Taking a Break This Easter

Whether you’re staying at your student home or staying with family, it’s important to think about how you’re going to look after yourself and those around you during the Easter break and revision period. We’ve put some tips together to help you have a restful break, and where to get help if you need it.

Reaching out

While many students will be with their families for the break, there will be lots of reasons why some will not be able to or may choose to spend it alone. For some, this may be a welcome change, but for others, it may be a source of considerable stress. However you feel about your holiday arrangements is valid, and we should be mindful that others around us may be having a very different break than they are used to.

For this reason, it is important to stay in touch with family and friends over the break. You could organise an online catch-up, 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 make time for yourself over the break too! You will likely have coursework or revision to be doing, so establishing a routine and clear boundaries between work and rest will be essential in giving you a head start for whatever the next term may bring. Here are our top tips for building a healthy routine:

• Work out what you need to get done over the break and split this into manageable sections to tackle one at a time.
• Make sure to build in time each day to go outside - getting enough sunlight will be invaluable to boost your mood, and getting exercise each day will help to tackle any holiday stresses.
• Focus less on productivity - while this may seem counterintuitive, beating yourself up when you don’t manage to get everything on your to-do list for the day done won’t be helpful in the long run. 
• Practice digital wellbeing to keep an eye on how you’re engaging with social media.
• Do something for someone else - as well as keeping an eye on your friends who may be struggling, the holidays are a great time to get involved in some community volunteering if you are able. Have a look at the ways you can help.
• Make time every day to practice self-care - these articles about mental health and wellbeing have some helpful ideas!

Support available if you’re struggling

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.

The University’s Student Wellbeing service is confidential and free for you to use.

In the event of a mental health crisis, the emergency services can be contacted at any time by calling 999. For advice about urgent issues, you can also call 111. The Samaritans also offer 24/7 support, just call 116 123, or email.

Additionally, Student Space (from Student Minds) is offering free phone, email, and live chat support from 4-11pm and 24/7 text support, as well as loads of useful resources for students during this time.