LIFESTYLE & WELLBEING student & library services providing support during the winter break

Staying active over the winter break can be difficult with dark nights and the cold weather.

Maybe checkout local leisure centres for a bit of indoor activity like swimming:

Volunteering over the Christmas break can be a great way to connect with others and spread joy to those who feel alone or isolated at this time of year. Click the links below to see how you would like to get involved:

From activities (see What's On), to shows for the family and nights out (see the SU page). There's something for everyone!

Staying warm this winter and making sure you get good nights sleep is just as important as getting active and fuelling your body. Wrapping up warm (layering up as much as you can when getting ready) when venturing outside, will help you to stay warm and make the experience more enjoyable.

Being outside in the winter will expose your body to sunlight which will provide it with some natural vitamin d, as well as regulate your body clock so it can differentiate between day and night. As being inside too much, especially a darkened environment can interrupt your circadian rhythm. It's also important to stay hydrated, as water stabilises the bodies temperature by regulating your blood flow. Hot drinks such as herbal teas or even just water with lemon and honey, will help to warm your tummy and great way of flushing out some of the toxins in your body. Warm milk is also a great one before bed in order to induce a warm and sleepy state of mind. Investing in fleecy blankets can be cheaper alternative to heating - being wrapped in softness will up the cosy and toasty vibes and keep you warm whilst curled up on the sofa or in bed.

Need support in falling asleep?

Try this bedtime meditation, recommended by the NHS to help relax and calm the body and mind

Credits:

Created with images by Andrii - "Healthy food in full paper bag of different products vegetables and fruits on dark background" • Chayna - "Attend a community Christmas tree lighting ceremony, with carol singing, hot cocoa, and the lighting of the tree." • Sonja Birkelbach - "Nostalgic and romantic christmasdecoration with a little lantern and candle light" • Alex - "Image of woman wearing bobble hat close up" • Siam - "Autumn or winter composition. Coffee cup, cinnamon sticks, anise stars, beige sweater on cream color knitted blanket background. Flat lay top view copy space."