Illuminos Holiday Support Guide — College-Aged Students

Written By Wendy Weinberger

College students face finals, disrupted routines, and emotional fatigue during this time of year.

1. WHY THIS TIME OF YEAR IS HARD

Signs:

  • Oversleeping

  • Emotional shutdowns

  • Trouble focusing

  • Missed assignments

  • Increased anxiety

Steps:

  • Offer low-pressure check-ins.

  • Reduce expectations the first 48 hours home.

  • Normalize stress.

2. LOWERING STRESS WITH REFLECTION

Weekly prompts: “What helped you get through this week?”

Keep conversations brief unless they ask for more.

3. ORGANIZATION SYSTEM

Encourage:

  • Weekly scheduling

  • Google Calendar for deadlines

  • Focus apps like Freedom, Forest, RescueTime

  • 45–60 minute work blocks

4. MISSING ASSIGNMENTS

Script for emailing professors: “What should I prioritize to get back on track?”

Use jump-start sessions with Pomodoro timing.

5. NEURODIVERGENT SUPPORT

Ask low-pressure questions: “What’s the first step you feel able to do?”

Offer co-planning without taking over.

6. SOCIAL PRESSURE

Normalize feeling left out or overwhelmed. Suggest grounding strategies:

  • walks

  • journaling

  • quiet routines

7. TRAVEL & HOLIDAY CHANGES

Preview plans in advance. Build in recovery time after finals. Give a simple role to feel included.

8. SCREENS & SLEEP

Aim for 8–10 hours. Use Apple Focus Mode or Freedom. Encourage regular wake times.

9. WHEN THEY COME HOME EXHAUSTED

Allow a quiet arrival window. Suggest simple connection activities when ready.

10. JANUARY RESTART

Review syllabi, set up calendars, and choose one modest goal.

CLOSING

College students need space, structure, and perspective. Illuminos partners with families to help students manage executive function, stress, and transitions with confidence.


Wendy Weinberger http://www.illuminos.co
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