Have you joined a Student Guild club this semester? Whether you’re still umm-ing and ah-ing about what club to join, deciding if you even want to join one or haven’t had the time to think about it, we’ve got some pretty important info that might sway you towards a decision.
We all know that studying can be a stressful experience. Managing your workload, social life and part-time (or full-time) work can put a lot of pressure on one person. Joining a club might seem like too much for you to add onto that (and if it is, that’s totally okay), but you might be surprised to know that joining a club can be really good for your mental health. Here’s why:
Schedule in time for your hobbies
As part of a balanced lifestyle, it’s integral to schedule yourself time to do the things you enjoy, whether that be crocheting, coding, painting or playing sports! With over 100 clubs and societies to choose from, which range from academic, special interest, religious, issues-based, international clubs and more – you are bound to come across a club that suits your interests or hobbies.
The best thing about joining a club is that you are forced to schedule time into your calendar for engaging in an activity you enjoy, which may also happen to be a healthy outlet for the stressors of university life. Blowing off steam via doing your favourite hobby? Sign me up.
Make friends and develop a sense of belonging
You’ve probably heard this a fair few times before, but we promise it’s only because it’s one of the most beneficial (and fun) parts of joining a club… you get to meet new people! If you struggle with making friends, or experience feelings of isolation or loneliness, the sense of belonging that being a part of a student club can create is especially important for improving your resilience and boosting your self-esteem.
Clubs are great for facilitating social interaction and providing safe spaces to meet and engage with likeminded people. So, if you’re a bit shy, this is a great place to start building positive relationships with people who share things in common with you.
Develop your soft skills
You might be wondering what soft skills have to do with mental health, but it’s all about boosting your confidence and providing you with a sense of purpose and direction. Developing new soft skills, like communication, reasoning and teamwork can help you feel more capable, competent and boost your self-esteem.
When transitioning into your career, it’s daunting to think about the long list of workplace skills needed to thrive in a working environment. But due to the low-stress nature of student clubs, you can practice these skills without any extra pressure. By working together with other club members on projects, you can build these skills (and more, of course) and take them into your future career and beyond.
Gain a sense of accomplishment
There is no greater feeling than achieving a goal or completing a project you’ve worked incredibly hard for. Honestly, name one thing better than that hit of dopamine after a major breakthrough or by ticking off a big task.
That feeling can be achieved by being a part of a student club. Being involved in club activities and projects can give you a sense of accomplishment, especially when you complete a project, perform in a competition or reach a club goal. Achieving success is a powerful motivator, which can help you feel more confident and increase your self-esteem – both of which are important for improving your mental health.
Now that you’ve heard some of the reasons why joining a student club is good for your mental health, it’s all up to you! Whether you want to feel a sense of belonging, dedicate time to your hobbies, build your confidence or increase your motivation, there are so many student clubs at Curtin for you to join that can help you look after yourself and your mental health.
