These self-help resources are available to support you as you manage your studies, plan your career, and work through personal challenges that may affect your wellbeing and learning. You can use these resources on your own, at your own pace, or together with support from a counsellor or career practitioner.
If you’re not sure where to start, you may find it helpful to begin with one of the main support areas below.
|
Resource |
Type | Description |
| Document (PDF) | Career research is how you will be able to gather information to help you make informed career decisions. | |
| Audio (MP3) | Career research is how you will be able to gather information to help you make informed career decisions. | |
| Document (PDF) | Take time to reflect on your career and study journey, and what you need to progress in your career. | |
| Document (PDF) | Learn more about what a side hustle is and how you can start thinking about earning multiple streams of income to future-proof your finances. | |
| Document (PDF) | Learn more about the different fields related to accounting sciences and how you can prepare for opportunities in these fields. | |
| Document (PDF) | Learn more about the different fields related to agricultural sciences and how you can prepare for opportunities in these fields. | |
| Document (PDF) | This brochure will help you to understand the role of the higher certificate qualifications, as well as the options available. | |
| Document (PDF) | Learn more about the different fields related to accounting sciences and how you can prepare for career and study opportunities in these fields. | |
| Communication Science and Languages @ Unisa | Document (PDF) | Learn more about the different fields related to communication science and languages, and how you can prepare for career and study opportunities in these fields. |
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Document (PDF) |
Learn more about the different fields related to community development and social work, and how you can prepare for career and study opportunities in these fields. | |
| Document (PDF) | Learn more about the different fields related to criminology, and how you can prepare for career and study opportunities in these fields. | |
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Data Science, Statistics, Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, and Operations Research @ Unisa |
Document (PDF) | Learn more about the different fields related to data science, mathematics, statistics, applied mathematics, operations research, and astronomy, and how you can prepare for career and study opportunities in these fields. |
| Economics @ Unisa | Document (PDF) | Learn more about the different fields related to economics, and how you can prepare for career and study opportunities in these fields. |
| Education @ Unisa | Document (PDF) | Learn more about the different fields related to education, and how you can prepare for career and study opportunities in these fields. |
| Entrepreneurship @ Unisa | Document (PDF) | Learn more about the different fields related to entrepreneurship, and how you can prepare for career and study opportunities in these fields. |
| Environmental careers | Document (PDF) | Learn more about the different fields related to environmental management and science, and how you can prepare for career and study opportunities in these fields. |
| Human Resources @ Unisa | Document (PDF) | Learn more about the different fields related to human resource management, and how you can prepare for career and study opportunities in these fields. |
| IT @ Unisa | Document (PDF) | Learn more about the different fields related to IT, and how you can prepare for career and study opportunities in these fields. |
| Information Sciences @ Unisa | Document (PDF) | Learn more about the different fields related to information science, and how you can prepare for career and study opportunities in these fields. |
| Law @ Unisa | Document (PDF) | Learn more about the different fields related to law, and how you can prepare for career and study opportunities in these fields. |
| Life Sciences @ Unisa | Document (PDF) | Learn more about the different fields related to life sciences, and how you can prepare for career and study opportunities in these fields. |
| Logistics & Supply Chain Management @ Unisa | Document (PDF) | Learn more about the different fields related to logistics and supply chain management, and how you can prepare for career and study opportunities in these fields. |
| Marketing Management @ Unisa | Document (PDF) | Learn more about the different fields related to marketing management, and how you can prepare for career and study opportunities in this field. |
| Philosophy @ Unisa | Document (PDF) | Learn more about the different fields related to philosophy, and how you can prepare for career and study opportunities in these fields. |
