Ten top tips for the new term at Nottingham Recovery College
Starting a new term can be a time where some students find their anxiety increases. At our blog co-production meeting this week, we considered how changes to a routine can be a challenge in our recovery, or at any time. So here are our top ten tips on getting back into the swing of things and starting the new term at the College with a positive, recovery-focused outlook.
- Coming to college is one step in your recovery journey. It can be difficult to start a new term but having the courage to make that one step will take you forward. Set yourself the target just to come to Recovery College. We all agree that being in a kind and supportive environment is one way to make other steps in your recovery journey easier and much less overwhelming.
- Check what courses you are enrolled on in advance. This can be done by referring to the letter you were sent confirming your classes, or – if you can’t find the letter- by calling our admin team on 0115 956 0827. Add the dates and times to your diary or calendar, you might prefer to do this on your smartphone or on paper.
- Use your Student Steps handbook. It is a great way to reflect on your progress so far and review what your goals are for the term ahead.
- Plan your journey. Which bus do you need to get and what time do you need to leave to give yourself plenty of time? If you are travelling by car or on foot, plan your route in advance.
- Get ready the night before. Set out what you need in the morning before you go to bed. This will help to reduce any worries overnight, but also ensure you don’t forget anything in the morning. Set out your clothes, bag and anything you may need for your course, such as a notepad and pen.
- Decide if you need to get some money in cash for some food or drink, or if you are going to take a packed lunch or snack.
- If you are anxious, it can be helpful to find out who is teaching the course. The Peer Trainers are always happy to help you and are a great source of support as both experts by expertise and experience.
- When you are at the college, look out for the newsflash articles displayed in the corridor – our courses are very popular but the newsflashes let you know if there is any room on courses for you to enrol on at the last minute.
- Talk to other students – get to know what they think about the topics discussed in your course. Perhaps they have ideas or insights you could try for yourself, or recommendations for Recovery College courses.
- Be kind to yourself, the recovery journey is not always an easy one, so have some self-compassion as you get back into a new routine and compassion for those around you. Plan some rest and relaxation after a class.
Have you found this blog post helpful? We would love to hear from you on our Facebook page or via our Twitter. Alternatively, please email our blog co-production team on nottingham.recovery.college@nottshc.nhs.uk.
