{"id":743,"date":"2025-06-09T12:21:03","date_gmt":"2025-06-09T11:21:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.qub.ac.uk\/studentatguide\/?page_id=743"},"modified":"2025-10-15T15:51:46","modified_gmt":"2025-10-15T14:51:46","slug":"assistive-tech-for-mental-health-wellbeing","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/blogs.qub.ac.uk\/studentatguide\/assistive-tech-for-mental-health-wellbeing\/","title":{"rendered":"Assistive Tech for Mental Health &amp; Wellbeing"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Tools to support focus, reduce stress, and help manage your studies<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re living with a mental health condition \u2014 or just feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or low on motivation \u2014 assistive technology can help. These tools can support your focus, keep you organised, and reduce study pressure when things feel tough. You don\u2019t need a formal diagnosis to use them \u2014 they\u2019re here for anyone who finds them useful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>You might also like our blog post on <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.qub.ac.uk\/studentatguide\/2025\/06\/05\/ai-resources-to-help-you-stay-well-organised-and-on-top-of-things\/\">AI resources to help you stay well, organised and on top of things<\/a><\/strong> \u2014 full of practical tips and tools<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\ud83e\uddd8 Tools to Calm Your Mind<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/support.microsoft.com\/en-gb\/windows\/make-it-easier-to-focus-on-tasks-0d259fd9-e9d0-702c-c027-007f0e78eaf2\"><strong>Windows Focus Assist<\/strong> <\/a>\u2013 blocks notifications so you can concentrate.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.calm.com\/ua-homepage?pid=googleadwords_int&amp;af_channel=googlesem&amp;af_c_id=17318560031&amp;af_adset_id=136950217876&amp;af_ad_id=719797496289&amp;af_siteid=g&amp;af_sub_siteid=&amp;af_keyword=kwd-100623440&amp;af_sub3=c&amp;af_sub4=CjwKCAjw_fnFBhB0EiwAH_MfZi0Nr_X9zHaM1Suj64k7B2HEd9Nx5_-0C2jf_ptMjoCIHfK4YdVkihoCO74QAvD_BwE&amp;utm_medium=paid&amp;utm_source=googlesem&amp;utm_campaign=17318560031&amp;utm_content=ua-homepage&amp;utm_term=kwd-100623440&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=17318560031&amp;gbraid=0AAAAAC6g0qclvX2Vyqm5KI26EHjna1niT&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjw_fnFBhB0EiwAH_MfZi0Nr_X9zHaM1Suj64k7B2HEd9Nx5_-0C2jf_ptMjoCIHfK4YdVkihoCO74QAvD_BwE\">Calm <\/a>\/ <a href=\"https:\/\/www.headspace.com\/app?utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=search&amp;utm_campaign=HS_Headspace_NB-Conquesting-Exact_Search_UK-INT_Google_NA&amp;utm_content=&amp;utm_term=calm&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=17057541001&amp;gbraid=0AAAAADLlnJ3npRC2l9vFeFieDufybPol2&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjw_fnFBhB0EiwAH_MfZo2hJ_thefUqtiNJ7N70feGFsLF2dFPY2El_WtBqKqBC7b0SPMy-ZxoCtLwQAvD_BwE\">Headspace <\/a>\/ <a href=\"https:\/\/insighttimer.com\/\">Insight Timer<\/a> (free versions)<\/strong> \u2013 mindfulness, meditation, and relaxation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.breathwrk.com\/\">Breathwrk <\/a>\/ <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/apps.apple.com\/us\/app\/ibreathe-relax-and-breathe\/id1296605806\"><strong>iBreathe<\/strong> <\/a>\u2013 simple breathing exercises for stress and anxiety.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/support.apple.com\/en-gb\/guide\/iphone\/iphb2cfa052c\/ios\">Apple Background Sounds<\/a><\/strong> \u2013 built into iPhone\/iPad\/Mac. Play ocean, rain, or white noise in the background to reduce distractions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>\ud83e\uddd8 Tools for study stress<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.qub.ac.uk\/studentatguide\/2025\/04\/01\/two-ai-tools-every-student-should-know-reclaimai-notebooklm\/\">NotebookLM<\/a><\/strong>&nbsp;\u2013 AI tool to summarise reading materials and help organise notes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/edge\/features\/immersive-reader?form=MA13FJ\">Microsoft Immersive Reader<\/a><\/strong>&nbsp;\u2013 built into Word, OneNote, Teams, Outlook, Edge browser. Reads text aloud, simplifies page layout, offers line focus and colour changes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/edge\/learning-center\/how-to-use-pdf-reader-in-microsoft-edge?form=MA13I2\">Edge PDF Reader with Copilot<\/a><\/strong>&nbsp;\u2013 reads PDFs aloud, summarises and simplifies documents in the browser.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/support.apple.com\/en-gb\/guide\/iphone\/iphdc30e3b86\/ios\"><strong>Safari Reader View<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/a>(Mac, iPad, iPhone) \u2013 strips out ads and clutter from web pages for easier reading.