| Physics @ Unisa | Document (PDF) | Learn more about the different fields related to physics, and how you can prepare for career and study opportunities in these fields. |
| Public Administration and Management @ Unisa | Document (PDF) | Learn more about the different fields related to public administration and management, and how you can prepare for career and study opportunities in these fields. |
| Project Management @ Unisa | Document (PDF) | Learn more about the project management career field, and how you can prepare for career and study opportunities in this field. |
| Psychology @ Unisa | Document (PDF) | Learn more about the different fields related to psychology, and how you can prepare for career and study opportunities in these fields. |
| Social Sciences @ Unisa | Document (PDF) | Learn more about a career in the social sciences, and how you can prepare for career and study opportunities related to these. |
| Short Learning Programmes @ Unisa | Document (PDF) | Learn more about the role of short learning programmes in terms of your career development. |
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Resource |
Type | Description |
| Document (PDF) | You will need to make many career choices throughout your life, for example, about what to study, and where to work. This document contains questions to help you reflect on a career choice. | |
| Need a qualification | Document (PDF) | You have work experience and you now need to complete a qualification to progress. This document contains questions to help you reflect on which qualification(s) will enable you to prepare for further career opportunities. |
| Document (PDF) | You have thought of several career options and you now need support to help you narrow down your choices. This document contains questions to help you reflect on which career and related study options you would want to focus on. | |
| Reflect on Skills | Document (PDF) | This document will help you to reflect on the skills you have developed over time and what you still need to do to develop skills that are valuable in the work context. |
| Resource | Type | Description |
| Taking a gap year | Document (PDF) | Learn more about what a gap year is and how you can optimise a gap year for your career and personal development |
| Self and career awareness: True Colours | Document (PDF) | Learn more about the True Colours tool to help you identify your personality characteristics and related strengths & growth areas; attributes you may admire; and possible career interests and work environments |
| Choosing a career | Audio (MP3) | Learn more about the aspects to consider when choosing a career and what to study. |
| Informational interviews | Audio (MP3) | Conversations with people about the information you need can help you to make choices about how to best prepare yourself for what you want. We discuss the role of informational interviews and how to go about having effective conversations. |
| Making career choices | Audio (MP3) | You will make choices about your career continuously. In this podcast, we chat about how to make effective career choices. |
| Managing your career | Audio (MP3) | There are many strategies that you could use to actively manage your career so that you could prepare yourself for opportunities. Learn more about career management and some of the ways you can go about doing this. |
| Online resources for career development | Audio (MP3) | There are many online resources available that can assist you to plan and manage your career. Learn more about how you can use these online career development resources. |
| Planning your career | Audio (MP3) | Even though you plan in an uncertain environment it is important to have an understanding of where you are going. |
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Document (PDF) |
This brochure will help you to plan for how you are preparing for further career and study opportunities. | |
|
Prepare for career opportunities (1) |
Audio (MP3) | As you are studying, you need to prepare for a variety of career opportunities. In these interviews, we chat about ways you could prepare so that you are ready when you are presented with opportunities. These interviews were originally broadcast on Unisa Radio. |
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Relate your studies to your career (1) |
Audio (MP3) | As you are studying, you are developing important skills and you need to be able to relate how your studies are contributing to your career development. Learn more about how you can reflect on what you are learning and how this is helping you to develop your career. |
| Audio (MP3) | Find out more about how volunteering can form an important part of your career development and contribute to your skills development and growing a network. |
Contact a counsellor to have further discussions about your career development.
