From one alum to another

Step 1: Get out of bed

Add tasks you’ve been avoiding to your routine, rewarding yourself with things you enjoy.

Creating a regular routine each day can help you to feel productive and ensure that you’re getting a good night’s sleep.

Simple acts like making your bed can help to make you feel more prepared for the day ahead.

Step 2: Stop doom scrolling

Make a conscious effort to step away from the screen and get outside. You may even consider downloading an app that limits your time on social media.

Engage with accounts that make you feel good or teach you something new. Why not follow the Cambridge alumni Instagram featuring practical career advice and relatable stories?

There’s no point constantly reading about the amazing things other people are doing if you feel it’s making you feel worse.

Remember that they’re only sharing the highlights and are likely to be feeling something similar too. 

Step 3:  Train for a marathon*

*like everyone else having a quarter life crisis.  

Or if that sounds like a little too much, just get back into an activity you already enjoy, like swimming, cycling.

Starting a team sport is a great way of meeting new people, and exercise gives you endorphins that improve your mood. 

You could even try paddle as everyone seems to be giving that a go!

Step 4: Eat some vegetables

Take the time after university to cook some balanced meals, rather than pesto pasta every night.

Maybe you could try different cuisines or plan a Friday night "fakeaway", or you could take on a real challenge of recreating your favourite formal food!

Step 5: Touch some grass

Getting outside, whether this is sitting in your garden watching birds, or having a picnic in a park, is proven to improve your mood.

It's particularly important to be outside earlier on in the day as this can boost your serotonin for the entire day. 

Step 6: Do something, anything! 

Why not read a book (you could join the alumni Book Club), listen to a podcast from the University, or make time to do the things that you didn’t have the time to do during exams? 

Doing an activity you love or starting a new hobby can give you a goal to work towards and get you off your phone.

Step 7: Be in the moment

Mindfulness is a great way to notice the present moment, rather than being bogged down by worries about the future.

Relaxation techniques are not just important during exams, they are a great way to stay calm during any uncertain moments of life after graduation.

You can try an app like Calm or Headspace.

Or you can try this simple activity: noticing all 5 senses. By focusing on what you can see, hear, smell, taste and feel, your mind is instantly focused on the world around you.

Step 8: Reach out to friends, old and new

If you’ve moved back home, try reaching out to friends from school.

See if you can arrange a call with a friend from Cambridge. Or, wherever you are in the world, you can connect with alumni groups in your local area.

Starting a part-time job or a group class is another great way of meeting new people. 

Step 9: Give something back

Doing good not only impacts others positively but can make you feel better too.

Whether it’s buying a family member their favourite food, or volunteering, selfless actions are a great way of spreading positivity. 

Discover how other alumni are helping others and the community.

Step 10: Don’t be so hard on yourself!

The time after university is uncertain for everyone.

You don’t need to start a job immediately or even know what you want to do in the future.

Take a well-deserved break from the busy life of Cambridge!