Staying Connected over the Christmas break
Semester 1 is nearly complete and Christmas is just around the corner - where has the time gone! We know that the holidays can be a challenging time for many reasons, so whether you’re heading back to your family home, or spending the break somewhere else, we’ve shared some suggestions for ways to look after your mental health during the festive period.
STAYING CONNECTED
While many students will be traveling home for the holidays, this may not be the case for everyone. Some students may not be able to return to their families or may choose to spend the holidays alone. It's ok to prioritise what's best for you, even if others don't seem to understand.
If you are staying in Winchester during the Christmas break you are invited to join the Staying in Winchester Microsoft Teams group. Information will be posted in the Teams group about events and support available over Christmas and New Year. To self-enrol in the Teams group please follow this link.
The wardens are hosting a Warden Christmas Café and you are invited to join them for films, friendly faces and food. This is taking place on Thursday 23 December and Wednesday 29 December from 2-5pm in the West Downs Values Café (Level 0) and everyone is welcome. There are also a couple of online events happening via Microsoft Teams and these will be held on Sunday 26 December and Sunday 2 January from 2.30-4pm. Please join the Staying in Winchester Teams group using the link above for full details and individual event links.
Sophie, one of our Student Officer team, will also be hosting a Christmas drop-in in the Martial Rose library on Tuesday 28th, 2-4pm. There will be some activities laid out in the old IT services area so do join if you are able to.
Wherever you are spending the Christmas break – you might want to think about organising a festive catch-up with friends, movie night, or even just send a quick text to check in with someone you know who might be struggling. For those who are spending the holidays alone, or with family they don’t have the best relationship with, taking the time over the holidays to connect with the people you want to be with can be invaluable.
LOOKING AFTER YOURSELF
As well as keeping in touch with other people, it’s important to take time for yourself over the break too!
- Sit outside in a warm coat and get a brief sunny boost;
- Keep up with your self-care routine – exercise, sleep, socialise, walk outdoors;
- Spend time doing charity and community work;
- Have a hot chocolate or do some festive baking;
- Practise digital wellbeing to keep an eye on how you’re engaging with social media;
- Meditate or try yoga; practice journaling, praying or being still.
SUPPORT AVAILABLE
We know the holidays can be a difficult time for many people, for various reasons. If you’re finding it difficult to cope, there are services available over the break to offer you support.
Please contact your GP, NHS 111 or one of the following services for urgent or out-of-hours support.
Speak to the Samaritans 116 123
Shout - for text support in a crisis
NHS Out of Hours and emergency services
Site Security on Campus: Available 24/7 on 01962 827666
