Wellbeing advice 

Please remember that it is OK to ask for help, support, and advice – sometimes all you need to do is talk to someone who understands.

That might be enough for you, but if not, it’s good to know there are services both within the University, and in the community, to assist you with what you are going through. 

Wellbeing is often easier to nurture alongside others. Connection, belonging, and community are some of the greatest protective factors for our mental health.

Throughout the year, Brighton Students’ Union offers a wide range of free wellbeing activities designed to help you feel happier, healthier, and more connected.

Join us for a mixture of online and in-person sessions, including weekly mindfulness, craft and creative wellbeing sessions, alongside monthly yoga, sound healing for deep relaxation, singing, painting, gardening, and regular visits from the wonderful pet therapy dogs.

These sessions are free for all students and are a chance to slow down, meet new people, learn practical wellbeing tools, and take care of yourself throughout your university journey. As well as learning skills for life.

To find out more and book your free place, visit the BSU Events page. We can’t wait to meet you!

Being human isn’t always easy. In our fast-paced modern world, it can be challenging to stay balanced and well. There are constant demands on our time and attention, and it’s all too easy to become caught in a downward spiral of stress, worry, or self-criticism.

The good news is that wellbeing isn’t just something we hope for – it’s something we can actively cultivate. Science has shown that there are simple, practical habits that can help us make friends with our minds, navigate difficult emotions with greater ease, and build emotional resilience, no matter what tests life sends our way.

The mind can sometimes be like a wild horse, creating all kinds of worry, fear, and suffering. But with the right training, it can become one of your greatest allies.

One helpful thing to know is that the brain has a negativity bias. This evolved to keep our ancestors safe by constantly scanning for danger and what could go wrong. While that was useful thousands of years ago, today it often means our minds naturally jump to the worst-case scenario or create fear-based stories.

Remember: thoughts are not facts.

When you notice your mind telling a fearful story, pause and ask yourself:

• Is this thought helpful?
• What else could be possible?
• What’s the best-case scenario?

You don’t need to believe everything your mind tells you – especially the unhelpful stories. Instead, choose thoughts that are kind, supportive and encouraging. Speak to yourself as you would a good friend and remember that the stories you repeat to yourself help shape how you feel and how you move through the world.

Research by Dr Robert Emmons has shown that gratitude is one of the most powerful habits for improving wellbeing. Because our minds naturally focus on what’s wrong, it’s important to intentionally notice what’s going well. And when we do this, it literally retrains your brain.

Before you go to bed each evening, reflect on:

Three good things that happened during your day.

One small win or victory you can celebrate.

The more you practise noticing the good, the more your mind begins to recognise it. And your life feels more joyful, meaningful, and fulfilling, even amidst the tough stuff.

Dr Kristin Neff’s research on self-compassion has found that many of us speak to ourselves more harshly than we would ever speak to someone we care about.

Our inner critic often tells us stories like, “I’m not good enough,” or “I should be doing better.” When life already feels difficult, this only adds another layer of suffering.

The wonderful news is that self-compassion and self-love can be learned.

Notice when your inner critical voice appears, then gently invite in your inner coach instead.

Ask yourself: “What would I say to my best friend if they were struggling right now?”

Remind yourself: “I’m doing the best I can right now and that’s all I can do – and that is good enough”.

Play around with finding a kind phrase you can offer yourself when things feel tough, that calms your nervous system and reminds you that – you have your own back.

Don’t leave your wellbeing and self-care to chance or let it be at the bottom of your to-do list.

When you’re planning your week, intentionally schedule activities that bring you joy, peace and purpose.

This might include:

• Cooking your favourite meal
• Going for a walk by the sea or in the park
• Watching the sunset
• Listening to your favourite music
• Doing a craft activity
• Playing a game
• Reading a book
• Meeting a friend for coffee
• Joining a wellbeing session
• Spending time in nature
• A video call with family or friends

These small moments matter. Together, they build resilience and help you navigate life’s inevitable ups and downs.

Kindness is one of the greatest superpowers we have as human beings. Research consistently shows that acts of kindness benefit not only the person receiving them, but also the person giving them, increasing happiness, connection, and overall wellbeing.

One of the quickest ways to lift your mood is to do something kind for someone else.

And if nobody else is around, offer some extra kindness to yourself.

If you are concerned about another student at the University, you can:

• Call 999 if you feel there is an immediate risk to their safety or the safety of others.
• Speak to your  Student Support Guidance Tutor  or  Student Information Desk Advisor , who can help escalate the concern appropriately.
• If comfortable to do so, advise the student of the  Support Network  available to them. 

The University has dedicated staff teams to support you through various circumstances that might arise during your time studying in Brighton. 

If you’re not sure who to talk to, check in with your  Student Support and Guidance Tutor (SSGT) or with us.