What is Take Time Out?

We know you’re busy and finding a work/life balance can be difficult. That’s why we want to help you boost your wellbeing with our Take Time Out initiative in May. Take Time Out will run from Tuesday 2nd May to Thursday 18th May and aims to encourage you to schedule in some time, away from your studies, to boost your wellbeing, take a break and connect with the King’s community.

How can I take time out?

BeActive!

While we are all constantly told about the benefits of exercise for our physical and mental health, getting started can seem daunting. It doesn’t have to be, and studies show that you can reap most of the benefits from exercising even once a week.

King’s Sport and Wellness are continuing to run their BeActive social and recreational activity programme, available to all students at King’s. They have an extensive timetable with no commitment, so it is up to you if you want to try a different activity each week or become a regular to your favourite session. All activities are non-competitive and inclusive, so everyone can participate regardless of experience or ability. Check out their page here!

Cooking

Cooking can be a wonderful distraction from studying, especially if you meal prep to cover you during busier times so you aren’t spending too much and are still getting a delicious lunch!

Below you can find a recipe for fresh pesto – you can make it in batches and freeze it in an ice cube tray so that when you want to make pasta all you need to do is take a couple of cubes out and wait for it to defrost whilst your pasta cooks.

INGREDIENTS

• 3 cups lightly-packed fresh basil leaves (about 2-3 of the small packs from the supermarket)
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan
• 1/3 cup shelled pistachios
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly-cracked black pepper
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a food processor or blender, pulse the basil, Parmesan, pistachios, garlic, salt and pepper together until finely chopped.
2. With the food processor or blender still running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until it is completely combined. Pause the food processor or blender and scrape down the sides, then pulse again until the mixture is smooth.
3. Serve immediately. Or refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. To freeze, scoop into an ice cube tray and leave a little room at the top. To ensure freshness and that bright green colour, pour a little of your olive oil to fill each cube and then wrap it in cling film.

Declutter and Relax

A great way to take some time out, and make a bit of money is by selling your unwanted items (including all of those clothes gathering dust in your wardrobe!) online. It couldn’t be easier with the number of apps that take all of the hard work for you. You can use Vinted, where there are no fees and you are given a pre-paid postage label so you don’t have to worry about all of the hassle. There is also Depop, eBay and Facebook Marketplace. Take a look at this Save The Student article on selling clothes online, with tips and links specifically for students.

Try Headspace

You can try Headspace for free! It gives you access to a range of different breathing exercises, meditations, and even sleep-specific winding down exercises, background noise and sleepcasts (stories to help you sleep).