This guide is designed to provide information and links to help with self-care, building a support system, setting realistic goals and reflecting on your achievements as you prepare to leave university and move on.

Self-Care Practices

Self-care routines and strategies to manage stress and maintain wellbeing during the transitional period.

Self-care routines can be helpful in managing stress. Often the times when we feel busy and do not have time for self-care, are the times when we need it the most. It is a good idea to schedule or set aside time either daily or weekly to dedicate to these activities.

Identify what it is you need, as what works for one person might not work for another. If you have not done this before it is a good idea to identify things that make you happy and relaxed. Start small as adding too much in could be overwhelming.

A useful starting point for a self-care or wellbeing plan is to think about these questions:

• What am I like when I’m well?
• What am I like when I’m struggling?
• What do I need to do for myself every day to stay well?
• What do I need to do for myself (but not necessarily daily) to stay well?
• What can I do to manage the demands of me?
• What can I do when things feel too much?
• Who are my supporters?

It is a good idea to make a note of the answers so that you can refer back to them and remember the positive actions that you have identified for yourself.

The following websites provide helpful support and suggestions:

• Headspace
• NHS Every Mind Matters
• Young Minds
• Mind

Building a Support System

Building a support network.

Building a support system can be helpful when navigating challenges and achieving goals. Having a network can help with emotional support, practical help, motivation, different perspectives and insight.

You could join a support group or mentorship programs, join networks or community organisations.

Visit Barnardos to find out more.

Reflecting on Achievements

Acknowledge personal growth and academic accomplishments made during university.

Look back at your time at university and think about your accomplishments and what challenges and barriers you have successfully overcome.

Set time aside to reflect and make a list of your achievements in a diary so you can always go back to it. Think about what impact each achievement has had on different aspects of your life. Think about your strengths and what skills helped you succeed.

Also reflect on any setbacks you had, how you overcame them and what you learned from them.

Set new goals based on your previous achievements and experiences and where you want to go from here.

Visit Linkedin to find out more.

Setting Realistic Goals

Setting achievable short-term and long-term goals to maintain focus and motivation post-graduation.

Set yourself goals that are challenging but achievable. Doing this will help you maintain focus and keep you on track.

Goals should be specific and clear. If you have a big goal, break it down into smaller more manageable tasks so it is not as overwhelming. If you have lots of smaller goals, make sure you think about which are more important, so you know in what order to work on them. Do something to celebrate achieving milestones and stay flexible with your plans so if something doesn’t quite go as you thought, it doesn’t mean something went wrong and you can adjust more easily.

Use a task management tool such as Trello and visit our wellbeing pages on motivation and procrastination to find out more.

Exploring Personal Interests

Explore personal interests to help shape future career paths and personal fulfilment.

Start with reflection on what you like or what you have always thought was interesting. You could experiment with new hobbies or look out for taster sessions to try out new things.

Search for things you enjoy, read blogs, listen to podcasts, or join online communities. Attend events, talks, workshops, or conferences related to your interests to meet and network with like-minded people.

Visit Meetup or Skillshare to find out more.

Seeking Mentorship

Seek mentors or role models who can provide guidance and advice based on their own experiences.

Think about what it is you are looking for and what would help you move into the career you want. Think about the skills, knowledge, and guidance you would like from a mentor.

Seek out and join professional groups or online communities related to the career you would like and connect with others.

Do not be afraid of putting yourself out there and reach out to people you admire. Remember to be polite and professional and mindful of their time. Be clear about what you are asking for and what skills and guidance you would like from them and how it would benefit you.

Be open to learning from others in different forms and places.

Visit Bright Network and indeed to find out more.