| Resource | Type | Description |
| Prepare for opportunities | Document (PDF) | This brochure will help you to think about your identity as a graduate and how you can start preparing for opportunities, including doing career research, reflecting on your skills, and how your self-confidence plays a role in your development. |
| Document (PDF) | Learn more about the importance of your online brand and how you can go about developing yours. | |
| Career portfolio | Audio (MP3) | A career portfolio is a powerful visual tool for your career development and can be used during the job search process. Learn more about the role of a career portfolio and how to get started with developing yours. |
| Enhance your employability | Document (PDF) | This brochure contains questions to help you reflect on your employability skills and what you can do to enhance these. |
| My employability skills | Document (PDF) | This brochure contains information about the different aspects of employability, including job-searching, how to prepare for interviews, CV writing, and compiling a career portfolio. |
| Interview skills | Document (PDF) | This presentation contains tips on how you can prepare for job interviews. |
| Document (PDF) | This document contains questions to help you reflect on your job-searching process and skills. | |
| Negotiating references | Audio (MP3) | Asking someone to be your referee is a process of negotiating your relationship with this person. Your referees are part of your professional network and can have a very positive impact on your career and academic development. Listen to more about the importance of creating and maintaining professional relationships with others who could become your referees. |
| Negotiating references | Document (PDF) | Asking someone to be your referee is a process of negotiating your relationship with this person. Your referees are part of your professional network and can have a very positive impact on your career and academic development. Read more about the importance of creating and maintaining professional relationships with others who could become your referees. |
| Cover letters and application forms | Document (PDF) | Learn more about writing effective cover letters and completing job application forms. |
| CV Writing | Document (PDF) | Learn more about writing an effective CV. |
| Your CV | Document (PDF) | This presentation contains tips about compiling your CV. |
| Your career portfolio | Document (PDF) | This presentation contains tips about compiling your career portfolio. |
| Social media and your career (1) Social media and your career (2) Social media and your career (3) |
Audio (MP3) | Social media is a powerful platform for you to interact with professionals in your field, and potential employers, and build your brand. In these interviews, we talk about how you can utilise social media to identify career opportunities, and also the challenges related to social media. |
| Dealing with Disappointment and Rejection in the Job Search | Document (PDF) |
The COVID-19 pandemic had many people losing their jobs and unemployment is at its highest level since 2008. The struggles of job hunting can leave you feeling rejected, stressed, anxious, and pessimistic about your outlook. We discuss tips for managing the disappointment related to your job search.
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| Resource | Type | Description |
| Working in virtual teams | Document (PDF) | The current COVID-19 pandemic has created opportunities for many to work remotely. Learn more about how you can manage to work in virtual teams more effectively. |
Contact a counsellor to have further discussions about your employability skills and career management.
Learn how to study more effectively with the following resources:
| Resource | Type | Description |
| Staying engaged with your studies | Document (PDF) |
Studying is not just about passing exams. It’s about building knowledge, skills, and habits that shape your future. Explore practical ways to stay engaged with your studies. |
| Quick Study Tips | Document (PDF) |
This guide offers practical tips for effective time management, developing strong study habits, managing stress and maintaining focus, fostering engagement and support, and promoting continuous improvement. |
| Time Management and Study Planner | Document (PDF) |
This guide is designed to assist you in assessing, planning, managing and maintaining your time and studies whilst registered at Unisa. While we know that everybody has unique circumstances, we hope this guide has something for everyone and will make your journey with Unisa a little bit easier. |
| ODeL and the power of online study groups | Document (PDF) | Being part of a study group can contribute to your learning. Learn more about the benefits of and how to start a study group. |
| Multiple intelligences | Document (PDF) | Learn more about multiple intelligences and how you can utilise this understanding to learn more effectively. |
| Procrastination | Document (PDF) |
Learn more about understanding procrastination, the common reasons for procrastination, and how to manage it.
