Universities, LSE included, are not typically associated with wellbeing. Studying and maintaining our social lives often makes it difficult to carve out time for our wellbeing. Admittedly, we often prioritise academic and professional achievements over our mental and physical health. I’d like to reassure you that it’s both possible and essential that you nurture your wellbeing throughout your time here - and beyond.
Not to mention the fact, that maintaining your wellbeing plays a critical part in our success, and we do better when we are mentally and physically well! Wellbeing can’t be a second-thought or something to attend to after you’ve completed your deadline or an exam – incorporating it into your study plans and day-to-day will improve your work and university experience. Be proactive with your wellbeing to prevent burnout.
Whilst everyone’s mental and physical health needs are different, a generally steady sense of wellbeing will strengthen your foundations and make university life far easier. Wellbeing doesn’t mean you are happy or energetic all the time, but it does mean that you are more resilient to the challenges that life throws at you. At LSE, nurturing your wellbeing often means carving out time to wind down from the high-pressure and fast-paced London lifestyle. Although it's not always easy to peel ourselves away, taking time out means we can enjoy our time as students far more.
The Wind Down Wednesday Project
David Gordon, now General Secretary and last year’s Community and Welfare Officer, launched Wind Down Wednesdays to ensure there were valuable opportunities to take time out on campus. They’re regular, which helps with routine, and often group activities - because winding down with others can be really enjoyable.
This year, we have adapted our events to be suitable for the current circumstances, with a number of our Wind Down Wednesday sessions happening online, and in-person events taking place subject to current guidance and safety practices. But don’t worry, the one thing that hasn’t changed, is the range of activities for you to get involved in. Sadly we won’t have the return of those adorable little hedgehogs this year, but we’re sure you’ll find something that allows you to take a break and have a well-needed wind down.
Other wellbeing tips
Although difficult, I can say from learning the hard way that it is worth taking time out of your work schedule and social life to focus on your wellbeing. My friends would tell you that I’m particularly bad at being on my own or saying no - to just about anything. However, if there's one lesson that I’m taking into my third year is that it’s necessary to say no and carve out time for the basics. Eating, sleeping, exercising, recharging, cleaning your clothes and other essential tasks often get crammed in to a day. It’s worth making sure you have planned adequate time for all these things. Think an hour long lunch with a friend or a book rather than eating a sandwich on your way to a lecture...University life can seep into every minute of your day if you let it. Your wellbeing will require you to resist against this
Once you have those (important) basics down, I’d recommend making time for something you really enjoy that is unrelated to your studies or working life. Make sure you preserve some parts of yourself that aren’t to impress anyone, to achieve grades or secure your career. Doing things that are meaningful to you but nobody else is a valuable wellbeing exercise. For me, photography, DJing and salsa dancing are exactly this. It's also true that my creative interests have led me to be President of Pulse Radio, meaning that my passions have become work in a sense. I think this can be the case for a lot of us at LSE. It’s important to remember that just because you do something because you love it, that doesn’t automatically mean it’s good for you. Do some things for you, where only you benefit and hold yourself accountable because that's the true meaning of self care.
Wellbeing groups at LSE
There are tonnes of groups at LSE who exist for student wellbeing. LSE Mental Health Collective, the LSESU campaign that I’m a part of and the cousin of last year’s Freedom of Mind LSE festival, exists to promote a proactive rather than reactive approach to mental health on and off campus. We want every person to be empowered to manage their own wellbeing and consider it in a political context. Minority and marginalised groups are often more likely to suffer from (certain kinds) of mental illnesses than other sectors of the population. This should deeply concern us all, as students of a leading social sciences uni that prides itself in affecting positive change.
At LSE, the Athletic’s Union is an amazing community and getting involved with a club will likely improve your time here. There’s also many classes available on the Active Lifestyle programme. If competitive sport and exercise isn’t your thing, why not try Yoga Soc? It’s run by the most incredible group of people and provides the best value yoga in London…
Whilst there is a proven link between physical activity and mental wellbeing, it’s definitely not for everyone. I’d suggest giving something creative a try. The LSESU Creative Network can point you in the right direction or even just help you meet people with similar creative interests. We have a vast number of creative societies including Pulse Radio, multiple dance and Acapella groups, Drama soc, Film Soc, The Beaver, Clare Market Review, Earthrise...and more. There will definitely be something that helps you switch off so I implore you to give it a go. Even if you loved writing or painting at school but haven’t picked up a pen or paintbrush since; or you love music but have never mixed; or your love of films is reserved for private showings in your bedroom; there may be opportunities at LSE that take these passions further and make them an important part of your wellbeing.
It’s also worth mentioning that there are plenty of opportunities outside of LSE. I’d have to write a book to catalogue all the great things going on but I know whether it’s an orchestra or shibari, London will have it. And if it nurtures your wellbeing then it is worth seeking out time for it.
Support services at LSE
When things get tough, there is support on and off campus for you. It’s not perfect or always accessible - this is what LSE Mental Health Collective is campaigning towards - but it is available. If you feel you can, do speak to your academic mentor or any trusted teacher when you are struggling - particularly if it is affecting your work. Book an appointment with the wellbeing service because their advisors can help to develop an Inclusion Plan, Individual Exam Adjustments or even support you in securing therapy appointments. If your mental health is impacting your work then seek help and don’t leave it as late in to second year as I did! The LSESU advisors can also point you in the right direction.
Outside of university, you have the option of speaking to your General Practitioner (GP) as many London Boroughs have services available to support you if you need them, including therapy, CBT, counselling, treatments and more. For your wellbeing and happiness, it is worth pursuing all possible options.
Mental health is not one-size-fits-all and it's a life-long project. But experimenting and prioritising it now will make it easier for the rest of your life. Your wellbeing is not just important for your time at university, but for every challenge you will face in life. Make time to wind down and take care of your wellbeing, because then it can take care of you.
- Blog written by Ella Marshall, Lead on Freedom of Mind LSE and the LSE Mental Health Collective
Ella's Instagram: @ellarmarshall
Freedom of Mind LSE: Instagram @freedomofmindlse / Facebook @freedomofmindldn
LSE Mental Health Collective: Instagram @lsementalhealth / Facebook @lsementalhealthcollective
Mental health services, charities and advice lines that you can contact:
Samaritans:
Freephone – 116 123
Website - https://www.samaritans.org/
Mind:
Website - https://www.mind.org.uk/
Student Minds:
Website - https://www.studentminds.org.uk/
UMHAN (University Mental Health Advisors Network):
Website - https://www.umhan.com/