This winter break may look different than previous years, especially if you have not been able to return home for the holidays or had your plans altered last-minute. Whether you are stuck in London or made it home, LSESU Advice Services encourages every student to take time to themselves and participate in activities that bring you joy! To help, here are 5 tips:
1. GO FOR A WALK
Walking is one of the only activities we can all do freely and at our leisure. Why not take a walk around your neighbourhood with some friends and family, or pop in your headphones and stream your favourite podcast (may we suggest NPR’s Planet Money or Stuff You Should Know?)
2. PICK UP A FAVOURITE NOVEL AND READ A CHAPTER OR TWO A DAY
Because of academic reading required for classes, reading for pleasure can seem overwhelming or uninteresting. However, during the break, we recommend picking up that bestseller you’ve been meaning to get to and get back in touch with your love of reading. If you find yourself in a reading slump, we recommend these books to get you started:
- The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
- Shuggie Bain by Douglas Stuart
- Inseparable by Simone de Beauvoir
3. REACH OUT TO FRIENDS WHO MAY ALSO STILL BE IN LONDON
Reach out to friends who may also still be in London.
If sudden unexpected events caused you to be unable to travel home, you are not alone! Send a message in your group chat and see if there are others who are also around and get together (after taking a COVID test) for a safe activity such as a walk or watching your favourite holiday movie together. If you are quarantining, FaceTime your friends and family and try to talk to someone on the phone at least once a day. FaceTiming a loved one while doing mundane tasks can make the day seem less alone and you can chat while doing it!
4. MAKE YOUR FAVOURITE TREAT
The holidays are all about indulging in treats and enjoying yourself! Pull out that recipe you’ve been wanting to try and let your mind be distracted through baking.
5. HAVE A CLEANING DAY
Although cleaning might not sound relaxing, it can be incredibly therapeutic. However, with school, papers and books often get strewn everywhere and organising can seem daunting. This break we recommend playing your favorite artist, grabbing a hoover, and working on making your space feel like a sanctuary.
Whatever way you choose to look after your mental and physical health, whether you follow all or none of these suggestions, you are investing in yourself, your capabilities and your resilience. This will help you in many ways, not least feeling refreshed and more able to study effectively. This holiday season can also be a time of uncertainty, and if you find yourself sad or frustrated reach out to friends, family, and the LSESU Advice Service who can all offer you support. You are not alone! You can reach us at: su.advice@lse.ac.uk or find us online at lsesu.com/support/advice
Blog written by Rebecca Jacobi.
Rebecca works as an Advice Assistant in the LSESU Advice Team.
The LSESU Advice Team
The LSESU Advice Team is based on the 3rd floor of the Saw Swee Hock Building and we provide free, independent and confidential advice to all LSE students on academic and housing matters. We also administer the Hardship Fund, the Childcare Fund and the Graduation Gown Support Fund (GGSF).
Our service is currently operating using a hybrid working pattern. We are still open and can be accessed by emailing su.advice@lse.ac.uk. You can also book a telephone or Zoom appointment with an adviser through Student Hub.