Fun City That Never Sleeps – And Neither Do You

London, with its iconic skyline and cultural diversity, is undeniably exhilarating. But let’s be real – keeping up with the pace can be exhausting. Juggling lectures, assignments, part-time jobs, and the perpetual social whirlwind, it’s easy to feel like you’re running on fumes. 

The Lonely Crowd

In a city teeming with people, it’s ironic how loneliness can creep in. The anonymity of the urban jungle can be isolating. Surrounded by faces, yet feeling alone – a paradox that many students grapple with. The pressure to make connections can be overwhelming, and the constant noise of the city doesn’t drown out the silence of solitude.  

The Balancing Act

Now, let’s talk about the juggling act – finding the right balance between academics, personal life, and mental well-being. London’s numerous distractions make it a daily challenge. Amid the bright city lights, there are also shadows of stress and anxiety that come with the excitement of student life. In the next topics we will learn how to balance it out.

6 Tips from me on how to balance academic demands and mental well-being 

1.Energise Your Body: Stay Active, Eat Clean

While the concept might be daunting for some, even if not hitting a gym, committing just 20 minutes a day to light exercise, even as simple as brisk walking to your lectures, can be pivotal in combating low moods. Scientifically proven, the release of endorphins during exercise contributes to increased happiness, better sleep, and enhanced concentration (Robinson, 2020). 

Likewise, your mental health is significantly influenced by your dietary habits. Opt for fresh, wholesome foods whenever feasible, and you’ll observe notable improvements in both your mental and physical well-being.

2.Prioritise Self-Care 

Juggling the demands of university life can make it challenging to carve out moments for personal rejuvenation. However, it’s crucial to ease the pressure by engaging in activities you enjoy to divert your focus. Whether it’s watching your preferred TV show, indulging in art, reading your favourite book or immersing yourself in music, finding these moments for yourself is vital. Incorporating a daily 20-minute meditation session can also be an excellent method to bring tranquillity to your mind.

3. Prioritise Rest

Achieving quality sleep can be a challenge, we acknowledge, but making an effort to establish a consistent sleep pattern can yield significant benefits. Scientific studies highlight the advantages of a regular sleep schedule over simply increasing sleep duration. Aim to go to bed and wake up at similar times each day. If you find it hard to unwind, consider listening to calming sounds or using a night-light—yes, they’re not just for kids!—to facilitate a more restful sleep.

4.Engage in conversations with family and friends

Allocate moments each day to communicate with either a family member or a friend. This practice allows you to express your emotions, providing an immediate sense of relief and joy. Ensuring you have at least two individuals in your circle whom you can confide in about anything is crucial.

5.Establish modest objectives

Facing mental health challenges can render even the simplest tasks overwhelming, so avoid exerting excessive pressure on yourself. Craft a to-do list that is attainable and pragmatic, regardless of the seemingly minor nature of the tasks. Whether it involves organising your space or composing a paragraph for your essay, acknowledging and achieving these small victories can propel you forward, one step at a time.

6.Consult with your therapist

If you observe any changes in your typical demeanour, arrange an appointment. If you detect any disruptions in your mental well-being, prioritise scheduling a visit with a general practitioner as soon as possible. Keep in mind that voicing your concerns is a crucial step towards finding solutions, and healthcare professionals are available to support you, regardless of the perceived severity of your situation. The NHS offers counselling, various therapies, and guided self-help. In cases of immediate danger, dial 999. For urgent mental health assistance that isn’t an emergency, seek help from NHS 111 online or call 111 (www.nhs.uk, n.d.).

Mental Health Student Stats

Unmasking Student Loneliness: A Closer Look at the Numbers

Loneliness is a growing concern among students, with 43% of adults aged 18 to 24 reporting feelings of isolation in 2020, according to the UK’s Office for National Statistics (Office for national statistics, 2023).

Beyond this, the data reveals a stark rise in psychiatric conditions among young individuals, with A&E attendances for those aged 18 or under tripling between 2010 and 2018-19. Disturbingly, in 2018-19, 24% of 17-year-olds admitted to self-harming, with seven percent revealing suicidal intent. Additionally, 16% reported high levels of psychological distress.

The gravity of these numbers is further emphasized by the fact that nearly half of 17-19 year-olds diagnosed with a mental health disorder have engaged in self-harm or attempted suicide, rising to 52.7% for young women.

These statistics underscore the urgent need to address the mental well-being of students and cultivate a supportive environment for their emotional health. Understanding these challenges is crucial as we strive to create a compassionate community for the young minds shaping our future 

(Young Minds, 2021). 

University of Westminster: Navigating Student Well-being: A Campus Perspective

In the vibrant tapestry of university life, where lectures, assignments, and social whirlwinds intertwine, the reality of student loneliness often takes center stage. As someone who has felt the ebb and flow of emotions in the bustling hub of campus life, it’s heartening to share that there is support available, and reaching out is a vital step towards a healthier, happier journey.

