February National Self-Check Month: Student Welfare Tips
Written by Megan Wallbanks on 07 Feb 2023
January is officially over... finally! I’m sure for most of us students, it has been a hectic month full of long nights and lots of caffeine. But if you didn’t already know, February is National Self-Check Month, which acts as a great reminder during busy times to make sure your health is in check, both physically and mentally.
Doing regular self-checks on our minds and body is so important and can help reduce health risks. Looking after your health, in general is key, but mental health in particular is often overlooked, especially for students. Sometimes life gets in the way, or we find excuses to put it off. This can lead to many health problems in the future. If you are struggling with self-care motivation or ideas, here are three simple ways I like to make time for myself:
- Take yourself on dates
It sounds cliché, but it is so important to spend quality time with yourself and learn to enjoy your own company. Take a break from studying and do the things you enjoy.
As for me, I really enjoy going on long walks and listening to my favourite music with a warm coffee. The fresh air and exercise do wonders for my mood and productivity. I used to feel anxious at first about doing things by myself, but the more you do it the easier it becomes and the better you will feel.
- Socialise
Although it is important to spend quality time with yourself, it is equally important to spend time with others. It is so easy to become antisocial and spend too much time alone. Life can become isolating.
If you are a student, I’d recommend joining societies at your university. They are a great way to make friends with like-minded people and gives you an excuse to get out of the house. For example, when I started university, I joined a fashion society because I love fashion and styling! But there are societies for everyone at university, from sports to music.
- Eat well
To ensure the best possible health, make sure you are eating a well-balanced diet and drinking plenty of water. This will prevent you from future health concerns, such as heart disease or diabetes. Keeping well hydrated and nourished will also help to boost immunity for the best productivity.
However, sometimes we may forget to eat because we are so busy with uni work, but it is so important to never skip meals. Food is fuel and vital for good health. Personally, I like to sit down at the end of every week and make a meal plan for the week ahead. I then do my food shop around the plan and ensure it involves plenty of fruit and veg.
In light of this important month, don’t forget to also check in with your loved ones. National Self-Check Month is a great way to spread the word about the importance of health and maintaining positive well-being. It may seem uncomfortable at first but opening up and making sure your friends and family are doing ok is so important. If you feel they are struggling with something, try encouraging them to seek advice from a medical professional, whether it be as simple as a wheezy cough or an overall lack of motivation.
Make sure to join in on the conversation on social media with the hashtag #NationalSelfCheckMonth because you never know who might need to hear this advice. So, this February, make sure to take time for yourself, take productive breaks and do the things you enjoy to live a happy and fulfilled life!