Health & Wellbeing at UoB School
Being well together…
All of us can feel overwhelmed at times. Looking after ourselves physically can not only benefit our bodies and make us healthier, it can also have a great impact upon our mental wellbeing.
On this page we will share ways in which we can all stay active and healthy and find resources to navigate through.
If you need to talk to someone at School, contact your Pupil Pastoral Manager.
Understanding Exam Stress
Exams can come with a lot of pressure and make us feel really stressed. If you’re struggling to cope, you’re not alone.
Lots of us know what it’s like to feel stressed, but it’s not easy to describe what stress is.
There’s no single definition of stress, and it might feel different for you than it does for someone else. How we experience stress can feel different at different times. It can also depend on what’s causing it.
Feeling stressed, worried, or under pressure around exams can be difficult to manage. But there are things that can help – it’s about finding what’s right for you. Mind
Useful information on how to cope with exam stress:
Feeling good about how you look
There can be a lot of pressure to look a certain way and fit in with everyone else. Sometimes you can be hurt or affected by what others think and say.
You might be feeling unhappy about your hair, skin colour or your weight or embarrassed about wearing glasses or braces. It can be hard to accept how you look if you feel pressure to have “perfect” skin or a certain type of body shape.
Your confidence can improve by not comparing yourself to people you see in films, music videos and magazines. Remember that these images aren’t real and no one is perfect.
Click here to read more about body shapes, identity, and get more support.
The Waiting Room
The Waiting Room (TWR) is a health and wellbeing directory specifically dedicated for the people of Birmingham and Solihull. A resource which provides links to key national organisations and support agencies, allowing individuals to take control of their own health and wellbeing.
There is also now an app that you can download to utilise this information. Visit The Waiting Room here.
Stay active
It’s important to look after our physical health as well as our mental health. Your physical health can affect how you feel and your mood. Try to stay active to keep physically healthy as well as mentally. It can also help reduce levels of stress and anxiety.
Get involved with our School sports clubs and get active with the PE Team! Our clubs offer a space for pupils and students to join others and play sports outdoors. What are the benefits of taking part…
- Relieve stress.
- Get active and have fun whilst doing so!
- Discover new sports and activities.
- Connect and socialise with your friends.
- Improve your health and wellbeing. Getting physically active can have a positive impact on your mental health too.
Reading books and listening to audiobooks
- Reading books and/or listening to audiobooks can help you relax and boost your mood.
- Help you multi task and get things done whilst listening to an audiobook. Whether it’s cleaning or exercising – it can make it more enjoyable.
- Create a sense of community – you can listen and/or read books with family and friends at the same time – no matter where you are. It can be a great activity to take part in together. Read more about the benefits of reading aloud.
- Check out our UoB School Library webpage for more bookish content!
Practise Mindfulness
What is Mindfulness?
Mindfulness is the mental state of being aware of your feelings and accepting experiences. It can help people to relax, reduce stress levels and refocus the mind.
You can practise mindfulness in many ways, for example…
- Mindful walking – when going for a walk outdoors, concentrate on the environment around you, the sights, the sounds and feelings of each step (enjoy outdoor activities in line with government lockdown guidelines).
- Mindful art – focus on colouring and drawing patterns or doodles.
- Mindful 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 – 5 things you can see, 4 things you can touch, 3 things you can hear, 2 things you can smell, 1 thing you can taste.
Useful Websites & Links
Young Minds – A platform for young people to find the support they need for mental health.
Mind – Advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem.
The Mix – Information and support for under 25s in the UK about relationships, drugs, mental health, money, jobs.
PAUSE – A Birmingham based service for pupils and parents.
Childline – Get help and advice about a wide range of issues.
Kooth – Your online mental wellbeing community.
More ways to boost your mood here.
Click here to get a better night’s sleep.
Why understanding mental health & menstrual cycles is important.
Useful Documents to download
Let’s start an epidemic of happiness! – A mental wellbeing toolkit and digital guidebook created by Happy Space UK (mental wellbeing charity) for you and your family.
Parent/Carer Corner
Visit our dedicted space for resources and information for parents and carers.
