What is Wellbeing? | Connecting with Nature | Sleeping Better | Express Yourself | School Support Teams | Ask for Help
As the temperature drops and the evenings draw in, autumn and winter can be a difficult time for many. We have seven top tips for feeling fine and staying healthy during the autumn and winter months. These tips aim to provide a quick reminder of the things we can all do to stay happy through the wintertime and during the festive season.
Get comfy and cosy - Enjoy snuggling in some comfy pyjamas under a warm blanket. Use some fairy lights or LED candles for a cosy glow, put your favourite film or TVG show on and get the hot chocolate and warm popcorn ready!
Eat well - As the weather turns colder it can be tempting to comfort eat the wrong sorts of food. Try to stick to healthy food packed with the nutrients you need to stay well and fight off the winter germs. The odd treat now and then is definitely fine though!
Move your body - Physical activity is great for your overall wellbeing, including your mood. Find an activity you enjoy that you can do during autumn and winter, whether that's biking through crisp leaves, walking in the rain or yoga in your warm, dry bedroom or living room.
Stay connected - The winter months can feel lonely for some and many people tend to stay indoors as it gets colder and darker. Connecting with others is vital for positive mental wellbeing so make those connections in different ways to suit the season. Chat on the phone, send someone a card or join an online group.
Rest enough - Don't forget how important sleep is for our wellbeing. Often if we're pushed for time or feeling stressed it can negatively affect our sleep. A relaxing bedtime routine can help such as a warm bath and reading in bed under a lower light.
Make space for you - The winter months can feel hectic with the run-up to Christmas, finding time to see family and friends and fitting school and homework in around it all. Make sure you take time for something that gives you headspace, such as a walk in nature or listening to your favourite music or podcasts.
Write it down - Keeping a journal can be a great way to explore and organise our thoughts. It can help us plan our day, express gratitude and understand our worries and feelings. Autumn and winter are also good times to think about future goals and prepare for the new year, so why not get a notebook or find a journal app and get writing?
I am very passionate about supporting students to make improvements to their mental health and wellbeing, so if you have any worries or would like to discuss your mental health and wellbeing please do not hesitate to get in touch. No worry is too small, so please speak up if you need some support.
You can find the my room, The Retreat, towards the front of the school, just to the left of the bike storage area. I run drop-in sessions at the following times, so please feel free to pop in for a chat in a nice calm, relaxed environment.
Monday: 8.15-8.40am, breaktime and afterschool.
Tuesday: 8.15-8.40am, breaktime and afterschool.
Weds: 8.15-8.40am, breaktime and afterschool.
Thursday: 8.15-8.40am, breaktime, lunchtime and afterschool.
Friday: 8.15-8.40am and breaktime.
You can also email me at studentwellbeingsupport@selbyhigh.co.uk if you would like some advice, guidance, self-help leaflets or to arrange a face to face meeting.
I also offer a wide range of interventions focusing on issues such as anxiety, low mood, exam stress reduction sleep, self-esteem, body image, self-harm and emotional coaching. If you feel you are in need of support in one or more of these areas, please speak to your Year Manager first and they will then refer you to me. We are then likely to meet on a weekly basis over 6-8 weeks to complete some sessions together with the aim of supporting you in making positive changes to your mental health.
Sometimes asking for help is the bravest move you can make. You don't have to go it alone!
Have an amazing day and I look forward to meeting you :)