Your wellbeing during the Easter holidays

While the Easter holidays are a great time to relax, recharge and spend time with friends outside the UK boarding school environment, there’s also the ever present thought at the back of your mind that exams are on the horizon too. Without even realising it, it’s also a time where feelings of stress may be building, even during the holiday. It’s an important time to look after your wellbeing during the Easter holidays. We understand that, as an international student studying at a UK boarding school, there is some additional stress and anxiety.

It’s important to take in account how we are feeling physically so that we can deal with the mental and emotional side. Research has shown that school-related stress can impact you physically, reduce your motivation to work and limit academic potential.

Take a quick self-look at yourself during the holidays and ask the following questions:

• Am I relaxed or is my jaw clenched and shoulders feeling really tight?
• Do I feel tired the whole time?
• Do I want to eat the whole time, even if I’m not hungry?
• Am I sleeping well?
• Do you struggle to even start work or studying?

If you are answering ‘Yes’ to some of these questions you could try out some of these ideas to help with your wellbeing:

Movement and exercise

Exercise is probably one of the best therapies for mind and body. Getting out into the fresh air can clear your mind. No matter the exercise or duration, it will have a positive impact.

Practice mindfulness to clear your mind

A simple exercise that you can do at any time is to find a quiet space and practice square breathing. Breathe in deeply for 4 seconds, hold your breath for 4 seconds, breathe out for 4 seconds and hold your breath for 4 seconds. Repeat this process a few times.

Separate study and relaxation time with clear boundaries

Set clear start and finish study or work time and add in regular breaks every 20 to 30 minutes. Plan and know what you will do in each session. Then enjoy the time outside of study knowing that you are organised for the next day. There are lots of things you can do to get the most from your revision time. We’ve put together our top tips for studying at your British boarding school, as well as pointers to ensure you do as well as possible on the day of the exam.

Stay organised during your holiday

Make lists of what needs to be done and by when they need to be completed. Focus only on that task at hand but be careful not to try a cram too many things into a single session. Spread them out and cross them off when you have completed them – it will feel good with a sense of achievement knowing that a task is complete. This can assist with your wellbeing during the Easter holidays.

Connect and talk about it

Staying connected with friends and family is a great way to see that you are not the only person that is being affected with stress during the Easter holidays.

Eat well

A balanced and healthy diet over the Easter holidays can provide the necessary energy to cope with the effects of stress. Eat regularly and try eating fruit, more meals at home with vegetables and less fast foods.

Sleep

Sleep is probably one of the most factors for your wellbeing. Aim to sleep between 8 and 10 hours every night. Try slowing down and using your phone less for 30 minutes before going to bed. Better sleep can lead to less stress and anxiety.

By applying some or even all these tips will assist you with studies and play over the Easter holidays. Take care of yourself and treat yourself to some Easter eggs every now and then. We hope that you have an incredible Easter holiday and go back to boarding school refreshed and ready to achieve your best.

Continue your wellbeing journey and have a look at some top tips on how to succeed in your exams.

This article appears in the following categories  Boarding School Life, FAQs & Resources, Students