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| Some tips to deal with procrastination | Document (PDF) | Learn more about procrastination and what you can do to manage this challenge. |
| Deep learning and motivation | Document (PDF) | Learn more about how to learn and how deep learning contributes to your study motivation. |
| Learning with educational apps | Document (PDF) | Learn more about using educational apps to enhance your learning. |
| Growth and fixed mindset | Document (PDF) | Learn more about how a growth mindset can help you manage your Unisa studies more effectively. |
| Negotiate support | Audio (MP3) | You will need to be able to effectively negotiate support from others inside and outside Unisa to help you through your study journey. This document will help you think about the support you need and how to go about negotiating such support. |
| Negotiating relationships and your studies at Unisa | Document (PDF) | This workshop presentation contains some aspects to consider when you are negotiating with others to support you in your study journey. |
| Notemaking | Document (PDF) | Notemaking is an important part of the study process in that it enables you to meaningfully engage with your learning and prepare effectively for assessments. This document contains information about some notemaking techniques you can try out to see what works for you. |
| Audio (MP3) | Making effective notes is an important part of your learning. In these conversations, we talk about the benefits of making notes and also two methods that you could try out. | |
| Document (PDF) | Learn how to plant your Unisa studies more effectively. | |
| Time management and motivation | Document (PDF) | This workshop presentation contains tips about managing your study time effectively. |
| Time management | Document (PDF) | Time management and prioritising one's tasks are some of the most important skills as a Unisa student. This document will help you to understand the basic principles of time management. |
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Audio (MP3) |
Balancing your different life roles with your studies is challenging if you are not able to make effective use of the time you have available for your studies. Learn more about how you can manage your time effectively. |
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Resource |
Type | Description |
| Document (PDF) | Learn more about getting started with your studies in order to have a successful study semester/ year. | |
|
Get started with your studies (1) |
Audio (MP3) | When you receive your first study package you might be feeling overwhelmed, excited, and anxious. In these conversations we talk about planning, connecting, and studying so that you can get settled in terms of your studies at Unisa. |
| Audio (MP3) | Are you struggling to get started with your studies? Listen to ideas for study motivation, as well as practical tips for planning and organising your studies, what to do when you feel stuck, and getting support. | |
| Plan for a successful study year | Audio (MP3) | Your preparation for a successful study year involves mental and practical issues. We talk about what you can do to prepare yourself to be ready for your studies. This interview was originally recorded at GrootFM for the College of Economic and Management Sciences community radio programme. |
| Prepare for your semester | Audio (MP3) | There are several ways you could prepare for a successful study semester. In this interview, we chat about some of these effective strategies. |
| Resource | Type | Description |
| Goal Setting and Motivation Workshop Part 2: Motivation |
Document (PDF) |
Learn more about why motivation is important in education, the types of motivation, and internal locus of control vs an external locus of control
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| Coping with your studies | Audio (MP3) | Your studies may be one of your many other responsibilities. Learn more about how you can cope with your studies. |
| Audio (MP3) | Learn more about how to negotiate support from others as you are studying through Unisa. | |
| Document (PDF) | Learn more about some strategies you can use to manage your study motivation. | |
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I have no energy to study, what now? (1) |
Audio (MP3) | You may find that you lack the energy to study. In this podcast, we chat about the causes of lack of energy and things you could try to manage this. This interview was originally broadcast on Unisa Radio. |
| Audio (MP3) | Learning at a distance needs you to be motivated because as much as the journey is exciting and rewarding, it can also be fraught with difficulties and challenges. It is a journey in which you must find something to hold on to within and outside yourself, to see it through to the end. Your study motivation, that both pulls and pushes you along, is what you will hold onto. In these conversations, we talk about internal and external motivators as well as practical things you could do to increase your motivation. |
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Resource |
Type | Description |
| Document (PDF) |
Learn more about exam anxiety and its causes, symptoms of exam anxiety, and how to manage it more effectively
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| Document (PDF) | Learn more about preparing for the 2020 Semester 2 online examinations | |
| Document(PDF) | Learn more about preparing for the 2020 Semester 1 online examinations | |
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Document(PDF) |
