Taking care of yourself
Student life throws up its own hurdles and challenges, with a little planning and forward thinking you can navigate the year easier and with less stress.
Make taking care of yourself a priority
If your body and mind is healthy you will be able to tackle all of the challenges study throws at you.
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Connection and relationships enhance our wellbeing:
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Enrol in OUSA club or sport.
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Start up a study group within your class.
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Join a local social media group.
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Allocate time out for rest and recreation.
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Engage with Student Success early, find out what self-help strategies you can adopt from this website.
Take care of your health - body and mind.
Taking care of your body
Especially as our wonderful Dunedin climate is so changeable!
Ways to look after your body
Feeding your body good food will keep you healthy and make you feel energised. Try these tips:
• Take advantage of the fresh in season produce at the Farmers Market every Saturday morning
• Vege Boys have super special student deals throughout the year.
• Keep an eye out for OPSA’s free lunches and BBQ’s.
• Visit the Eating Well page on this website.
Sleep is imperative for brain function and your immune system.
Try to balance activities and sleep – have fun but be mindful of the work you need to complete.
There are many benefits from exercsing and keeping active. A fit body is a healthy body, both physically and mentally.
Join Unipol Gym, it's free for all students.
Creating connections
People are drawn to other people who are comfortable with themselves. Think of something you may have in common and choose your moment to start a conversation.
Say “Hi” to the person sitting next to you. Are you from Dunedin? Are you flatting or in a hall or staying at home? Have you been to Unipol yet?
If you’re in line for a coffee ask someone if they’ve tried the lunch food yet? What would they recommend?
There is a wide range of sports and recreational clubs and activities you can get involved in. Visit OPSA.
...who knows someone.
Meeting someone is a game of probability, the chances of connecting with others will remain low if you leave Otago Polytechnic straight after class and head for your couch for some solo binge TV. Join your old friends or new classmates at more social events and your social circles will naturally grow. Take the initiative to stay in touch with them - go for coffee or the gym, or study together. Look at ways to volunteer.
Be kind to yourself and know that making friends makes you vulnerable and can take time. You are always welcome to come and have a chat with one of our team at Student Success and Te Punaka Owheo.
Mindfulness
Mindfulness is a way of being – in the here and now. The ability to notice and accept and move on helps to alleviate negative thoughts and emotions. Mindfulness strengthens our ability to deal with whatever happens in our lives – it can change our behaviour and enhance our wellbeing.
Gratitude
Gratitude helps us notice the good things around us, which has positive health affects like strengthens our immune system and lowers our blood pressure. It can help us make positive changes in our lives and increases our optimism, empathy and energy.
Gratitude is good for you.
Watch this video to find out the benefits.
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