From conversations with fellow students on campus, I’ve come to appreciate the unspoken solidarity that exists among us. Many have shared positive experiences with the university’s professionally trained counsellors and mental health practitioners, emphasizing the welcoming atmosphere they create. These compassionate individuals work in alignment with the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) Code of Ethics and Practice, ensuring a standard of care that values diversity and inclusivity.

The stigma around seeking help is a familiar hurdle, but it’s crucial to remember that support is just a conversation away. The university staff, including the Course Leader and personal tutors, have proven to be invaluable pillars of assistance. Their willingness to engage in open conversations and lend a helping hand has fostered a sense of community that goes beyond the academic realm.

If you’re grappling with an inability to study, poor concentration, depression, relationship issues, or even the weight of bereavement, it’s okay to reach out. The university’s counselling and mental health services are here to offer confidential support. Initiating this journey is as simple as logging into the E2S portal with your regular university credentials, such as w1234567@westminster.ac.uk and your password.

Remember, your well-being matters, and there’s a network of support waiting to help you navigate through the challenges. It’s a journey we’re all on together, and seeking support is a testament to your strength and resilience (www.westminster.ac.uk, n.d.).

More info at:https://www.westminster.ac.uk/current-students/support-and-services/counselling-and-mental-health-service

References: 

freepik (2023). Freepik | Graphic Resources for everyone. [online] Freepik. Available at: https://www.freepik.com.

Office for national statistics (2023). Home – Office for National Statistics. [online] Ons.gov.uk. Available at: https://www.ons.gov.uk.

Robinson, L. (2020). The Mental Health Benefits of Exercise – HelpGuide.org. [online] https://www.helpguide.org. Available at: https://www.helpguide.org/articles/healthy-living/the-mental-health-benefits-of-exercise.htm#:~:text=Exercise%20can%20help%20provide%3A.

www.nhs.uk. (n.d.). Find an NHS talking therapies services – NHS. [online] Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/mental-health/find-an-NHS-talking-therapies-service/.

www.westminster.ac.uk. (n.d.). Counselling and Mental Health Service | University of Westminster, London. [online] Available at: https://www.westminster.ac.uk/current-students/support-and-services/counselling-and-mental-health-service#:~:text=Types%20of%20support%20include%3A [Accessed 4 Jan. 2024].

Young Minds (2021). Mental Health Statistics UK | Young People. [online] YoungMinds. Available at: https://www.youngminds.org.uk/about-us/media-centre/mental-health-statistics/.

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Fashion’s Pollution Problem – Can Style and Sustainability Coexist?”

Lately, I’ve been thinking about the not-so-chic side – the environmental impact. In the glitzy world of fashion, the spotlight isn’t only on chic styles. There’s a growing concern about the industry’s less-than-glamorous impact on the environment. Fashion production, a driving force behind trends, contributes 10% to global carbon emissions, depleting water sources and polluting waterways. Shockingly, 85% of all textiles end up in landfills each year (UNECE, 2018). Even your laundry routine isn’t innocent – washing certain clothes releases a hefty amount of microplastics into the ocean. It’s time to rethink fashion’s impact and strive for a trendier, eco-friendly future.

In the world of ‘fast fashion,’ things happen in a flash. Unlike the old days when new clothes came out four times a year, now it’s every week! Big fashion brands are making almost double the clothes they did in 2000. Most of this speedy sewing is happening in places like China, Turkey, Vietnam, and Bangladesh. Can you believe it provides jobs for a whopping 300 million people worldwide? It’s like a super-fast fashion race, but it makes us wonder about the effects on people and the planet (Nature, 2022).

Downloaded from Freepik (www.freepik.com)

London, a global fashion powerhouse, where fashion isn’t just clothing; it’s an identity. As I navigate the hustle of these iconic streets, witnessing the myriad of fashion statements, there’s a reality check we can’t ignore. Did you know that in our pursuit of style, we outshine every European country in buying clothes per person? It’s a record we hold, but it’s not without consequences. Approximately 300,000 tonnes of used clothes find their final resting place in landfills or flames each year.

In the midst of London’s vibrant streets, where the city pulses with diversity, I cherish the unique styles that define us. However, it’s time for a crucial recognition – our fashion choices come with an environmental toll. As we perceive London as a city of trends and cultural intersections, let’s also acknowledge our impact. Fashion is our language, and it’s time to speak sustainability (bkinda, n.d.). 

The association between influencers and celebrity culture has been tied to excessive consumption and from my own experience, I’ve observed that celebrities on Instagram feed are constantly promoting new clothing lines and frequently changing their styles. This incessant promotion and style evolution can contribute to a culture of overconsumption and may impact our perceptions of satisfaction with our own lives (friendsoftheearth.uk, 2022).

The way fashion affects the environment and communities is making us reconsider fast fashion. Let’s shift to more sustainable business practices! Dive into the resources below for a closer look at the environmental side of fashion and how we can make positive changes.