This brochure contains information about identifying your motivators and demotivators, how to prepare for exams, and how to reflect on your exam performance. | |
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Document(PDF) |
Learn more about managing anxiety related to examinations. | |
| Audio (MP3) | Learn more about managing anxiety related to examinations. | |
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Document (PDF) |
Learn more about effectively preparing for your examinations. | |
| Audio (MP3) | Although you have been preparing for your exams throughout the semester, there are some specific strategies you can use to prepare closer to the exams. Learn more about how you can prepare yourself to be ready for your exams. | |
| Audio (MP3) | It is important to reflect on your motivation to study when approaching the exams. Listen to some questions or aspects you could reflect on. | |
| Audio (MP3) | It is important to reflect on the things you still need to pay attention to prepare for the exams. Here are some aspects you might want to think about. | |
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Audio (MP3) |
You need to reflect on those aspects that are making it hard for you to concentrate on your studies - what is demotivating you and what can you do about that? | |
| Audio (MP3) | What are the practical actions you have to take to revise for your exams? Listen to some aspects that may be important for you. | |
| Audio (MP3) | Different types of questions require some adaptations in terms of your preparation for the examinations. Listen to some differences between essay-type and multiple-choice examination questions and what you need to be aware of. | |
| Audio (MP3) | Feeling anxious before or during an examination is normal. However, you need to be aware of the signs of anxiety and think about how you could deal with this anxiety positively. | |
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Exams part VII: Before, during and after the exams Before, during and after the exams (2) |
Audio (MP3) | We share some tips on what to do before, during, and after your exams. |
| Audio (MP3) | After you have written the exam, you need to relax, but before you do so, spend some time to reflect on your experience of completing the exam, as well as what you could do differently in terms of your preparation for the next examination period. | |
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Audio (MP3) |
Dealing with a traumatic experience before an exam can be overwhelming and disturbing. In this interview, we talk about how one could get support. This interview was originally broadcast on Unisa Radio. |
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| Document (PDF) | This document contains questions to help you reflect on how you prepared for an examination, what happened during an examination, and how you can prepare more effectively for your next examination. |
Contact a counsellor to have further discussions about your learning skills.
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Creating a culture of mental wellness: Not only surviving but thriving |
Document (PDF) |
As a student, you face many demands, and mental health often takes a backseat. We explore what mental wellness is and how to create a sustainable environment where you can thrive, grow, and show up fully as yourself. |
| Document (PDF) |
Rejection can be a painful experience. We explore how to cope with rejection and failure healthily and sustainably. |
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| Document (PDF) |
This presentation explores what resilience means and why it matters for your success as a Unisa student. It covers common challenges faced in distance learning, the key traits of resilient students, and the external supports that help you thrive. You’ll also find practical activities, positive affirmations, and information about Unisa’s support systems to help you stay motivated, confident, and adaptable throughout your studies. |
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| Document (PDF) |
This presentation introduces the concept of self-awareness and explains why it’s an essential skill for personal and academic growth. It explores self-awareness theory, the difference between internal and external awareness, and the key archetypes and stages involved in understanding yourself. You’ll also find practical ways to cultivate self-awareness and discover how it can positively impact your confidence, relationships, and decision-making. |
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| Document (PDF) |
This presentation explores how to develop a growth mindset, cope with failure in healthy ways, and practise self-care to build resilience. The slides offer practical tips and exercises to help you learn from setbacks and move forward with confidence. |
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| Document (PDF) |
This resource explains what decision-making is and why it’s a vital skill for success in both study and life. It explores different types of decisions, the factors that influence how we make them, and practical tools you can use to make more informed choices. You’ll also find strategies to strengthen your decision-making skills and build confidence in your ability to choose wisely. |
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| Document (PDF) |
Healthy boundaries communicate to others what you will and will not tolerate. Learn more about setting healthy boundaries in relationships. |
