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Making mental health your priority

13 March 2024

students doing yoga

This University Mental Health Day (Thurs 14th March), CODE are dedicating a day to raise awareness of self-care and wellbeing among students. 
 
We’re holding a free event between 11am and 5pm, looking at all the ways you can boost your mental health. This includes a petting zoo, ice bath and free nutritious snacks that will all support your mental health and wellbeing.  

Let’s look at what’s on offer and how it can help your mental health. 

Don’t forget that if you are already a resident at CODE you can attend for free!  
 
If you are thinking about living with us, why not book a tour while the event is happening – and you’ll get to join in too!  

Petting zoo 

Spending time with animals is a proven way to supporting your mental health and improving it! 

Some of the benefits of spending time with animals include decreasing stress levels, reducing anger, improving social interactions, and improving your patience and self-esteem.  

It’s also a great photo opportunity so don’t forget to tag us on social media if you attend!  
 
Ice Baths 

Ice baths are supposed to be an excellent way to manage stress and anxiety, reduce inflammation, recover from high-intensity workouts and even become more resilient. 

Health benefits of an ice bath include boosting the immune system, improving circulation in your body, increasing your ability for deeper sleeps, boosting energy levels, and improving your mood. 

To warm you up after trying out the ice baths, we will have warm water and lemon ready for you.  

Did you know drinking warm water and lemon has amazing benefits – it can enhance your metabolism, detoxify your liver and provide your body with essential electrolytes.  

Alongside the ice baths – we are giving away a range of nutritious goodies that have benefits that will support your health and wellbeing.  

Eggs 

Did you know that eggs are a natural source of vitamins and are a high source of protein? 

Many health professionals now see eggs as a superfood – rich in nutrients. What is even better is they are delicious and can be prepared in many different ways!  

Eggs are rich in choline and have a high content of vitamin A which can support brain function, your nerves and maintaining your eye health.  

The free-range eggs that are available are even more nutritious and have a third more vitamins than other eggs. 

Dark Chocolate 

Now some of you may be wondering why dark chocolate is on this list – chocolate is delicious and way too indulgent to be good for you. Well, we are here to tell you that dark chocolate has some amazing health benefits when eaten in moderation!  

Dark chocolate is in fact full of antioxidants and minerals that can help improve your health and lower the risk of heart disease.  

If you buy a dark chocolate with high cocoa content, it could contain fibre, iron, magnesium, potassium, zinc and many more! It is also a powerful source of antioxidants and flavonoids which can improve blood flow and lower blood pressure.  

As well as dark chocolate, researchers have found that eating chocolate improves your mood and reduces depression. To many people, eating chocolate (in moderation) induces happiness just because it tastes good! 

Bananas 

Bananas are a fruit bursting with fast-digesting energy and whilst they are best known for their high potassium content, they also have a whole host of healthful nutrients alongside gut-healthy fibre.  

Bananas are a source of vitamins such as Vitamin A and C, Folate and Magnesium improving your digestive health, moderating blood sugar levels and giving you that much needed energy boost. 

Did you know they can also help boost your mood by producing serotonin and melatonin in your body?  

All of the things above are just some of the ways to improve your mental health. The main things to make sure you are doing is eating well, sleeping well, getting fresh air as much as you can and keeping in touch with friends/family – even sitting in one of CODE’s communal spaces can boost your mood!  

At CODE we are dedicated to supporting your mental health during your time with us. We will offer tips and advice, host free events throughout the year and have help available if you need extra support.  

Visit our wellbeing section under health and happiness to find out more!  

Do you need more support and want to talk? 

If you are in Leicester – call 0116 233 5678 

If you are in Coventry – call 02476 105 106 

Alternatively, you can email: welfare@codestudents.co.uk