Here’s the ultimate self care guide for all Liverpool students to follow in December

Feeling a bit stressed out from deadlines? Burnt out from the cold and those 9am lectures? December is a relentless month for Liverpool students across campus as you’re slowly running out of student loan and can’t quite afford that train home yet. There’s no reason to let the winter blues get you down though – we’ve got you covered with five ways you can start tackling the big sad and turn into the best version of yourself ahead of New Year’s.

Journalling

First on the list has to be journalling – as the one of the most therapeutic activities you can do that saves you ranting to your flatmates and going insane after days of hectic uni nonsense. You can yap for hours, ramble out all my emotions and thoughts and have a record of every trial and tribulation that has gone on for the past few days. It all needs somewhere to go.

From the people at the bus stop you might have heckled whilst drunk, to the crisis you had in the library over my uni coursework, and anything in between, a journal has it all. Buying yourself an adorable notebook to spill all your secrets, greatest stories, worries and dreams into can be such a good way to express your emotions and connect with yourself that little bit more.It’s just as inviting as a warm drink in Union Brew after a long day of lectures.

Getting moving and reconnecting with nature

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Whether it’s a yoga class, a high energy boxing session, or a walk around Sefton Park – if you’re moving your body, you’re doing great. You can base it around whatever energy you have for that day, or whatever suits you personally, and book some time in for that sports class or hot girl walk. Personally, I have a few on rotation to match my mood and find the YouTube workout classes are a convenient and free way to get moving. Get your endorphins pumping and say goodbye to stress!

Get cosy at home

Setting up a space where you feel comfortable and able to relax is super important in shifting those winter blues. Sunset lamps provide a calming, atmospheric touch. Textures are super important too – soft blankets, cosy pyjamas, and a warm hot chocolate mug in your hands are a few of the endless ways to really feel grounded to your senses, and feel cosy and appreciative of the little things.

Even the best student houses are a little grimey and dark at times, so creating a sanctuary for yourself that you look forward to coming home to everyday makes a huge difference. This doesn’t mean you can bed rot every day though, mind.

Meditation

Now, before you come at me with the classic “I can’t take meditation seriously I just start laughing or get distracted” line, I used to be the same, until a volunteer holiday where I was working, city exploring and partying on four hours sleep every day. I decided my inability to nap was not going to cut it. I decided to try a simple search of sleep meditation on Spotify after a recommendation from a friend. What harm could it do?

While I didn’t fall asleep, I feel into a calm stance where I felt super relaxed and focused on this calming audio. Even my friends noticed as I breezed into the room after a 10 minute recharge – amazed at the change I had made from the hangry, scowling monster they had seen earlier. It’s known to be grounding and fulfilling, and perfect for the days where you might feel a little off or blue. Give it a go, you never know what’ll happen!

Having a hearty meal

Okay I get it. Things get busy, and eating pesto pasta for the seventh day in a row is sometimes all you can manage. With all the chaos of university life, sometimes we forget how good a wholesome meal can make you feel. Whether that’s treating yourself to a meal out with friends, or following a recipe to whip up something slightly more exciting, it can do wonders for your mood. Even a small hot drink or sweet treat on the way back from lectures is a great mood boost. Treat yourself! You deserve it! Don’t blame me if you spend half your student loan on a coffee and a pastry every day though, sorry.

The guilt we all feel when we’re not slaving away in the Sydney Jones or working on an assignment in the kitchen is universally strong, but don’t let it take over all your time. Sometimes you have to take a mental health day, especially during the winter, just to look after yourself and have a moment to recollect your thoughts. Don’t blame yourself for it!