The clocks have gone back and the evenings are getting darker. For some, this is the best time of year. They have been waiting eagerly since September to dust off their boots, pull on a big cosy jumper, and grab a pumpkin-spiced latte from their chosen coffee shop. But not everyone shares this enthusiasm. The approaching winter can be a difficult time for most people. The lack of sunlight and the drop in temperatures can severely impact mood, energy levels, and motivation. As students, it is especially important to look after ourselves during this time as we knuckle down and write our TMAs before the holidays.
So what can we do to look after ourselves now, and in the coming darker months? Here is a handy guide of practical suggestions to help you take care of yourself as we wind down into this darker part of the year.
1. Get Social
As distance learners, feelings of isolation are more common for us. As the weather gets colder and the nights get darker, the desire to retreat and hibernate from the world grows stronger. So this first suggestion is to make time to socialise.
There are so many ways to get involved with other students and your wider community. The Students Association hold weekly online meet-ups such as the Saturday Morning Coffee and Chat, Mental Wellbeing Online Meet-Up, and Community Drop-In, all of which are held weekly. These online meet-ups are an amazing way to meet and engage with other students and can be done from the comfort of your own home. There is no pressure to have your camera or microphone on either, nor to attend regularly.
Another great way to socialise is through volunteering. With roles such as the telephone friendship service with Age UK, and tutoring with Action Tutoring, this can also be done from the comfort of your own home. But if you are feeling Zoom fatigue, or just don’t like phone calls, then volunteering in person with different organisations is also an option. There are many different websites that provide details of local opportunities available, so look around, and see what you might be interested in. Would you like to do a role that relates to what you are learning? Or perhaps something that is in another area of interest that you would like to explore? Also, be mindful and realistic about how much time you can dedicate to a volunteering role. Even just an hour a month can make a difference.
Support and social groups are also a great way to fill the social need. Different groups are available in different areas, so see what is available to you locally. Are there any charities that hold coffee mornings or support groups? Your GP surgery may also have a notice board advertising local groups, so the next time you are there, take a look and see what is going on in your area. Finally, check out your local Mind. Different areas hold different services, so again, check what is available to you locally.
2. Get Outdoors
With decreased exposure to sunlight during the darker months, it is especially important to get outside a little more. Go for a walk, even if it is five minutes around the block. Do you have access to a local green space, such as a park or nature reserve? Some parks even organise wellness walks so not only are you getting outdoors, but you are also meeting that social need as well. Volunteering can also help give you that reason to go outside. Opportunities to volunteer at your local park may be available, or check out The Conservation Volunteers (TCV) and see if they hold sessions in your area. Finally, some local councils have litter-picking initiatives where they can provide you with the kit. It’s a great way to get outdoors and help out your local community.
3. Nutrition
Eating seasonally is not just good for your body, but also good for the planet. Are you aware of what foods are currently in season? Challenge yourself, could you try a new recipe with a seasonal vegetable you may not have cooked with before? Even if you don’t really cook often or have low confidence, give this a go! It doesn’t break the bank either; even a small handful of different ingredients can make a variety of different meals. Squashes like butternut squash, pumpkin and courgette go well in soups, curries, pasta and cakes. Experiment and be creative with it!
Now is also the time to stock up on vitamins. With the decrease in sunlight exposure, our bodies are not able to make as much vitamin D as before, so taking a supplement can help with this. It is cold and flu season, so also consider taking vitamin C to help give your immune system a little boost. B vitamins are also handy to take as they help with energy levels. However, please speak to a pharmacist or GP before taking vitamins, especially if you are already on medication.
4. Home comforts
With the weather being colder and wetter, and as distance learners, we will find ourselves at home a lot more. So, are there any things you could do to make things a little more comfortable for you? Has your hot water bottle seen better days? This season calls for cosy items such as blankets, jumpers, thick socks, hot drinks and candles. If you are in need of a few items, especially warmer clothing, make the most out of student discounts. Apps such as Student Beans and UNiDAYS allow you to create an account with your OU email to get discounts from various shops.
But, let’s be real. We are students, and with the cost of living crisis and increase in energy bills, sometimes finding the money for new things can be a struggle. If you are able to, check out your local charity shops as many have good quality items for a much cheaper price. If you don’t have access, apps such as Depop and Vinted are great for finding quality items at low cost. Ebay can be a useful platform for finding second-hand items. When searching, use the filter option to select ‘used condition’ to find second-hand clothing. If you use Facebook, then sometimes their marketplace is a helpful place to look for items. Olio is another app to find things for free, even food! Getting items second-hand isn’t just good for your bank account, but also for the environment.
5. Self-care
We cannot have a well-being article without mentioning self-care. However, it is more than just bubble baths and scented candles. What does self-care look like for you? Have you possibly taken on too many things and need to drop something? Saying no is also an act of self-care. Have you been too absorbed in your studies and neglected hobbies? It is all about balance. It is so easy to make studying the main focus of our lives, but taking time away to do fun and creative things is an act of self-care. It also is good for your mind, and taking breaks and time away occasionally can actually help you approach your studies with a refreshed perspective. Can you carve out a small amount of time each week to do something you enjoy? Even if it is half an hour?
6. Reach out for help
If it is just getting too much for you, reach out for help. This can be done in so many ways. TalkCampus is a great social app that connects you with other students, not just from the OU. It is encouraged that you stay anonymous and don’t disclose your location or place of study, which gives you the freedom to be open and honest about what you are going through. The app has useful features such as filtering posts, so you can hide posts that may be triggering for you. The diary section and mood tracker enable you to check in with yourself. The app also has resources for mental health, and information for when in a crisis.
Also, speak to your GP. Getting access to a GP can be difficult, but stick it out. Your GP can issue a blood test to rule out any physical issues. They can also refer you to mental health services if you are struggling with low mood. They can even signpost you to local services that might be able to help in a way you may not have thought of.
If you notice your studies are getting affected, reach out to Student Support and your tutor. Your tutor will be able to give you advice if you are falling behind, or struggling to understand the module material. Student Support are able to offer options and solutions to any study issues such as extra time for assignments, revision support and additional support in tutorials, and can help you if you feel you need to take a break from your studies for a while.
Getting social, getting outdoors, thinking about nutrition, increasing your home comforts, looking at self-care and reaching out for help are practical ways you can support yourself through these darker months. Don’t do everything all at once! Pick and choose one or two you like the sound of give them a go. Be realistic with the time you have available to you, and don’t take on more than you can handle. And it is okay if you try something and it is not for you, give something else a go. And above everything else, be kind and compassionate to yourself. Juggling study, commitments and mental health takes so much time and energy. You are doing the best you can, and your best is good enough.
Take care of yourself.
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