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Every year Sanctuary Students takes part in No Mow May to help the biodiversity at our sites, some sites are enjoying getting back to nature so much that they are continuing to not mow and liberating their lawns instead. We also help out by installing wildlife areas, bird and bat boxes, bug hotels, bird baths and tables.
To make the most of the lovely weather, why don’t you get out and about and see what great walks you can do and green spaces you can visit near to where you are living before you check out for the year. Just ask the team at Reception for what they suggest.
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As it is getting close to check out, it is time to start thinking about packing if you aren’t able to stay with us for another year. It is amazing how much stuff you can accumulate in a short space of time so if you no longer need it, why not donate it to a good cause?
All our sites have donation boxes for unwanted clothes and the British Heart Foundation will also accept electrical items, furniture, bric-a-brac – all sorts. All sites also have recycling boxes for used batteries, food banks for unwanted food, book swaps and much more in addition to the normal recycling bins for the usual stuff. Ask the team at your site where to leave your unwanted items so they get reused – just don’t leave it in your bedroom or you may get charged! Help us to stop stuff going to landfill!
And talking of check out, we are reducing the amount of paper we use. When you are ready to hand your keys back (after making sure everything is removed from your room/kitchen cupboards etc) just pop them into the check out envelope, fill in the details and return them to Reception.
And finally, regular readers of the Green Newsletter will know that we are slightly obsessed with the weather and now it is really hotting up. The disadvantage of this is it can be difficult to keep your cool and get a good night’s rest. We know how important this is, especially when revising or finishing pieces of work so here are some tips on how to get quality sleep in the warm weather:
Hot weather can make us feel a bit lethargic during the day. That is because we are using more energy to regulate our internal temperature. But if your sleep is disturbed at night, try to avoid napping during the day. When it is hot, sleepiness can be precious - save it for bedtime.
Hot weather can encourage you to change your habits. Don't. That can disrupt sleep. Try to keep to your usual bedtime and routines. Do the things you normally do before bed.
Take steps to make sure your bedroom is as cool as it can be. Firstly, turn off your heater – many forget it is even on! Then switch off all electrical items you aren’t using. Even leaving things on to charge can heat them up until they become mini radiators. During the day, when the sun is on your side of the building, shut your window and draw the curtains or blinds to keep out the hot air. Open the window at night before you go to bed, to get a breeze.
Reduce your bedding but keep covers handy. Thin cotton sheets will absorb sweat. However hot it is in your bedroom, your body temperature will fall during the night. That is why we sometimes wake up feeling cold.
Try filling your hot water bottle with ice cold liquid or, cool socks in the fridge (maybe check with flatmates first?). and put those on. Cooling your feet lowers the overall temperature of your skin and body.
Drink enough water throughout the day but avoid drinking very large amounts before bed.
Be careful about soft drinks. Many contain large amounts of caffeine, which stimulates the central nervous system and makes us feel more awake. Avoid drinking too much alcohol as well. Many people drink more when the weather is hot. Alcohol might help us fall asleep but it promotes early morning waking and a poorer quality of sleep overall.
As part of the bedtime routine, lukewarm showers are recommended by the NHS. Make sure they are not too cold, as that will boost circulation (your body's way of keeping warm).
If you are struggling to sleep, get up and do something calming. Try reading, writing, or even folding your socks – the ones not in the freezer! Just make sure you do not play on your phone or a video game - the blue light makes us feel less sleepy and the activity is stimulating. Return to bed when you feel sleepy.
Got any ideas or tips to share? Drop an email to our dedicated green inbox (gogreen@sanctuary-students.com) and if we use your tip you’ll win a £10 e-voucher.
