Grapevine - Bede
Weekly news and information - WC 19th January 2015
Beating The January Blues
Blue Monday will take place on January 19, 2015.
The day - which is earmarked as the most depressing day of the year - is traditionally a time when people need their spirits lifted after the comedown from Christmas.
What is it?
The unhappiest day of the year, based on the following factors:
- Weather conditions,
- Debt level (the difference between debt accumulated and our ability to pay),
- Time since Christmas,
- Time since failing our new year's resolutions,
- Low motivational levels and the feeling of a need to take action.
After the celebrations of the festive season, many people feel low when going back to work or education.
Why do we feel so low?
January is a busy time for lifestyle changes: we take out gym memberships, look at job ads, browse for holidays, start diets and give up smoking.
The trouble is, few of the above give instant results. In the meantime, we still have to clear our credit cards, squeeze into our tighter clothes and get on with a less-than-inspiring job with pay day weeks away and no bank holiday on the horizon.
Tips to beating the blues
1. Try something new
It's easy to feel stuck in a rut, but dwelling on things is a waste of your energy.
Don't try to fix everything at once ā instead focus on changing one thing to boost your mood.
It doesn't have to be complicated or expensive: you could learn a new language by joining a night class but also by borrowing a beginner's language course from your local library.
2. Get physical
Numerous studies have shown that exercise boosts mood ā so much so that GPs are advised to prescribe exercise for mild depression instead of medicines.
Visit your local leisure centre to see what classes they offer and try to combine activity into your daily routine. Try going for a brisk walk in your lunch hour and ban yourself from using the lift.
3. Contact a friend or relative
Arrange a get together or talk to someone you haven't contacted for a while.
Making plans and thinking of someone else is a good way to take your mind off your troubles.
Email and social networking sites make this task easier if you don't like using the phone.
4. Look after yourself
It's easy to be unhappy with your body, your career, your relationship ā everything can be found wanting after the 'spoil yourself' mentality of the festive holidays.
While you may need to make lifestyle changes for a healthier, happier you, you shouldn't see your current self as a failure.
Having goals is good, but they can be destructive if you use them as a stick to beat yourself with.
5. Spot the signs of trouble
According to The Samaritans, suicide levels are at their highest at the beginning of the year.
If the future seems bleak, and you have lost interest in everything, it's time to take some action.
Watch out for these signs of emotional distress: difficulty sleeping, disturbed appetite, excessive drinking, being anxious or angry.
Action means talking to someone you trust, contacting Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90, or making an appointment with your GP.
If you are concerned about how you are feeling or just want to talk to somebody, please visit the youth work office. Hopefully a problem shared is a problem halved :) This is a confidential service and the team should be able to help.
Watch the clip below and see if it can raise a smile, but please don't sing it around college! PLEASE
College events in January
Student Union President
Hi there Iām Pasha, your new President!
I am going to be voice for all students here at Stockton Riverside College.
I want to give present and future students the best environment to learn and achieve excellence.If anyone has any requirements, requests about the college, things you would like to alter and improve, you can rely on me to make a change!
Student IDs
Student Services Teams
Who are we?
Youth work * Learning Support * Careers * Core * Information and Guidance * Safeguarding
Email: lorna.mclean@stockton.ac.uk
Website: www.stockton.ac.uk
Phone: 01642 865464
Twitter: @studentsrc