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| Document (PDF) | Learn more about mental health challenges and getting support and why self-care is an important aspect of mental wellness. | |
| Document (PDF) | This presentation explains what a sense of self is and how it develops, why it is important, and how to develop a strong sense of self and healthy boundaries | |
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MENTAL HEALTH BEGINS WITH ME: Understanding and Managing depression |
Document (PDF) | This presentation aims to create awareness and understanding of depression as a physical and mental illness; to share information about depression, its causes and treatment; and to learn when and where to access help |
| Document (PDF) |
Learn more about the concepts of loss and grief, how to identify the effects of loss and grief, how to identify and manage your own grief, the signs and symptoms of childhood grief, complicated grief, and support and resources to become “grief-wise”
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| Document (PDF) |
PERMA is a model of well-being put forth by Martin Seligman, a leading psychologist in the field of positive psychology. PERMA includes positive emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning, and accomplishment. Learn more about this model to increase your well-being. |
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| Document (PDF) | Setting boundaries is an important part of establishing one's identity and is a crucial aspect of mental well-being. Learn more about how to set healthy boundaries. | |
| Audio (MP3) | We talk about the impact of adversity on our studies and discuss some strategies to cope with this. This interview was originally broadcast on Unisa Radio. | |
| Dealing with emotions | Audio (MP3) | How you feel about challenges impact on your ability to manage these challenges. Learn more about how you can deal more effectively with emotions that impact on your studies and career. |
| Getting support | Audio (MP3) | We all need support, but asking for help is not always easy. We talk about effective ways of negotiating support from others. This interview was originally broadcast on Unisa Radio. |
| Problem-solving | Audio (MP3) | Learn more about how you can go about solving problems effectively. |
| Self-confidence Self-confidence (2) |
Audio (MP3) | A lack of self-confidence impacts your career, your studies, and your relationships with others. In this interview, we chat about ways you could consider building your self-confidence. This interview was originally broadcast on Unisa Radio. |
| Testing reality | Audio (MP3) | You can spend a lot of time thinking about your life and how challenging things are - literally imprisoning yourself in your head. It is important to take small, calculated risks so that you could build your self-confidence and learn from your experiences (good or bad). |
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Thinking differently about challenges |
Audio (MP3) |
All of us experience challenges in terms of our studies - is there another way to think about challenges so that you could continue with your studies more effectively? Listen to this podcast to find out more. |
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Document (PDF) |
Learn more about thinking differently about challenges in this workshop presentation. | |
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What if I feel worried that I will not cope with my studies? |
Audio (MP3) |
Feeling worried about one's studies is normal, however, in this podcast we talk about the anxiety that impacts our confidence to study. We also talk about some strategies you could use to manage your anxiety in terms of your studies. |
| Document (PDF) |
Learn more about anger management and how to get support. |
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| Document (PDF) |
Learn more about stigma and how it can affect us during the current COVID-19 pandemic. |
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| Everyday wellness beyond Covid-19 | Document (PDF) |
Learn more about everyday wellness by reflecting on your character strengths and possible coping strategies beyond the current COVID-19 pandemic. |
| The psychological impact of COVID-19 and your Unisa studies |
Document (PDF) | Learn more about the psychological impact of COVID-19 and reflection to support you to manage your Unisa studies. |
| Coping with anxiety during the lockdown |
Document (PDF) | Learn more about coping with anxiety during the COVID-19 lockdown. |
| Cope with stress by creating a routine and adding structure to your day | Document (PDF) |
Tips on how to get back to a daily routine while juggling a number of responsibilities. |
| Grounding technique for anxiety |
Document (PDF) | Read more about a technique you can use to manage when you feel anxious. |
| A little motivation... | Document (PDF) |
A motivational thought for your consideration. |
| My lockdown journey: A road to self-discovery | Document (PDF) |
We have limited space and time to spend with ourselves and |
| Your mental health | Document (PDF) |
Learn more about mental health issues and seeking support. |
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#MotivationMondays, #WellnessWednesdays, #FridayFacts (25-29 January 2021) |
Document (PDF) |
Short articles about health and wellness topics. |
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#MotivationMondays, #WellnessWednesdays, #FridayFacts (8-15 February 2021) |
Document (PDF) |
Short articles about health and wellness topics. |
Contact a counsellor to have further discussions about your personal development.