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.qub.ac.uk\/studentatguide\/2025\/02\/19\/introducing-goblin-tools-ai-powered-support-for-neurodivergent-thinkers\/\">Goblin Tools<\/a><\/strong>&nbsp;\u2013 free online and app-based tool that can break down tasks, check tone, and help with planning \u2014 great if you struggle with getting started on writing tasks.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.forestapp.cc\/\">Forest <\/a>\/ <a href=\"https:\/\/focuskeeper.co\/\">Focus Keeper<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/pomofocus.io\/\">Pomodoro timers<\/a><\/strong> \u2013 simple tools to support sustained focus and give natural breaks to avoid burnout.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\ud83d\ude34 Tools for Sleep &amp; Rest<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/pzizz.com\/\"><strong>Pzizz<\/strong> <\/a>\u2013 soundscapes for relaxation, sleep, and focus.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=5mGifCwig8I\">Calm Sleep Stories<\/a><\/strong> \u2013 free bedtime stories and soundtracks to help you switch off.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.oxfordhealth.nhs.uk\/healthyminds\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/17\/2019\/10\/Sleepio-info-for-clients.pdf\"><strong>Sleepio<\/strong> <\/a>\u2013 NHS-linked CBT app for better sleep habits.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/support.google.com\/android\/answer\/9887159?hl=en-GB\">Android Bedtime Mode<\/a><\/strong> \u2013 part of Digital Wellbeing, helps you wind down by muting notifications and turning the screen to grayscale.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u2705 Tools to Stay Organised<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-gb\/microsoft-365\/microsoft-to-do-list-app?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-gb\/microsoft-365\/microsoft-to-do-list-app?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">Microsoft To Do<\/a><\/strong> \u2013 free with your QUB account; make simple task lists that sync across devices.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/trello.com\/?campaign=19250238417&amp;adgroup=150132215251&amp;targetid=kwd-3609071522&amp;matchtype=e&amp;network=g&amp;device=c&amp;device_model=&amp;creative=641300559579&amp;keyword=trello&amp;placement=&amp;target=&amp;ds_eid=700000001557344&amp;ds_e1=GOOGLE&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=19250238417&amp;gbraid=0AAAAADMO9YhawplP2MZr-4MzDDWx6hIx4&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjwlOrFBhBaEiwAw4bYDRKk2hwNkoQregWljEOxVXR8Hm0q9xLivxXJx7HazsOqC5HAKeCdUxoCP2QQAvD_BwE\"><strong>Trello<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/a>\u2013 visual boards to organise assignments and group projects.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.notion.com\/product\/notion-for-education\">Notion <\/a>(free student plan)<\/strong> \u2013 flexible tool for notes, tasks, and project management.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">QUB Tools<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><em>(To request access to MindView, Genio or Scholarcy, <a href=\"https:\/\/outlook.office.com\/book\/ALSAssistiveTechDropIn@bookings.qub.ac.uk\/?ismsaljsauthenabled\"><strong>book in for a session here<\/strong><\/a> or contact the <a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.qub.ac.uk\/assistivetechnology@qub.ac.uk\"><strong>Assistive Technology Coordinator<\/strong><\/a>.)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.qub.ac.uk\/studentatguide\/2024\/12\/19\/your-guide-to-texthelp-readwrite\/\"><strong>Read&amp;Write<\/strong><\/a><\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 Available via student desktop. Reads text aloud, simplifies complex documents, offers screen masking to help reduce visual distractions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.qub.ac.uk\/studentatguide\/2024\/12\/19\/your-guide-to-mindview\/\"><strong>MindView<\/strong><\/a><\/strong>&nbsp;\u2013 mind mapping tool to help break big tasks into smaller steps and reduce overwhelm.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.qub.ac.uk\/studentatguide\/2025\/06\/05\/introducing-genio-formerly-glean-qubs-lecture-capture-study-tool\/\"><strong>Genio (Glean)<\/strong><\/a><\/strong>&nbsp;\u2013 flexible audio note-taking tool. Helps capture lectures without the pressure to take perfect notes. You can listen back and add notes when ready.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.scholarcy.com\/\">Scholarcy<\/a><\/strong> \u2013 helps reduce academic overwhelm by turning long articles, chapters, or reports into clear summaries and flashcards. It\u2019s a great way to manage heavy reading loads and stay on top of revision without burnout.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Quick Tips<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2705 Use <strong>Genio or Dictate <\/strong>if writing live notes feels too overwhelming \u2014 record the lecture and listen back later.