Life is pretty hectic, and taking time out to relax and reset can seem impossible some days!

It can be done though, and you don't have to spend lots of time or money to make a big difference to your mental health.

We have a great selection of books in our Horsforth Library Wellbeing space and our online Collection to help you, and our staff have shared their own tips and techniques for taking time out 😊

 

Person sat on the floor in a gym.

Deano, Information Assistant

When I’ve spent a lot of time sitting and reading for my studies or work, I like to go to the gym and push myself as far as possible with either functional fitness (e.g. jumping over boxes/sledge pulls) or cardio training on the bike or treadmill. I think it’s essential for people with additional sensory needs to understand that it’s possible to be tired and have low energy due to being under-stimulated and that you can paradoxically overcome tiredness by being more active! 

Zooniverse teal logo

Jax, Library User Services Manager

I like to unwind by doing some voluntary research with Zooniverse – a world-wide platform that allows anyone to contribute to real academic research across a range of disciplines. You could be studying images of faraway galaxies, transcribing historical records or recording animal behaviour in their natural habitats, all from the comfort of your sofa!

A cricket bat laid on grass with a cricket ball

Adam, Information Assistant

I like to immerse myself in cricket to relax.  I love going to watch a game - any level or type of game - where you can just switch off from other things. I don’t care if it’s fast or slow particularly - just as long as it’s absorbing. I’m also quite happy watching it on TV or listening to it on the radio - it still has a similar effect!

A selection of crocheted items including a green hat, rainbow coloured gloves and a felted owl.

Claudia, Information Assistant

I like to do crafts to unwind and relax. At the moment I am crocheting again. I have a stash of wool that I use to make little crochet projects like flower garlands or pillowcases. Although I am not the quickest in crocheting and my projects look all a bit wonky, I enjoy doing it and that in the end I have created something.  Easy knitting or crochet patterns can be found on youtube or Ravelry. And the library has two online crochet books with nice ideas as well.

A calico cat lying in a sunny garden

Marion, Information Assistant

To look after my well-being and mental health I usually turn to nature and water. I go to my happy place and have a walk by the canal, it instantly restores me being near water, listening to bird song, especially this time of year walking though fallen leaves will always put a smile on my face. I read every day even if it’s only for a few minutes, but best of all, time with my cats, they keep me calm and bring me a lot of happiness.

A view of a park with sun shining through trees.

Pauline, Information Assistant

These are the things I do to unwind/relax:

Go for a walk in the countryside (or local park)

Read a good novel

Sing as part of a community choir

Leeds Trinity University has a range of support available for students and staff experiencing mental health difficulties. Talking about it helps, so lets share and support each other! 

For students: Mental health and wellbeing - Student support and wellbeing - Leeds Trinity University

For staff: Mental Wellbeing Resources (sharepoint.com)