Winter wellbeing tips to help you wind down not burn out

As winter arrives and the days grow shorter, many students start to feel the weight of the season.

While the lead up to Christmas can offer moments of celebration and cosy evenings, balancing coursework, deadlines, jobs, and family commitments can make this time of year feel overwhelming.

Add darker evenings, colder weather, and reduced motivation into the mix and it’s easy to see why the winter months can be challenging.

At RNN Group, we’re here to help you move through the season with support, balance, and a sense of community.

Winter doesn’t have to mean burning out. With the right tools, and the right people around you, it can be a time for reflection, connection, and healthy winding down.

Why winter can feel tough and overwhelming

It’s common to feel more tired, less motivated, or a bit disconnected during winter. Shorter daylight hours, colder weather, and busier schedules can all affect your wellbeing.

December can also bring a mix of pressure and expectation. As coursework deadlines approach, it’s common to experience stress, tiredness, or dips in motivation. Many students are also managing work, caring responsibilities, or festive pressures at home.

If you’re feeling any of this, you’re certainly not alone and support is ready and available.

RNN Group Support Services

Counselling Service

Our College counsellors offer free, confidential, one-to-one support for anything affecting your wellbeing – whether that’s stress, low mood, anxiety, trauma, family or financial pressures. The professional counsellors can help you work through your concerns in a methodical and structured way.

Mentoring and Peer Support

Our mentoring schemes connect you with trained student mentors who understand the challenges of studying while balancing other commitments. A mentor can help you manage workload, maintain perspective, and stay grounded with encouragement, practical advice and a friendly ear.

They can also signpost you to external support services for health, social care, housing and financial issues.

LGBT+ Groups and Community Support

Some members of the LGBT+ community find Christmas and winter isolating. If you’re looking for community, our LGBT+ groups provide a safe, welcoming space for students of all identities.

There are regular meet ups and activities taking place on campus where you can share experiences, build connections, and find support. The student union also has a dedicated LGBT+ officer who you can go to with feedback and suggestions on how to foster a more inclusive environment at College.

Therapy Dogs

One of our most loved wellbeing activities, our therapy dog visits bring comfort, reduce stress, and give you a moment of joy in the midst of winter.

At Rotherham College, we have Paddy the South African mastiff that comes to visit. At Dearne Valley College, we have our beloved golden retriever Rufus. And at North Notts College we have Elsa, another golden retriever.

They make regular visits to College, particularly over exam season, so look out for drop-in sessions on campus.

Mental Health Support

Across our campuses, you’ll find staff trained in mental health first aid. They can provide immediate guidance, reassurance, and signposting if you’re struggling or concerned about someone else with no appointment required.

Safeguarding Team

If you ever feel unsafe, have a concern about yourself or someone else, or need support quickly, our safeguarding team is here to help. They work sensitively and confidentially to ensure all students feel protected and supported, both during term time and throughout the winter break.

Further support for your health, care and wellbeing

Practical ways to support your wellbeing this winter

Seek daylight when you can

Even short pockets of natural light – on your commute to College, during lunch, or between classes – can help your mood and energy levels.

Stay connected

It’s easy to withdraw in winter, especially when everyone is juggling busy schedules. Joining a group, attending an LGBT+ meet-up, or chatting with a mentor can make a meaningful difference.

Give yourself time to rest

Many students are managing multiple responsibilities. Allow yourself breaks, quiet moments, and early nights without guilt.

Move in small ways

You don’t need a gym membership. Simple stretching, walking, or taking the stairs can help lift your mood and reduce stress.

If you’re finding winter especially hard

You never need to wait for a crisis to reach out. If you’re feeling low, overwhelmed, or unsure where to turn, our safeguarding teams are here to support you. A conversation can be the first step to feeling more grounded.

In a mental health crisis, at any time, day or night, you can:

• Contact the NHS Crisis Team on 0808 196 3779 – Available to anyone in mental health crisis 24/7
• Call 111 (call 999 directly if emergency)
• Contact your GP
• Go directly to the nearest A&E (Emergency Department)

A list of resources for urgent support

Remember to stay warm, stay connected, and take good care of yourself this winter.