Category: ResiLife (Page 2 of 3)

Self-Care

17th September 2020 / King's Residences / 0 Comments

Post contributed by Jasmin, Welfare Lead

I’m Jasmin, and I’m one of the Residence Welfare Leads here at King’s. Members of our team live on-site at each residence to provide welfare support for our student community. Moving into residences is a big change, even without some of the additional stresses we are facing this year, and it’s totally normal to be feeling worried or overwhelmed. Your wellbeing is really important and so we thought we’d share a bit about self-care!

What is self-care?

It can be really easy to get lost in buzzwords, so we’ll keep it simple here. Self-care is anything you consciously do to promote your mental, physical and emotional wellbeing.

What kind of things can I do?

Self-care is a personal thing and it looks different for everyone! It doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming and regularly choosing an activity that takes 10 minutes or less can make a real difference. Action For Happiness have some great tips on their #SelfCareSeptember daily action calendar.

We’ve also listed a few ideas below, and you can check out the KCLSU Wellbeing Hub for activities, events and resources around King’s to boost wellbeing all year round.

Taking an online exercise class
We all know exercise is physically good for us, but it can also give a real boost to your mood too! King’s Sport offer access to their BeActive program for free if you are a resident at King’s Halls.
Listening to music
Music can be a powerful tool for both relaxing and getting motivated. Whatever you choose to listen to, taking some time for your favourite music can help in making your new space feel a bit more like home.
Doing something creative
Spending some time on a creative hobby can provide the break you need to boost wellbeing. You might want to learn a new skill or practise an old one! If you’re looking for inspiration, keep an eye on the King’s ResiLife virtual events for their Creativity Nights.
Having a nice cup of tea
Or any hot drink really – I’ve saved one of the simplest until last! Taking ten minutes to step away from daily stresses and relax.

About the Residence Welfare Lead Team

We’re a group of friendly, trained volunteers who live in the King’s Residences to support with student welfare.

Our duty hours are between 8PM – 8AM on weekdays and 24 hours on the weekend. We can be reached over text, phone or email and you can find our contact details around the residence as well as on our webpages here.

How to Win at Baking

22nd May 2020 / King's Residences / 0 Comments

KCL CF Wins National Award!

21st May 2020 / King's Residences / 0 Comments

Contributed by Maddie Jammeh, Residence Manager at Great Dover Street Apartments

The prestigious CUBO RA Awards is open to all Universities in the UK and Ireland. The award seeks to recognise the important contribution the Community Facilitators or Residence Assistants make to students’ wellbeing, and this year our very own Jessica O’Logbon is a winner!

Jessica is a medical student studying at King’s. Last year she was amongst some students from King’s who visited No.10 Downing Street and Parliament to help promote how BAME students can apply for medicine and diversify the profession.

I nominated Jessica for this award because I was able to observe her over the past two years working with new teams who had no knowledge or little experience in the Community Facilitator role. She is very passionate in her work and worked very effectively with the ResiLife team to support students at Great Dover Street Apartments and other societies she pioneers within King’s.

Jessica is dedicated to student experience and enjoys her role as a Community Facilitator. She has demonstrated this through her continuous engagement and commitment with the residents and others.

Thank you, and well done!

Eat Positive in Lockdown

21st April 2020 / King's Residences / 2 Comments

Food to help you keep positive

When self-isolating oven food or a takeaway (if they are still delivering) may seem like the only thing that can make you feel better, but in fact, it will only make you feel worse.

Trust us.

At times like this, it is important to keep your stress levels down and try to maintain a positive mindset.

Not only is eating healthier proven to bust stress but it also makes for a healthy body and mind. Cooking can help to relax and take your mind off these uncertain times, and you never know, you could surprise yourself with your cooking skills!

1. Leafy greens

It’s tempting to go straight for a cheeseburger when you’re feeling low and you just want some comfort food, but instead, go green. Leafy greens like spinach contain folate, which produces a pleasure-inducing chemical, dopamine, which helps you keep calm.

2. Turkey
Perfect for boosting your mood, turkey contains an amino acid that releases the chemical serotonin, giving us a sense of calm and even tiredness. It’s leaner than chicken and usually cheaper too so a win-win situation!

3. Oatmeal
If carbs are something you just can’t live without, instead of reaching for a doughnut, try a more complex carb like oatmeal. It may sound boring but you can add in your favourite spices and fruit to make it much more interesting and tasty. Check out some of the best oatmeal recipes.

