Unmasking Student Mental Health: Exploring Men’s Well-being

It’s time to put the spotlight on our well-being – both inside and out.

It’s Men’s Health Week, where we’re not just talking about bulging biceps and chiselled abs. No, no, we’re diving deep into the realms of mental health, because let’s face it, our strength lies not only in our ability to shoulder burdens, but also in our capacity to care for ourselves.

We’re embarking on a journey towards a happier, healthier you. In this whirlwind of a world, we live in, it’s all too easy to get caught up in the chaos and forget to take care of our mental well-being. So we’ve pulled together the ultimate arsenal of powerful tips to help you in your day to day life: we’re not talking about complicated rituals or hours of meditation (unless that’s your thing)… 

What does self-care look like?

You’re balancing study, homework, and maybe even a part-time job, all while navigating the wild rollercoaster of young life. Amidst this chaos, self-care becomes your secret weapon, keeping you sane, cantered, and ready to conquer the world. And guess what? It can be fun and hilarious too!

Self care is an important component in all of our lives. It can look like anything from an hour-long gym session, going to the cinema, or even just getting more sleep. Zzz. Embracing your inner comedian is an awesome way to invest in yourself. Laughter is the best medicine, right? So, make it a habit to indulge in some quality humour. Watch funny TikTok’s, follow hilarious meme accounts, or gather with friends for a good old-fashioned joke-off.

Next up, let’s talk about the power of indulgence. Treat yo’ self! After a long day of algebraic equations or learning the laws of physics, reward yourself with something you love. It could be devouring a tub of your favourite ice cream while binge-watching your guilty pleasure TV show or streaming your favourite games, and your signature celebration stance when you score a kill.

There’s something healing about listening to music… it just does things to you. Research has shown that listening to music can reduce anxiety, blood pressure, and pain as well as improve sleep quality, mood, mental alertness, and memory. Are you a playlist king, or do you just listen to albums, real old-school? Either way, it’s amazing that music can get your feet tapping to the beat, and it’s a slippery slope from there to attempting TikTok challenges. Who cares if you have two left feet? Dance like nobody’s watching, and you’ll instantly feel the stress melting away. Plus, it’s an excellent workout, so you can call it exercise too!

As you can see, self-care doesn’t have to be a boring checklist… It’s about finding joy, laughter, and pure joy in the little moments. Self-care is an ongoing adventure, so keep exploring, keep laughing, and keep being wonderfully, hilariously you!

Feel like you need an MOT?

Rev up your engines, lads! Men’s Health Week’s theme last year was all about giving yourself a well-deserved “Man MOT.” And guess what? It’s still as crucial as ever! The Men’s Health Forum has some stellar advice to keep you in top gear:

  • First things first, tune in and pay attention to what’s happening in your body and mind. Don’t ignore those subtle signs that something might need a little fine-tuning.
  • Say yes to the CAN DO challenge.
  • We’ve got you covered with the trusty Man MOT manuals from The Men’s Health Forum. It’s like having an expert mechanic guiding you through the twists and turns of your wellbeing.

Maybe, you just want a chat?

Sometimes we just need a chat. Think of it as a pit stop that ensures you’re running at your peak performance. These following services offer confidential support from trained volunteers, where you can talk about your anxieties or stress, no matter how difficult: