🌿 Managing Anxiety at University

jmn9
Thursday 25 September 2025

Anxiety is something many students experience — you are not alone. The important thing to know is that there are practical steps and plenty of support to help you manage it.

❓ What is Anxiety?

Anxiety is a normal response to stress. But when it becomes overwhelming, it can affect your studies, sleep, and social life. The good news? Anxiety can be managed, and there are lots of tools that can help.

🛠️ Tools That Can Help

🌬️ Breathing Techniques

Breathing exercises activate the body’s relaxation response and counteract stress.

  • Box Breathing → Video guide
    Inhale for 4 → Hold for 4 → Exhale for 4 → Hold for 4. Repeat 3–5 times.
  • 4-7-8 Breathing → Video guide
    Inhale for 4 → Hold for 7 → Exhale for 8. Repeat 3–5 times.

🌍 Grounding Techniques

Grounding helps bring your attention back to the present, away from anxious thoughts.

  • 54321 Method → Video guide
    Notice: 5️⃣ things you see, 4️⃣ you feel, 3️⃣ you hear, 2️⃣ you smell, 1️⃣ you taste or feel.

⏰ Worry Time

Set aside a specific time each day to focus on your worries — keeping them from taking over the rest of your day.
Learn more here

🧩 Problem Solving

Identify which problems you can tackle, and learn strategies to cope with those you can’t.
Learn more here

📱 Digital Support

🎓 Support at University

You don’t have to face anxiety on your own — there are many people and services here to help:

📖 Further Information & Support

🚨 Crisis Support (UK)

  • NHS 24 — Call 111 and select the mental health option 📞
  • Samaritans — 24/7 listening service: Call 116 123 💬

📧 Contact us via the ASC at [email protected] or call 01334 462020.
For urgent assistance outside office hours, call the Security and Response Team on 01334 468999.
In an emergency, dial 999 immediately. 🚑🚓

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