Arcadia Ireland

It's very common, at this point in the semester, for students to feel a bit low. The novelty of being in a new, exciting country has worn off, and all of the UK's little idiosyncrasies stop being quirky and start being irritating. The weather is cold and gloomy, assignments are suddenly a reality rather than just something on the syllabus, and all those unfamiliar germs flying around don't help. This is one of the reasons we share (with caveats!) the "W Curve" model of culture shock. These feelings of frustration and sadness, sometimes coupled with homesickness, are so common they've earned a name: the "Disintegration Stage". 

While it is probably reassuring for students to know that a) this is common and certainly no reflection on their resilience, flexibility, adventurousness or any other characteristic, and b) it is likely to pass, that doesn't necessarily help in the moment.

Time to Talk Day is therefore (unintentionally!) at a particularly appropriate time for Spring Study Abroad students, falling on 1st February. It's a national day in the UK - run by several mental health charities - to encourage people to have conversations about mental health, be it in the workplace, in school, at home or within your different communities. It's a great opportunity for people to open up and say "you know, I'm struggling with this", or "I'm finding things a bit stressful/I'm feeling a bit low."

At Arcadia, we love to encourage conversation ALL the time, though Time to Talk Day is a great excuse for some snacks! So, if you pop into the Student Life Office between 12:00 and 2:00pm on Thursday 1st we'll have hot chocolate, snacks and some feelgood activities, and, of course, the chance to just chat.

To help get the conversation started, we asked some Arcadia staff members to share what makes them feel better. For me (as many students who've been to my Orientation session will know!) it's swimming in VERY cold water! I swim in the ponds and beautiful Art Deco lido on Hampstead Heath, where the temperature is currently around 42F! Swimming in cold water has proven mental health benefits: I have a history of depression, and it was the thing I finally found (well, that and meds!) that keeps me feeling chilled (literally!)

Sarah Denvir says:

I treat myself to one or more of Michael Neill's bitesize podcasts 'Caffeine for the Soul'.  They are comforting, liberating quick uplifts that help you see thoughts for what they are - and much more.

Elisabeth Lusche says:

I like going for long walks with my dog...without my phone! Taking a break from the constant buzz of social media and text messages once a day helps me feel more grounded

Sara Sayeg says:

I make myself a hot cup of tea and watch a comfort show (for me, it's The Office (US version)) - that helps me destress after a bad day!

Katherine Ranger says:

I joined a competitive cheer team thinking it would be a way to have regular physical activity. In fact, it's done so much more! I've been pleasantly surprised to find a community that supports each other in and outside of training, through both the challenges of the sport and general stresses in life. I'm grateful to have coaches who support me with my anxiety and make adjustments when needed, meaning I get to be my full self in a sport I love! I get to literally lift people up while they metaphorically lift me, it's a win-win

And finally, Philip Godfrey (aka Casper's Personal Assistant) says:

When I have had a challenging day, or things haven't gone quite to plan, I seek out Casper the cat . He's always ready for a stroking session, because he knows the role it plays in reducing stress. He's also a purrfect listener, and treats everything he hears in the strictest confidence.