It’s important to be mindful of your mental health and well-being over Christmas - and here’s some practical advice that might help.
Liverpool Hope University’s Student Counselling and Mental Health support services within Student Development and Well-being will close for the Christmas vacation period from Friday 18th December, reopening on Monday 11th January.
The team has put together a number of resources - including self-help guidance, wellbeing tips, faith events and contact details for external agencies - so that no-one needs to feel alone over the festive period.
You can find further details here: https://www-hope-ac-uk.ezproxy.hope.ac.uk/gateway/students/christmasbreakinformation/
John Ryan, Head of Student Welfare & Well-being at Hope, says: “Whether you’re staying in the city over the Christmas period, or travelling back home, looking after your mental health and well-being is important.
“The information highlights a range of support and facilities that are available, along with some self-help tips and resources, faith events, and things to do across the city over the holiday period.”
One of the resources includes a ‘Top Tip’ list of ways to protect your mental health during the hectic days surrounding Christmas:
Be active
Are you feeling tired and exhausted in the run-up to Christmas? Research suggests keeping active can help beat tiredness. Why not try a walk around your local area or a brisk stroll around the park?
Take notice
Do you feel like you have too much to do before Christmas? Often, we can be so focused on growing to-do lists that we forget to pay attention to what is happening now. Take notice of your surroundings – wrap up warm and pay attention to all the seasonal sights, sounds and smells.
Keep learning
Stuck for Christmas present ideas? Why not learn a new skill? It can not only improve your well-being but also make for exciting, personal Christmas presents. Save Santa’s elves a job or two!
Give to others
Feeling stressed this Christmas? Christmas can be a great time of year to do something for someone else. It doesn’t have to break the bank – something as simple as a smile or a ‘thank you' can help with your own well-being as well as theirs.
Connect
Feel lonely this Christmas? It can be a tough time of year, and even more so with the current may help. Talking to and interacting with the people around you, even it is over video call, may help. Be sure to touch base with those that you care about over the holidays.
Keep your expectations of the festive period realistic
Many of us have our own perfect vision of what the holidays should look like, and are disappointed when they don’t live up to their expectations. Who knows what things will look like in Christmas 2020? Remember, nobody has a perfect holiday or a perfect family, so don’t pressure yourself to live up to unrealistic standards!
Coping with anxiety
Christmas parties and events - even via Zoom - can be stressful if you struggle with social anxiety. Don’t feel pressured to say ‘yes’ to every invitation – you are allowed to decide which festive events and traditions are more important and enjoyable for YOU and decline the activities which cause you unnecessary stress.
Christmas prep causing stress?
Christmas can be a huge source of stress, and it’s easy to feel there’s too much to organise, or too much pressure on you – but don’t hesitate to reach out for help if you need it. Ask a friend or family member to help you with chores, or contact local mental health services who can offer support, advice and resources.
Take some ‘me time’
The holidays can be an overwhelmingly social time, with gatherings of family, friends and colleagues. Don’t forget that you’re allowed to set aside some ‘me time’ as well, such as curling up to read a favourite book or watch a Christmas TV special.
You’ll find further information below:
LOCAL AND NATIONAL WELL-BEING SUPPORT HELPLINES
Click here to find a range of agencies offering help and support over the Christmas period.
SUPPORT FOR RESIDENTIAL STUDENTS
Residential Life support available to students in halls over Christmas Information for Residential students who need to isolate over the Christmas period due to Covid-19.
SELF-HELP RESOURCES
Click here to access well-being apps, podcasts and blog articles.
The Covid Control Team has provided further information on Covid-19 resources over the Christmas break
CHRISTMAS CHURCH SERVICES
Find out what local Christmas Church Services are taking place over Christmas.
THINGS TO DO
For information about what’s going on in the Liverpool City Region during the holidays, visit these websites:
Events and activities going on in and around Liverpool that features Covid safe venues.
Blogs, features, reviews and listings for what's on across Liverpool.
Features all Liverpool and Merseyside arts and culture including online events.
A guide to local, independent food and drink venues in Liverpool.
A directory of activities that can help enhance your health and wellbeing.
A calendar of events run by voluntary and charity organisations if you want to get involved.
ENDS