Winter Wellbeing

As the autumn term comes to a close, we often reflect on what we have achieved, but also areas that have gone less well. But perhaps more importantly, we start to plan what we should do for the next two weeks! Sleep in all day, every day? Catch up on our favourite shows or films?

Whatever it is, this holiday is a well-earned respite from all the hard work put into this term, and you should most definitely take time to enjoy this break. But Christmas can also be a time that can cause people to feel lonely; just last year, 77% of people felt their mental health worsened during this festive period, with 88% feeling stressed or triggered (Source: Mates in Mind).

Although you may want to just lie in bed and not move a muscle, it is important to check in with and express your emotions at this time. The festive period brings a chance for relaxation; it is also an important time to express gratitude to those close to you, whether that is to siblings, parents, friends, or teachers. We can sometimes struggle to express our thanks to others, simply due to awkwardness or the assumption that the other person already knows. However, from your own personal experience, when someone genuinely complimented you, recognised you, or simply spent time with you, you must have felt genuine happiness (or even contentment) knowing that someone appreciates you.

So, for these festive holidays, we suggest you get together with others, and we have a list of suggestions which you might want to try, to help you express the love and friendship you have for those you hold closest:

Go to a place you haven’t been to before with your friends – explore somewhere new; it’s always better and more fun with friends, just don’t stay out too late (it’s very cold and dark this year!)
Make handmade gifts – following on from Mrs Fletcher’s assembly on handmade gifts, spending your time creating something for a family member or friend means far more than a mug bought last-minute from Amazon.
Give back to the community – helping out at your local Salvation Army, or any charity supporting the homeless. This is not only beneficial for others, but also for yourself, as you meet new people and form meaningful connections.
Explore a new hobby with someone – doing something new together makes it more likely you’ll stick with it after the first 10 minutes (we’ve all done it before!), and who knows, maybe it’ll become a regular habit.
Cook something – whether you celebrate Christmas or not, cooking always brings people together, whether that’s a roast dinner (Yorkshire puddings and gravy are unbeatable) or, if you’re feeling creative, a gingerbread house.

Whatever you do, do it with someone. Simply knowing you have someone in your corner is always heart-warming, and your wellbeing truly matters.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Article written by Rohan, Akshay and Snehith (Year 12)