4. Salmon
It might not smell great but salmon is rich in omega-3 and you can eat it for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It’s known to help keep your adrenaline from flaring when you’re feeling tense.

5. Dark chocolate
If you are a chocoholic, then this one’s for you. Dark chocolate can reduce your stress hormones and contains unique natural substances that create a sense of euphoria, similar to the feeling of being in love, so no wonder we love chocolate so much!

6. Blueberries
They may only be small but don’t be fooled – they pack a serious punch of antioxidants and Vitamin C to help with feelings of stress. You can always put them in a smoothie (with banana and yoghurt) to help you get your fix.

7. Milk
Milk is a great source of vitamin D, a nutrient that can boost happiness. It also contains protein lactium and potassium, which helps relax the body and muscles by lowering your blood pressure. Having a glass of milk before bed will definitely help you sleep like a baby.

8. Avocado
These are packed with Vitamin B, which gives you healthy nerve and brain cells to help stamp out feelings of anxiety. Perfect for times like this.

So just as your deadlines and exams start to creep up, it might be a good idea to stock up on these stress-fighting foods, remember, stay calm, you can do this.

Apps to cure boredom

21st April 2020 / King's Residences / 0 Comments

Apps to pass the time

Being stuck indoors doesn’t have to be all bad. The power of technology means there are millions of apps available to keep you occupied.

Whether it’s for mindless games or to train your brain to be more powerful, they’re ideal for times just like this. Below we’ve collated some apps to try out for various moods…

PLAY

Houseparty | IOS/Android: Combining video chat and quizzes, this is perfect for big groups
Monopoly | IOS/Android: The age-old classic has gone digital (less opportunity for cheating mind you)
8 Ball Pool | IOS/Android: Well, we can’t go to the pub for a quick game, so compete from your room instead

THINK

Luminosity | IOS/Android: Challenge and improve your mind with a range of exercises and quizzes
Mini Metro | IOS/Android: A strategy simulation game about designing a subway map for a growing city!
The House of Da Vinci | IOS/Android: A bit different than the usual brain training games but with puzzles and mysteries to solve, it gets you thinking

LEARN

Duolingo | IOS/Android: Brush up on your languages ready for when we’re free to fly again!
Ted | IOS/Android: Inspiring TED talks covering a host of topics, there’s no doubt you will learn something new
Khan Academy | IOS/Android: So many skills to learn and thousands of interactive exercises, videos, and articles at your fingertips

RELAX

Glo | IOS/Android: Yoga, Pilates or Meditation, whichever you prefer this has unlimited classes to choose from
Overdrive | IOS/Android: Not got a kindle? Not to worry, Overdrive is stacked full of e-books
Colorfy | IOS/Android: Zone out and relax with some good, old fashioned colouring in

Happy Apping!

Try It … Take Time Out In Residences

3rd May 2019 / Keira Allen-Anderson / 0 Comments

Your Wellbeing Break Space During Exam Time!

Exams season is an important and often stressful time for all those taking part, but to get the best out of your studies we also encourage you to try and enjoy the present by taking a break, and savouring the small things in life!

Hopefully you’ve already made time to visit the Take Time Out tents on campus and enjoy the different activities happening there and other locations around campus.

The campaign runs from 29 April to 10 May, so unwind for an hour or two and enjoy free smoothies, games, conversations and the possibility to win prices. Good luck!

Head over to the KCLSU #taketimeout website to find out more about the campaign.

Don’t forget we also have extra events happening in Residences too!

Your Community Facilitators will be hosting activities in your common room or courtyards (weather permitting) – so join them and give yourself a well-earned break!

Activities are free to attend – Just turn up and enjoy! Please note booking is required for Cooking & Conversation sessions.

See the schedules below or click here.

We’re Listening to… Lauren Singer : Why I Live a Zero Waste Life

10th February 2019 / / 0 Comments

This week we’ve been trying to #MakeADifference for Sustainability Week 2019 by making small changes that will make a big difference and Lauren’s talk highlights the changes she made towards living a zero waste lifestyle.

We might not be where she is right now but we’re taking inspiration from the ideas she’s suggesting and making a start!

If you like the idea of making your own beauty products, why not come down to GDSA for a Zero-Waste beauty workshop and have a go!

Wednesday 13th February, 6pm

We’re Listening To… Our Happiness Playlist

22nd January 2019 /

This week we are exploring how music can lift our mood and turn our frowns upside down!

