Preparing for Winter Break
Counseling Services
Making the Transition
Students may be experiencing a variety of feelings about break.
- Some may be excited for a break from classes, schedules, homework, and deadlines, whereas others may find the structure of school comforting and are nervous about having several weeks of unstructured time.
- Some are looking forward to seeing friends, family, and being in the comfort of their home for the first time in months! Others may find being home stressful. Whether this be from family problems or environmental triggers.
- Some students won't be returning home as their homes are too far away to visit, are working on campus, or are gearing up to leave for study abroad. This break may be upsetting to some, as the campus becomes quieter and more lonely. Homesickness may increase during this time as a result.
Returning Home
At college, you have freedom to set your own curfew, do your chores when you want, have people over as you please, etc... Returning home and re-adjusting to the rules at home instead of doing your own thing may be challenging.
The Judgments:
College is a time of self-exploration and self-discovery. With the freedoms mentioned previously, you have likely come to realize things about yourself such as personal preferences, self-identity, and new interests. Expect friends and family to question you about your lifestyle, class choices, major declaration, etc... While you may feel that you are being judged, keep in mind that they may be trying to understand and better relate to you. However, if you feel that they are not being supportive or are very judgmental, seek support from those you trust, whether that be a friend from college or a counselor at home.
The Expectations:
You may feel that you are expected to act a certain way with your friends and family. Remember, they have not see you in a while and have not witnessed you grow and learn and become your own person. They may remember you as the person you were before you left for college. You have, and are still, becoming an adult. However, your family may still see you as the same and treat you the as they did before you left.
Coping With These Issues:
Communication is key! Talk about these issues ahead of time with your friends and family. Make a list of concerns about returning home, whether it's about having to share a room with your sibling again or about having a conversation about your self-discovery. Being prepared ahead of time can help to reduce anxiety and tension.
Expect some resistance and try to roll with it! Change is difficult, for you and for them. Give them time to ask questions and process the things that you tell them. Give them the chance to get to know the new you. Also, be open to offering compromises! Communication and problem solving are two way streets. Be willing to give in order to get.
Again, if you feel that they are not being supportive, are very judgmental, or you are having difficulty adjusting, seek support from those you trust, whether that be a friend from college or a counselor at home. If this is a concern that you just can't shake (prior to returning home), try scheduling an appointment with a counselor at home now. That way, you will already have an appointment set up and can avoid long waiting lists.
Staying on Campus
Reach Out to Others:
Be with people. Even if your close friends are leaving, you can still benefit by reaching out to other students that are staying on campus over break. Eat your meals in public spaces or host a movie night. Remember, it’s normal to feel shy when meeting new people, but with practice you will be more relaxed. What do you have to lose by trying?
Also, this is a good time of the year to help others. Volunteering is a good way to interact with others while keeping you busy and building self-confidence.
Enjoy Your Time Alone:
Whether or not you have friends around, you can still enjoy many activities. Make a list of things you’d really like to do or would like to do more of! Some examples may include exercising or yoga, read books, complete puzzles, or discover new music.
Something else that may be helpful is to start a personal journal or keep a scrapbook of poems, advice, letters, or photos that are comforting and meaningful to you.
Keep a Positive Attitude:
We tend to confuse being alone with being lonely. Our usual attitude is that loneliness is miserable and something to be desperately avoided. However, being alone gives you time to discover new things about yourself and become a stronger person. What we think or tell ourselves (self-talk) influences how we feel. Keep in mind that just because you're alone now doesn’t mean you will always be alone.
You Are Not Alone
Counseling Services will still be open during winter break. If you feel you need additional support or are having difficulty coping with being on campus over break, don't hesitate to schedule an appointment with a counselor.
Structuring Your Time
Make a To-Do List Now:
Think of some things that you want/need to do while you are home. Some examples might be to meet with your doctor/counselor for a check-in, go through your belongings and get rid of things you no longer need, pick up necessities you will need for when you return to school, the chores you will have to do while at home, etc...
Schedule Times to Meet with People Now:
Start reaching out to friends and family now so that everyone can start planning to meet up accordingly. Giving them (and yourself) enough time to schedule a time to catch up is much easier than trying plan at the last minute. Also, by reaching out now, you can be sure that you are making enough time to see everyone.
If you have a physician, psychiatrist, or counselor at home that you would like to meet with, schedule those appointments now! Schedules fill up fast and it's important to stay on top of all aspects of your wellness.
Having Too Much Free Time:
Worried you might run out of things to do? Try thinking of things that you would have liked to have done more during the term. Whether that's working out at the gym, getting a part-time job to save some money, volunteering, or trying something new (snowboarding anyone?). Break is a good time to do these things!
Also, temporary jobs and volunteer work are often in high demand during the holiday season. Start looking/applying now; the sooner the better!
Counseling Services
Making an appointment is easy! Calling is the fastest way to schedule an appointment, but you can also visit our office or send us an email!
Current Staff:
Janell McGruder – Director, Counselor
Megan Downs – Assistant Director, Counselor
Emily Trulson - Counselor
Claire Palmer – Intake Coordinator
Vicki Swedlund - Administrative Assistant
Email: madowns@knox.edu
Website: https://www.knox.edu/offices/health-and-counseling-center/counseling-services
Location: Furrow Hall, 175 West Knox St
Phone: 309-341-7492
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/knoxcollegecounselingservices/