Stay active and take care of yourself this autumn

The days are getting shorter and colder, but the sun is still shining. Here are some tips for how to take care of yourself this season.

• Eat well - save money on takeouts, avoid processed foods and feel more energised by batch-cooking some healthy, cheap recipes.
• Connect - reach out to other people and look for opportunities to help someone with a random act of kindness.
• Enjoy something new - try out a new activity on your own or with other people, such as origami stars, crocheting or a dance routine.
• Positive self-talk - reframe how you speak to yourself by starting each day with a mantra such as ‘I am strong and capable’, ‘I will achieve great things through small steps’, or whatever feels right for you.
• Move your body - look out for Brookes Active opportunities, try our ‘connect with nature’ activity below, or find your own ways to keep your body moving.
• Get help if you need it - talk to your Student Support Coordinator or contact our Counselling Service.

Connect with nature

Studies show that being in nature is a powerful way to improve your wellbeing and mood. Here are some recommended steps for an activity you can do this Autumn, either on your own or with other people.

1. Put your phone on silent and try not to use it during the activity, as this can distract you from what is around you. 
2. Go somewhere outside (see location ideas below).
3. Try to fully experience what you can see, hear, smell or feel.
4. Count to six as you take a deep breath in, then count to seven as you breathe out.
5. As you get moving, keep noticing what you’re experiencing, such as how the ground feels beneath you, or how the air feels on your skin.
6. Pay attention to anything that you find beautiful, like the landscape or the multicoloured leaves.
7. As you continue moving, remember to bring your attention back to your breath.

You may be surprised how much a simple activity like this can improve your wellbeing and how many things you become aware of that you haven’t noticed before.

Places to connect with nature in Oxford

• University Parks
• South Park
• Christ Church Meadow and Gardens
• Port Meadow
• Oxford Botanic Garden (paid entry)

Places to connect with nature in Swindon

• Lydiard Park
• GWR Park
• Queen's Park

Do you need someone to talk to?

The Counselling Service can support your emotional wellbeing through one-to-one and group counselling sessions, workshops, and by signposting you to self-help resources. This service is free and confidential and is governed by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). To register your interest, please complete the counselling referral form. 

The Student Support Services team are available all year round - visit the help desk in the Buckley Building, or contact the team at studentsupportservices@brookes.ac.uk. 

Find workshops, including those on wellbeing and motivation, on the Think Space webpage.