Dec. 20, 2024
Ferris State’s Personal Counseling Center offers tips for holiday break, winter comfort
The upcoming holiday break is an opportunity for college students to recharge after a stressful semester and come up with a plan to foster wellness in the months ahead, say leader in Ferris State University’s Personal Counseling Center.
Ferris State students are heading home or taking a break from classes after the recent final exams and commencement.
Ferris State Personal Counseling Center Director Andy Slater said a break from classes and campus can present the opportunity to plan and act on simple steps to foster wellness in the coming weeks and months.
“A return to home and family can be very helpful in dealing with any loneliness a student may have felt while on campus,” Slater said. “When they are away from the university setting, it can be very helpful to find photos, ‘security blankets’ or items that help scratch an itch they can bring back to their residence halls or where they are staying to address any feeling of homesickness.”
The holiday season may also present significant travel and schedule changes to accommodate celebrations with friends and family. Slater advised students to be deliberate about making time for rest and personal investment.
“They need to get the right amount of sleep and exercise, even when cold weather might make that difficult,” he said. “We hope students take the opportunity away from campus to reflect on their semester. Finishing a college semester is huge. Students can think through what went well and what they might change coming back for the spring to help themselves be more effective. Returning to campus feeling refreshed, with a plan to be successful, is always a good idea.”
Another consideration to help avoid the “winter blues” can be involvement with campus groups and activities once a student returns to campus.
“We hope every student finds a way to build a life at Ferris, that may mean stepping out of their comfort zone to join up with a registered student organization, a club sport, or another group,” Slater said. “If their living situation has presented issues, switching rooms on campus is very possible and can be pursued.”
Finally, Slater said Personal Counseling Center therapists will be ready to meet with any students who encounter stressors during their return home.
“Our peak season for counseling requests comes in the second half of the fall semester,” Slater said. “The early part of the Spring semester presents a much better situation in terms of arranging appointments with our staff.”
Students can receive support from therapists through scheduled appointments free of charge. The Personal Counseling Center is located on the second floor of the Birkam Health Center and can be contacted Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 to 5 p.m.