Mental Health Awareness Week might be over – but support at Neo is all year round.
Student life can be amazing – but let’s be honest, it’s not always easy. Between coursework, social pressures, living away from home and trying to keep your bank balance above zero, it’s easy to let your wellbeing slide.
The good news? Looking after your mental health doesn’t have to mean overhauling your whole life. It’s about the everyday stuff – the small habits and simple tools that keep you feeling like you.
Here’s a quick toolkit to help.
1. Move in a way that works for you
You don’t need to become a gym rat overnight. Movement can be as simple as a walk with a mate, five minutes of yoga on your bedroom floor, or dancing to your favourite playlist while making noodles. It all counts – and it all helps.
2. Sort the student life basics
Sleep, food and hydration are the not-so-secret building blocks of feeling okay. Prioritise rest, eat proper meals when you can (a beige buffet of toast still qualifies), and keep a bottle of water nearby. Research shows that dehydration can literally make you feel more anxious.
Top Tip: Get to know the 5 in 5 hack: When you feel overwhelmed, list 5 things you can do in 5 minutes to help yourself.
📍 Stretch.
📍 Make a snack.
📍 Voice note a mate.
📍 Step outside.
📍 Do literally one thing on your to-do list.
This builds momentum. Tiny wins matter.
3. Bookmark your joy
Make a folder on your phone with all the things that boost your mood.
📁 Favourite memes
📁 Voice notes from friends
📁 Good reviews you forgot you got
📁 Playlists that hit
This becomes your emergency joy file
4. Check in with your people
You don’t have to be the loudest in the group chat or out every night. Connection can be as simple as texting your course mate, popping downstairs to chat to the site team, or just hanging out in one of our comfy communal spaces. If you’re worried about someone else? We’ve written a whole blog about how to support your mates at uni – give it a read.
5. Protect your peace
Say no to the things that drain you. Mute the group chat for a bit. Unfollow social accounts that mess with your mind. Your time and energy are yours – spend them where they matter most.
Top Tip: Turn off notifications for an hour a day. Just one quiet hour can reset your brain and help you focus on what actually matters.
6. Ask for help when you need it
You don’t have to be falling apart to deserve support. Feeling low, stuck, anxious or overwhelmed is part of being human – and you’re never expected to deal with it alone.
So, what support do Neo residents have access to?
If you live with us, you’ve got 24/7 access to a confidential helpline through our partnership with Howden. Whether it’s a 2am anxiety spiral, something bigger that’s been building for a while, or you just need to talk something through – help is available, whenever you need it.
If you want to know how Neo supports your mental health all year round, our University Mental Health Day blog covers what we offer, who to talk to, and how to get help when you need it.
Tap in. Talk it out and feel better.
Your mental health matters – and real support is just a conversation away. Whether you need a moment, a chat, or something more, you’ve got options. Ask the team at reception how to access the 24/7 Howden helpline, or download the Howden app to get support at your fingertips. You don’t need to have it all figured out. You just need to start.