<br>\u2705 Use <strong>Immersive Reader<\/strong> or <strong>Edge PDF Copilot<\/strong> to make reading easier when focus is low.<br>\u2705 Try <strong>Goblin Tools<\/strong> to help break tasks into small, achievable steps \u2014 great when feeling stuck or anxious.<br>\u2705 Block notifications with <strong>Focus Modes<\/strong> while you study.<br>\u2705 Use a <strong>Pomodoro timer<\/strong> to balance short bursts of focus with regular breaks \u2014 helps prevent overwhelm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\ud83e\uddf0 Getting Started with Assistive Tech<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Not sure where to begin? Here\u2019s how to choose the right tools:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Know Your Needs<\/strong> \u2013 What\u2019s most challenging for you?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Pick Your Style<\/strong> \u2013 Visual learner? Prefer voice tools?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Start Small<\/strong> \u2013 Try 1\u20132 tools before adding more<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Check Device Compatibility<\/strong> \u2013 Apple, Android, Windows, etc.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Explore &amp; Adapt<\/strong> \u2013 Try free versions and see what sticks<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>\ud83c\udfaf Try this:&nbsp;<strong>AHEAD\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ahead.ie\/Discover-your-AT\">\u201cDiscover your AT\u201d tool<\/a><\/strong>&nbsp; helps match tools to your needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\ud83d\udc49 <a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/view.genially.com\/67c966440a6fe4a101653b97\/interactive-content-ai-and-accessibility\"><strong>AI and Accessibility Interactive Guide<\/strong> \u2013 explore AI tools that support neurodivergent ways of working<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\ud83d\udcac Need More Support?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>QUB offers free wellbeing support alongside assistive tech:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/qubsu.org\/AdviceSU\/\"><strong>SU Advice<\/strong><\/a> \u2013 practical help with finance, housing, and more.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.qub.ac.uk\/directorates\/sgc\/wellbeing\/\">QUB Wellbeing Service<\/a> <\/strong>\u2013 counselling, workshops, and support.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.talkcampus.com\/sign-up\">TalkCampus<\/a> <\/strong>&#8211; a safe anonymous community of students who can share and talk aout the ups and downs of life. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Support and Training<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\ud83d\udc49 You can attend training to learn how to use any of these tools. Check&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.qub.ac.uk\/studentatguide\/category\/training-and-events\/\">here&nbsp;<\/a>for upcoming workshops. Some licensed tools are available after training \u2014 we\u2019ll help you get access if they would be useful for you.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\ud83d\udc49 You can&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.qub.ac.uk\/studentatguide\/book-a-11-assistive-tech-session\/\">book a session<\/a>&nbsp;with the Assistive Technology Coordinator if you need help<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\ud83d\udc49IT Helpdesk: For licensing issues or technical support, reach out to the QUB IT Helpdesk.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":2401,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-743","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","comments-off"],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.qub.ac.uk\/studentatguide\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/743","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.qub.ac.uk\/studentatguide\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.qub.ac.uk\/studentatguide\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.qub.ac.uk\/studentatguide\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2401"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.qub.ac.uk\/studentatguide\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=743"}],"version-history":[{"count":12,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.qub.ac.uk\/studentatguide\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/743\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1129,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.qub.ac.uk\/studentatguide\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/743\/revisions\/1129"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.qub.ac.uk\/studentatguide\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=743"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}