We had a great time singing some of our favourite feel-good songs with residents at Moonraker Point for our Sing The Blues Away session.

Here are some feel-good tracks from the Residences’ team to make your day that little bit brighter:

Happy by Pharrell Williams – Angela, Life Skills Programme Co-ordinator

What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong – Sajeel, Thrive LLC Lead

Feliz Navidad by Jose Feliciano – Alex, Reception Team GDSA

Love and Happiness by Al Green – Joanna, Reception team GDSA

Thank You, Next by Ariana Grande – Maddie, GDSA Residence Manager

Pirates of the Caribbean Sound Track – Nicky, Welfare and Conduct Manager

Lazy Song by Bruno Mars – Aaron, Allocations

Bibia Be Ye Ye by Ed Sheeran – Thad, Allocations Manager

Moving Along by 5 Seconds Of Summer – Emma, Community Engagement Assistant

Video by India.Arie – Keira, Thrive LLC Lead

We hope our song choices bring a smile to your face.

Words By Keira ResiLife

Photo from Shutterstock

We’re Taking Mondays Back !

21st January 2019 /

It is quite common to feel a bit down in January. The festivities are over, the decorations are taken down, and it’s back to reality. For some of you, it has been full on with exams and deadlines. There is a particular day of the month considered the most depressing and unsurprisingly, it’s a Monday. Boo.

Dubbed ‘Blue Monday,’ it typically falls on the third Monday of the year. This year January 21^st bears the brunt of this dreaded title.

The concept was first publicised as part of a 2005 press release from holiday company Sky Travel. Dr Cliff Arnall claimed that due to some factors including weather, debt and time since Christmas, ‘scientifically’ this time of year is quite depressing for us in the northern hemisphere. He even came up with a formula to calculate the date. Since then, this January Monday has been lumbered with negative and miserable connotations.

However, In a recent interview for the Independent Dr Arnall has said that it was not his intention to make this a negative day but in fact to ‘ encourage people, where possible, to take a positive outlook on the time of year as an opportunity for new beginnings and change.’

So we are taking back our Mondays and making an intentional effort to make the 21^st January the best Monday of the year so far!

Here are our five ways to beat the Monday Blues:

1. Express Gratitude

Starting your day by listing the things you are grateful for is quite literally one of the best ways you can start any day. Doing this first thing on a Monday morning will remind you of all of the great things in your life and give you a whole bunch of reasons to get on with your day.

2. Get moving in the sunlight

Natural sunlight increases our Vitamin D level which in turn boosts serotonin. So why not go for a lunchtime stroll to soak up some of those sun rays and boost endorphins? Leaving you feeling calmer and happier.

Check out what sports activities are happening on the BeActive Timetable.

3. Watch your favourite film

Give yourself something to look forward to at the end of your day by planning an evening snuggled up with your favourite blanket and your favourite movie. You could even invite some of the other students living in your residence to join you. Lose yourself in the story of some of your favourite characters.

4.Sing The Blues Away with KCL ResiLife

Singing in a group can be a great way to reduce stress. Along with the socialising aspect, singing has been known to lower blood pressure due to specific breathing techniques similar to yoga methods. So why not spend your evening destressing by singing some of our favourite uplifting songs.

Singing The Blues Away

5. Burgers and Board Games KCLSU events

Get to know some new people and eat some good food to start your week off right. Head over to Guys Bar from 5 pm every Monday for their Burgers and Board Games event. Play any of their board games, and the winner gets a free Pint! (T&C’s applied! One Pint per game/hour).

Burgers+Board Games

So whatever you choose to do today, make this Monday a happy Monday!

Words by Keira ResiLife

What’s Your Smart Snack?

15th May 2018 /

Exam period – That time of year marked by unhealthy levels of caffeine, perpetual states of sleep deprivation, and the oh-so dreaded seven stages of revision (when you’re not too busy procrastinating that is!

During such a stressful yet crucial period of student life, a common mistake many make (often unconsciously) is to eat poorly and unhealthily. Junk food, lots of chocolate, energy drinks and crisps are often substituted for normal meals to keep energy levels up. However, this is not only harmful to your long-term health, but can also negatively affect your exam performance!

So it’s time to take matters in hand and get your snacking habits in order.

Take our short quiz to find a ‘smart snack’ which tickles your fancy. Click your answer for a link to the recipe or see them below.

So next time you’re in a time-crunch, don’t sacrifice your health for convenience. Remember, snack smart to study hard!