesdays May 14th, 21st, and 28th, and Tuesday June 3rd, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM at the Student Opportunity Hub, ground floor Senate House.

Just a reminder that our Exam Anxiety Drop-In sessions offer a safe space to connect with peers, learn practical coping strategies, and get support from Wellbeing Advisers.

Drop in for:

-Wellbeing Adviser support and tips

-Relaxed peer support

-Practical anxiety management tools

-Sensory techniques

-Refreshments

The sessions will run every Tuesday and Thursday from 29th April 2025 and will be from 4pm to 5pm.

There is no need to book, just come along to Senate House and look for the signs as you come through the entrance doors.

If you would like to speak to someone at Wellbeing, you can have a brief consultation with a Wellbeing Adviser. Please access the Wellbeing PortalLink opens in a new window to join a queue for a brief consultation with an Adviser, Monday to Friday from 10am to 3pm. Consultations can be face to face in Senate House, or online. They both require you to join the queue online when you are available.

Wellbeing Menu 2025

Managing Low Mood

This term is always busy with exams, deadlines and dissertations. It can be stressful and have an impact on our mental health but there are things you can do to make things feel easier.

If you are feeling low, there are things that can help - have a look at our self-help pages for a range of useful strategies: https://warwick.ac.uk/services/wss/topicsLink opens in a new window. Please prioritise yourself – sleep well, eat regularly, exercise frequently and again, take some time out to relax. If things don’t improve, get some help – speak to your GP or come and talk to us in Wellbeing.

For the next four weeks, Warwick Sport are running De-stresstivalLink opens in a new window with activities across campus to help you unwind and decompress. Look after yourself, sign up for some activities and give yourself a break from your studies. You can work in a calmer and more focused way if you have some balance in your schedule.

Unwind and get creative with Draw Your Feelings! Express yourself, de-stress, and connect with others in this relaxed arts session. No experience needed – just come as you are!

Join us Wednesdays May 14th, 21st, and 28th, and Tuesday June 3rd, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM at the Student Opportunity Hub, ground floor Senate House.

Just a reminder that our Exam Anxiety Drop-In sessions offer a safe space to connect with peers, learn practical coping strategies, and get support from Wellbeing Advisers.

Drop in for:

-Wellbeing Adviser support and tips

-Relaxed peer support

-Practical anxiety management tools

-Sensory techniques

-Refreshments

The sessions will run every Tuesday and Thursday from 29th April 2025 and will be from 4pm to 5pm.

Productivity and Procrastination

If getting started is something you struggle with, you are not alone. Procrastination occurs when we are avoiding or put off doing a task. This may be because we are feeling overwhelmed by the amount of work attached or by something else, because we don’t know where to start, because we fear failure or because we’re comparing ourselves to others. To overcome procrastination, try and work out WHY you are procrastinating and what your barriers to work are, and get support if you need it.

Trying to spend more time working does not always make us more productive. Creating a balance in your day to day which includes some time to work, some time for self-care and some time for fun will help you to be more focussed when it is necessary.

Just a reminder that our Exam Anxiety Drop-In sessions offer a safe space to connect with peers, learn practical coping strategies, and get support from Wellbeing Advisers.

Drop in for:

-Wellbeing Adviser support and tips

-Relaxed peer support

-Practical anxiety management tools

-Sensory techniques

-Refreshments

The sessions will run every Tuesday and Thursday from 29th April 2025 and will be from 4pm to 5pm.

There is no need to book, just come along to Senate House and look for the signs as you come through the entrance doors.

Wellbeing Menu 2025Link opens in a new window

Managing Exams and Deadlines

Our Exam Anxiety Drop-In sessions offer a safe space to connect with peers, learn practical coping strategies, and get support from Wellbeing Advisers.

Drop in for:

-Wellbeing Adviser support and tips

-Relaxed peer support

-Practical anxiety management tools

-Sensory techniques

-Refreshments

The sessions will run every Tuesday and Thursday from 29th April 2025 and will be from 4pm to 5pm.

There is no need to book, just come along to Senate House and look for the signs as you come through the entrance doors.

The Wellbeing Team offers a range of workshops and presentations (see attached 'menu') delivered across the university. Contact us to arrange a session for your department or to discuss tailored support for specific wellbeing needs.

Support and Guidance from a Chaplain

Our Chaplains are available to support anyone at the University: people of all faiths and none.

You can contact any Chaplain individually via the 'our team' pageLink opens in a new window. Alternatively, if you're not sure who to contact, you can fill out this enquiry formLink opens in a new window and a member of the team will get back to you.

Easter Vacation

It’s vacation time and if you are preparing for exams or assignments, as well as maybe working and seeing family and friends, it can be easy to miss this essential opportunity to recharge your batteries and prepare for the coming term. It is crucial to prioritise self-care to maintain your balance and wellbeing.

Planning can be the key to achieving this. Allocate specific study hours each day, allowing ample time for relaxation, exercise and socialising. Remember ACE – Achievement, Connection and Enjoyment – all of these are necessary. Try to incorporate activities that rejuvenate your mind and body such as going for walks, practicing mindfulness or doing hobbies you enjoy. Ensure you get enough sleep to support cognitive function and to boost your memory and recall. Stay hydrated and nourish yourself with nutritious food to sustain your energy levels. Set realistic goals and manage your time effectively.

