Self-care: The actions that individuals take for themselves, on behalf of and with others in order to develop, protect, maintain and improve their health, wellbeing or wellness.
This definition is according to the Self Care Forum, a national organisation that aims to help people take care of themselves. The Self Care Campaign launched in March 2010 and is made up of professionals from key organisations across primary care including the NHS Alliance, Royal College of Nursing and is supported by the Department of Health.
It could be said that students are among the most stressed, with constant deadlines, living away from home and pressure to keep up a social life.
University of Lincoln student Bethany Jackson likes to do little things to lift her mood and make her feel less stressed.
“I usually listen to happy music or stick a good film on to make me feel better and relax, or get a bath.” said Miss Jackson.
There are a wide range of self care activities that people do to look after themselves. It could be eating clean and becoming more active, or even just a night in with a face mask to de-stress and reduce anxiety.
The Health and Wellbeing service at the University of Lincoln is a good place to start. They offer confidential advice and therapy sessions.
Pippa Young is a Mental Health Advisor at the University of Lincoln Health and Wellbeing Centre: “Don’t do nothing – It can be extremely difficult to seek support or actively try to change your routine when feeling stressed. However, doing nothing allows the feelings to intensify an get worse.
“Being a student is incredibly stressful at times. There are a lot of demands put on students including looming deadlines, managing finances, approaching exams as well as all the other responsibilities that come with being independent. It is very easy to forget to look after ourselves and our general wellbeing,” said Ms Young.
Self care week will take place in November this year running from the 18th-24th.