The winter break will soon be upon us. Maybe you’re looking forward to some much-deserved downtime. Or maybe you’re just sitting there wondering how semester one has gone so fast! Either way, this particular holiday can come with a whole range of thoughts and emotions. Whether you’re staying at uni over the winter breakor making the most of your time at home, be sure to take note of these quick tips to help make sure you stay mentally well this winter:

Quit the Comparisons!

‘Tis the season for celebratory socials posts! From pics of fancy food and drinks, to reels with all their details of cosy catch ups - it can be hard to avoid the festive cheer. This can be tough, especially if you’re not feeling the same. If you’re finding it all a bit too much, then why not take a holiday from social media, too? And if that’s completely impossible then always remember that things are never quite as they seem. Socials posts are often full of everyone’s filtered best lives. You never really know what is going on off camera. Nothing can ever be that perfect.

Enjoy the Eating and Drinking…in Moderation!

It’s the time for ads to show off all their limited-edition seasonal specials. It’s time for your friends to invite you for your third meal out in a week. It’s time for just one more drink, just one more mince pie, just one more chocolate out that box. Enjoy it! All of it! You deserve it. But in between the snacking and big social occasions, try and remember to add in a bit of balance with some healthier choices like fruit and vegetables. Too much alcohol or rich food over an extended period of time can increase your likelihood of feeling irritable, having low moods, and getting into those dreaded family disagreements. No one wants that.

Keep a Routine.

This one may sound hard to do when everything that normally structures your day has gone. No lectures. No sports or society meets. Fewer people around. But things like exercising and sleeping properly are still really important to maintaining good mental health. Why not structure yourself a new routine for the holidays that includes a regular six to eight hours of sleep and a bit of exercise each day? This could be a brisk morning walk in the winter sunshine, a dance-off with your housemates to your favourite festive tunes or taking part in an online workout session. Be creative with it and have fun!

Take Some Time for Yourself!

The winter break can either be full-on as everyone might to want a piece of your time, or a little bit lonely as everyone who is normally around you goes to spend time with their folks back home. Whether you are spending the holiday alone or have a busy social calendar, always remember that you matter. Be sure to schedule in some time for self-care. Make the effort to plan something that’s just for you. Whether it’s a day browsing the boxing day sales or some time to curl up with a good book or movie. This is your time. Enjoy it!

For more tips, tricks, and student perspectives, check out the Student Minds Student Space winter pack and student blog.

Further Support

We understand that for some this can be a particularly difficult time of year. If you are worried or feel you need more professional support whilst Uni is closed for the winter break, there are people who can help. Spectrum Life is a free, confidential online support service providing access to counselling and mental health support for students across all campuses. You can access this service by:

• Online: log in to the portal using code ‘CovUni’ to register for free.  
• WhatsApp: text ‘Hi’ to 074 1836 0780.
• Calling: (UK) 0800 0318227 (free phone), or (international) 00353 1 518 0277 (standard call rates apply)

If you are at the Coventry or London campuses and feel like you are in crisis, you can access wellbeing support through the SafeZone app.