The holidays are always a tense time. All your family are around, you spend more money than you mean to, its cold, wet, and dark and it’s also the first time since September you get to rest from university.
Of course, it’s nice being around family and friends and letting go of some pressure from uni, but because of this often we get a burst of bad mental health.
Theres a pressure to feel happy around this time of year, but it’s completely natural to not. The holidays make us feel lots of different things. You miss people who are no longer in your life, you are for the first time in months relieved from constant university work, you might be worrying about your dissertation or maybe a semester abroad. On top of this, you might not even get a break because you have to work.
So, here are three things to do to keep your mood up during the holidays.
1 – Give yourself time!
Its okay to not relax right away, don’t feel like you have to! Its normal to be stressed after the semester ends, your brain doesn’t automatically fall out of the sort of flight or fight mode you’re in all semester just because it’s over. You’re allowed to feel like you’re not doing enough, you’re allowed to feel like you’re not meant to rest. It’s completely normal to be stressed, so don’t worry.
2 – Go Outdoors
Whether it’s a short walk down your street or a wee trip to the shops, make sure to spend sometime outside! Its so easy to fall into staying in all day when you’ve not got a reason to go out, but its never good for your mental health to stay in all the time. A breath of fresh air and half an hour to yourself appreciating nature surrounding you is always beneficial.
3 – Do what YOU want to do
Make sure to do what you want to do. Its easy to go along with everyone else or forget to enjoy your time off, but you’ve got to prioritise you! Read the book you’ve had on your shelf for ages but never got round to reading, rewatch your favourite show, go ice skating, paint a picture, explore the Christmas markets around Glasgow and Edinburgh.
Of course, none of these things can completely solve your mental health issues, depression and anxiety doesn’t just magically disappear because you go outside. But they might make a little difference to your day, and even a little helps. Always speak to someone if you’re struggling and remember that you’re not alone. Theres so many people who go through the exact same thing as you and there’s always people to help.
There are several services the university offers via the website under student support services. Don’t be afraid to reach out.
24/7 Student Support helpline
- Call 0800 031 8227 (freephone UK) or 00353 1 518 0277 (international).
- Arrange a call back via WhatsApp by texting ‘Hi’ to 07418 360 780.
- Sign up for Spectrum.Life to arrange a call through their live chat (organisation code: Stirling).
Information via Stirling University website.
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