Remember that taking breaks is not only permissible, but essential, for productivity and mental clarity. By nurturing both your academic and personal needs, you can approach Term 3 and all it brings with a refreshed and focussed mindset.

If you would like to speak to someone at Wellbeing and Student Support, you can have a brief consultation with a Wellbeing Adviser. Please access the Wellbeing Portal to join a queue for a brief consultation with an Adviser, Monday to Friday from 10am to 3pm. Consultations can be face to face in Senate House, or online. They both require you to join the queue online when you are available.

Online support and advice are available to all Warwick students 24/7 from Togetherall. There is also a range of self-help resources on our website.

Feeling Overwhelmed

If you are feeling overwhelmed, it's important to recognise that feeling stressed or overloaded is normal at times. Break some of those daunting tasks down into smaller, manageable chunks and prioritise them based on deadlines and importance. There are loads of tools like planners and digital calendars which can help you to allocate designated times for different tasks. Practice effective time management techniques, such as the Pomodoro Technique, to maintain focus and productivity whilst avoiding burnout: Time ManagementLink opens in a new window

Please do not hesitate to seek support from your department or from Wellbeing and Student Support if you are feeling overwhelmed – there is guidance and resources which can help you to navigate these challenges.

Remember to take breaks, practice self-care, and celebrate your progress along the way. It is nearly the end of term and so please remember to plan some time off to relax in the vacation.

It was University Mental Health Day on Thursday 13th March 2025: UMHD - Home - UMHD.Link opens in a new window This is a great opportunity to prioritise your own mental health and wellbeing. Have a look on websiteLink opens in a new window for details, find out what’s going on and read some student blogs full of ideas of how other students are looking after themselves.

If you would like to speak to someone at Wellbeing and Student Support, you can have a brief consultation with a Wellbeing Adviser. Please access the Wellbeing PortalLink opens in a new window to join a queue for a brief consultation with an Adviser, Monday to Friday from 10am to 3pm. Consultations can be face to face in Senate House, or online. They both require you to join the queue online when you are available.

Meeting deadlines and staying well

When deadlines approach, it is vital to make time and space for your physical and mental health needs as well as your academic needs.

Although some stress can help you to focus and work to a deadline, too much stress can do the opposite. High levels of stress, particularly when combined with a lack of sleep, nutrition, hydration, and relaxation, can impede working well and staying well.

Break your work down into small chunks, focus on one thing at a time and seek help from your department or from us in Wellbeing Support if you need help managing deadlines. There are skills and techniques you can learn which will help you as your progress through your degree and on into the world of work. A good place to start is our Managing DeadlinesLink opens in a new window resource.

Living well

Living well, building healthy behaviours and finding a work life balance is important, yet tricky at times. During busier parts of the year, when there are conflicting deadlines or exams, it can begin to feel overwhelming. Healthy behaviours can be harder to maintain, and we can lose the balance we need.

It is also important to make sure that you are taking breaks and time for yourself, balancing workload with rest. If we try to work consistently without taking time for rest and relaxation, we will begin to burnout. To keep up productivity and look after ourselves, we must take breaks. Our Self-Help ResourcesLink opens in a new window can be a good place to start if you feel you need tips around balance.

Productivity

This week we are thinking about productivity reducing procrastination and getting stuff done. Lots of factors feed into our productivity and how well we manage distractions. There are things that you can do to help you focus and feel more in control.

Firstly, think about why you are struggling to be productive. Maybe the work feels too challenging or perhaps you feel overwhelmed by the amount you need to do? Do you feel so exhausted that you do not have any energy left to give? Outside stressors – such as relationship or financial worries – may also factor into reduced productivity, as well as disruption to our self-care routine such as poorer sleeping and eating habits.

It is important to check in with ourselves when we notice these changes. A good place to start is by concentrating on the Foundations of WellbeingLink opens in a new window which can help to create a balance that allows you to maintain focus and increase productivity. You may also want to access related self-help resources on our website which include Writer’s BlockLink opens in a new window, ProcrastinationLink opens in a new window and Time Management.Link opens in a new window

Stress and Anxiety

Some feelings of stress and anxiety are normal but if it is getting in the way of your day-to-day functioning, then it is worth making some changes, we have lots of support for you to do that.

Being very busy, taking too much on, or not allowing yourself time to stop and rest can keep your stress levels high. There are things you can do which help reduce these feelings and help you to feel more in control. Build on this by having a look at our self-help pages onstressLink opens in a new windowandanxietyLink opens in a new windowwhich contain evidence-based strategies which make a difference and can help you to feel calmer and in control.

On the 6th of February it was time to talk day:Time to Talk DayLink opens in a new window. Bottling things up and putting a brave face on can have a negative impact on our wellbeing. This day was to remind people how talking about mental health has the power to reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness.

If you would like to speak to someone at Wellbeing and Student Support, you can have a brief consultation with a Wellbeing Adviser. Please access theWellbeing Portal Link opens in a new windowto join a queue for a brief consultation with an Adviser, Monday to Friday from 10am to 3pm. Consultations can be face to face in Senate House, or online. They both require you to join the queue online when you are available.