Taking care of yourself

Check out these great resources for reducing stress and making positive lifestyle choices.

Sleep

We spend 1/3 of our lives asleep – if we’re lucky! Sleep recharges our batteries, helps us heal, and gives us the energy we need to get through the day.

But when we’re busy, getting enough sleep can be a struggle – that’s when having a good sleep routine can be helpful.

Here are some helpful tips on sleep hygiene

Nutrition

Life can be hectic, but eating the right foods can help you keep up with the demands of your day.

For tips on how to maintain a balanced diet, visit SAIT’s Health Services for nutrition consultation orcheck out the Alberta College of Dieticians’ website.

Exercise

Exercise can act as a stress reliever along with a balanced diet and proper sleep. Being active boosts endorphins and other neurochemicals involved in “feeling good.” It is also a healthy distraction from your daily worries. Finally, movement breaks and daily exercise can help the brain focus better.

Here are some helpful tips on exercise

Finding balance

All work and no play can make you dull, but all play isn’t great either – and probably won’t help you reach your academic and creative potential.

Get help with balancing your commitments and leisure time

Time management

Keeping on top of your schoolwork is one of the most challenging – and critical – requirements of life as a post-secondary student. Good time management skills will also help you reach your potential as an artist.

Get help with time management through our counselling office, AUArts tutoring, or by checking out this helpful time management resource.

Relaxation methods

Some amount of stress is inevitable, but you can learn strategies to keep it manageable. Relaxation methods like meditation can help you stay balanced when life gets hectic.

Here are some helpful tips on meditation

From Surviving to Thriving

Check out this workbook to develop personal and academic resilience. From Surviving to Thriving is inspired by research on resilience and has been improved through feedback received by researchers, educators, students, and mental health professionals. The workbook is not intended as a medical or mental health intervention. If the student is currently experiencing significant challenges, they should reach out for support by emailing the counsellor's office or calling 403.284.7666.