<div class="fr-view"><p>International Stress Awareness Week takes place from 3&ndash;7 November and as we remind ourselves that our wellbeing matters, the <a href="https://isma.org.uk/isma-international-stress-awareness-week">International Stress Management Association UK</a> (ISMAUK) encourages everyone to build resilience and adopt practical strategies for managing pressure in everyday situations. Therefore, the theme for this year is &ldquo;<em>Optimising Wellbeing through Strategic Stress Management</em>&rdquo;.</p>
<p>Whether it is preparing for your first assignment or working through your final module, taking care of your mental health is just as important. Studying can feel overwhelming at times, especially when balancing coursework with work, family, or other responsibilities. Stress can affect focus, motivation, and overall wellbeing.</p>
<p>Here are some tips that might help!</p>
<p><strong>Top tips</strong></p>
<ul type="disc">
<li><strong>Set realistic goals</strong><br />Break assignments into smaller tasks and tick them off as you go. Use weekly planners or digital tools to track progress.
</li>
<li><strong>Try the Pomodoro Technique</strong><br />This time-management method helps maintain focus and avoid burnout.<br />How it works:
<ul type="circle">
<li>Study for <strong>25 minutes</strong></li>
<li>Take a <strong>5-minute break</strong></li>
<li>Repeat 4 times, then take a longer <strong>15&ndash;30 minute break</strong><br />This is great for reading, writing, reviewing notes, or watching tutorials. Try apps like <em>Focus Keeper</em>, <em>Forest</em>, or a simple timer.
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong><strong>Schedule downtime</strong><br /></strong>Rest is productive. Make time for hobbies, nature, or simply doing nothing. Even short breaks can refresh your mind.<br /><strong><br /></strong></li>
<li><strong>Connect with others</strong><br />Join <a href="https://www.oustudents.com/get-involved/student-community/connect-with-students/user-guide-ou-students-connect/">OU Students Connect</a> to meet fellow students, join clubs, and share experiences. You&rsquo;re not alone.
</li>
<li><strong>Use your tutor</strong><br />They&rsquo;re there to support you &ndash; don&rsquo;t hesitate to reach out with questions or concerns.
</li>
<li><strong>Practice self-compassion</strong><br />Progress, not perfection. Celebrate small wins and be kind to yourself when things don&rsquo;t go to plan.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Where to find support</strong></p>
<p>Whether you&#039;re looking for student-specific help or broader mental health support, these trusted resources are available:</p>
<p><strong><u>UK-based support</u></strong></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>England</strong>: <a href="https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/"><strong>Every Mind Matters</strong></a> &ndash; NHS-backed mental health tools.</li>
<li><strong>Scotland</strong>: <a href="https://clearyourhead.scot/"><strong>Clearyourhead.scot</strong></a> &ndash; Wellbeing advice tailored to Scottish residents.</li>
<li><strong>Wales</strong>: <a href="https://callhelpline.org.uk/"><strong>CALL Helpline</strong></a> &ndash; 24/7 mental health support.</li>
<li><strong>Northern Ireland</strong>: <a href="https://www.inspirewellbeing.org/"><strong>Inspire Wellbeing</strong></a> &ndash; Services for students and adults.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong><u>International support</u></strong></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://isma.org.uk/freedownloadableresources"><strong>ISMAUK Resources</strong></a>&ndash; Free global stress management guides.</li>
<li><a href="https://www.mindtools.com/"><strong>Mind Tools</strong></a> &ndash; Productivity and resilience strategies for adult learners.</li>
<li><strong><a href="//HelpGuide.org">HelpGuide.org</a></strong>&ndash; Global directory of mental health helplines and support services.</li>
<li><a href="https://www.therapyroute.com/article/helplines-suicide-hotlines-and-crisis-lines-from-around-the-world"><strong>TherapyRoute</strong></a>&ndash; Searchable list of crisis lines and emotional support services worldwide.</li>
<li><a href="https://findahelpline.com/"><strong>Find A Helpline</strong></a>&ndash; Searchable database of over 1,600 free, confidential helplines globally.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong><u>Carers</u></strong></p>
<ul>
<li><strong><a href="https://www.carersuk.org/">Carers UK</a></strong> &ndash; Advice and support for anyone caring for a friend or family member.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong><u>General mental health support (UK)</u></strong></p>
<ul type="disc">
<li><a href="https://www.mind.org.uk/"><strong>Mind</strong></a> &ndash; UK-wide mental health charity offering helplines and local services</li>
<li><strong><a href="https://www.samaritans.org/">Samaritans</a></strong> &ndash; 24/7 emotional support. Call 116 123 or use online chat</li>
<li><strong><a href="https://www.rethink.org/">Rethink Mental Illness</a> ;</strong>&ndash; Support and advocacy for people living with mental illness</li>
<li><strong><a href="https://www.sane.org.uk/">SANE</a></strong> &ndash; Out-of-hours emotional support and guidance</li>
<li><strong><a href="https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/">Mental Health Foundation</a> ;</strong>&ndash; Research-based advice and campaigns</li>
<li><strong><a href="https://hubofhope.co.uk/">Hub of Hope</a></strong> &ndash; National database to find local support services by postcode</li>
</ul>
<p>Take time this week to check in with yourself, explore the resources available, and connect with others who understand the OU journey.</p>
<p>At Open SU, you can also explore some of the resources we have available. We hope that, by using these resources, you may overcome your own personal challenges and succeed.</p>
<p>Please visit <a href="http://www.oustudents.com/support-and-advice/">oustudents.com/support-and-advice/</a> to see what resources might suit yourself.</p>
<p>Taking small steps towards self-care, connecting with the student community, and using the support available can make all the difference in enjoying your student experience whilst protecting your mental health.</p>
<p><em>Written by Jessica Hannington (VP Student Welfare)</em></p>
<div id="zfWrap">
		
 </div>



</div>
The Open University students' magazine – by OU students, for OU students.
© Newspaper WordPress Theme by TagDiv