Green solutions may change the game 

Benefits of circularity in Fashion  (YUMA LABS case study) 

In Circular Economy – an eco-friendly game-changer rooted in Indigenous principles, unlike the traditional “take-make-dispose” routine, this model minimises waste and maximises resources. In a Circular Economy, the focus is on prolonging resource life, emphasising durability, easy recycling, and closed-loop systems. Three key principles guide this approach: designing for longevity and reusability, ensuring wise resource use and regeneration, and creating closed-loop systems that reduce the need for new extraction. This model, grounded in sustainability, could be applied across various businesses, revolutionising how we approach resource management and environmental impact (The Sustainable Fashion Forum, 2023).

In this case study we will introduce a Closed Loop model by Belgian eyewear brand YUMA LABS. Traditional manufacturing processes often rely on non-renewable resources, generate significant waste, and have a high carbon footprint. Circular eyewear refers to the concept of designing and manufacturing eyewear products in a way that eliminates waste and minimises environmental impact. Yuma Labs has a well-established supply chain network that ensures the availability of sustainable materials for eyewear production. 

Additionally, we also explore innovative options such as biodegradable materials and 3D printing technologies, which minimise waste during the manufacturing process. 

Explore the world of sustainable innovation with Yuma Labs, where circular economy principles take centre  stage through our inventive system, “Close Your Loop.”

Ever wondered about the untold stories behind your sunglasses? Yuma Labs unveils the mystery by allowing you to input the product code found on the inside of your shades. This not only unravels the origins and production details but also tracks the carbon footprint, providing a touch of transparency to your eyewear. As your sunglasses near the end of their stylish journey, don’t bid them farewell just yet. Send them back to us for recycling, and as a gesture of gratitude, receive a generous discount code for your next Yuma Labs purchase.

But there’s an additional option. If you choose to part with sunglasses still in good condition, let them find a new home elsewhere. Your reward? An enticing discount on your upcoming Yuma Labs purchase.

It’s beyond eyewear; it’s a sustainable initiative. Yuma Labs encourages the adoption of “Close Your Loop,” making eco-conscious choices effortlessly stylish.

This model is great to encourage customers to close the loop and think more sustainable in their buying decisions and could be definitely implemented by other businesses trying to make a change.  

Initiatives at Westminster: “Harrow Campus Gets a Stylish Green Makeover: University of Westminster Debuts the ‘Chic & Eco-Savvy Hub’!”

Just like YUMA LABS, In 2023, the University of Westminster dipped into circular economy and underwent a chic transformation, converting a space into a haven for eco-fashionistas. This isn’t your average room; it’s a collaborative hub where students and colleagues join forces to champion sustainable fashion. And let’s not forget, students oversee a significant clothing recycling bank.

Picture this: Westminster students aren’t just participants; they’re trendsetters. They organise events, design displays, dive into merchandising, and even launch their mini fashion ventures. It’s a perfect blend of style and eco-consciousness.

A huge shout out to the trailblazers—Paolo Barbaran, Julia Jasinka, Maria Barini, and Xiaowei Xia—all from the Fashion Business Management with Professional Experience BA Honours course. Alongside the fantastic crew at Love not Landfill in London, they’ve curated this sustainability sanctuary.

But here’s the exciting twist: Westminster isn’t just following the trends; they’re setting them. They’ve crafted a space for eco-fashion enthusiasts. And guess what? They’ve also established a cool recycling space for those clothes we don’t wear anymore. It’s a win-win for fashion and the planet! (www.westminster.ac.uk, 2023).

References: 

bkinda. (n.d.). Our Story. [online] Available at: https://www.bkinda.co.uk/our-story/#:~:text=In%20fact%2C%20in%20the%20UK [Accessed 4 Jan. 2024].

freepik (2023). Freepik | Graphic Resources for everyone. [online] Freepik. Available at: https://www.freepik.com.

friendsoftheearth.uk. (2022). Is your favourite celebrity to blame for the climate crisis? | Friends of the Earth. [online] Available at: https://friendsoftheearth.uk/sustainable-living/your-favourite-celebrity-blame-climate-crisis#:~:text=Influencers%20and%20celebrity%20culture%20have [Accessed 4 Jan. 2024].

Nature (2022). How fast fashion can cut its staggering environmental impact. Nature, [online] 609(609). doi:https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-022-02914-2.

The Sustainable Fashion Forum (2023). What is Circular Fashion? [online] The Sustainable Fashion Forum. Available at: https://www.thesustainablefashionforum.com/pages/what-is-circular-fashion.

UNECE (2018). Fashion and the SDGs: what role for the UN? The fashion industry in numbers. [online] UNECE. Available at: https://unece.org/fileadmin/DAM/RCM_Website/RFSD_2018_Side_event_sustainable_fashion.pdf.

www.westminster.ac.uk. (2023). Student-led sustainable fashion hub opens on Harrow Campus | University of Westminster. [online] Available at: https://www.westminster.ac.uk/news/student-led-sustainable-fashion-hub-opens-on-harrow-campus [Accessed 4 Jan. 2024].

www.youtube.com. (n.d.). Wasted: Fast fashion is fueling our ecological crisis #beatpollution. [online] Available at: https://youtu.be/0v7f0KeNpv8 [Accessed 10 Feb. 2023].

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