Taking Care of your Mental Health
Taking care of your mental health is an important part of your university experience. While university life can be stressful, these top tips can help you manage challenges and support your overall well-being.
Social Supports
Reach Out: Social support is one of the strongest protective factors against stress and depression.
One way to manage stress during the school year – reach out to your social supports. When things get overwhelming, it’s easy to pull back and isolate, but staying connected can actually help you feel more grounded and supported. Even if you’re more introverted or enjoy time alone, meaningful social connections can boost your mood and reduce stress.
Here are a few simple ways to stay connected at Brock
- Reach out to a friend or family member you haven’t talked to in a while and plan a quick phone or FaceTime chat
- Invite your roommate or a classmate for coffee or a walk between classes
- Take a break in the Wellness HUB—it’s a great space to relax and chat with other students.
Getting Active
Physical activity helps your body release endorphins
These are feel-good hormones that naturally reduce stress and boost your mood. You don’t need to do a full workout to feel the benefits. Even short bursts of movement can help you reset and refocus.
Here are some easy ways to get moving during the school year
- Take a brisk walk through the campus trails
- Do a quick tidy-up—clean your room, fold laundry, or organize your desk
- Join a fitness class or hit the gym
- Stretch or follow a short workout video online (even 10 minutes counts!)
- Aim for about 150 minutes a week—that’s just over 20 minutes a day.
- Moving your body = caring for your mind
Self-Care
Even short self-care breaks help with emotional regulation and academic stamina.
Taking a few minutes a day for self-care can help you recharge and refocus.It’s a proven way to lower anxiety, improve concentration, and boost your overall well-being—especially during busy times.
Try one of these quick self-care ideas
- Follow a 5-minute guided meditation on Spotify or YouTube
- Take a hot shower or bath (add a bath bomb or shower steamer for extra comfort)
- Read something purely for enjoyment—not for school
- Write in a journal to let go of stress or sort through your thoughts
- Listen to calming music, stretch, or light a candle to create a peaceful space
- Eat & Sleep Well: Basic health routines support focus and emotional stability
Need more help?
Sometimes connecting with others, exercising and self-care are just not enough. It might be time to talk to someone about how you are feeling and get some professional help. There is no shame in struggling with your mental health – many people do at certain points in their lives.
We sometimes hear students say that they are not feeling bad enough to need counselling. Give it a try and find out.
