Published: Wednesday, 24 February 2021
Clear your mind by learning simple and effective ways to better manage stress in your life. Below are some helpful tips from our campus health and wellness services that can help you get started on your self-love journey. What are you waiting for, check out these resources now!
Beach Balance has a collection of online, interactive programs that are geared towards mindfulness, relaxation and ease. A few of their virtual activities include: meditation Mondays, yoga with friends, wellness workshops, arts and crafts and peer nutrition counseling. They also offer goodies like recipe ideas for snacks, breakfast, lunch and dinner.
"The long-term benefits of investing in your mental health are priceless. To enjoy a higher quality of life, and improve your relationship with yourself, start by making a list of the things you want to work on each day. It may not seem like much, but overtime it makes a big difference," said Beach Balance Assistant, Lucy Carvalho.
Additionally, the Office of Wellness and Health Promotion is readily available for students during challenging times. As part of the Division of Student Affairs and Student Health Services they are promoting Beach Wellness programs. There are an assortment of available opportunities for students such as body positivity classes, group workshops, mindful Mondays, talk-spaces, and more.
"It's critical to care for yourself now, every moment is a chance to practice self-care. You can't pour from an empty cup. Life is not a competition to see who can be more stressed out, you will find balance if you create healthy coping skills," said Health Educator and Office of Wellness and Health Promotion Coordinator, Heidi Girling.
The Basic Needs Program is also accessible to students looking for assistance. Services including the Beach Pantry, Cal Fresh and the Student Emergency Intervention and Wellness Program are ongoing during COVID-19 times. The resources are in place to help students thrive beyond barriers, specifically in the areas of food insecurity, homelessness and crisis management.
Finally, Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) encourages students to explore their various healing sessions. Drop-in for wellness workshops on reframing thoughts, talking through emotions, grounding techniques and more. Popular services include Let's Talk spaces with professional counselors and thoughtful Thursdays. There are also support spaces available for those looking to connect with other students about pandemic-related mental health struggles.
"The pandemic has left many feeling socially isolated and lonely. There's nothing 'normal' about this new lifestyle we are living and it's understandable to feel overwhelmed by it," said CAPS psychologist, Nidia Moran Canales. "The best ways to manage these hardships are to look into the things that make you feel safe; it can be as simple as reaching out to others for support, practicing yoga, or focusing on the things you can control," said CAPS clinical counselor, Arlene Dayrit.
You are a priority, invest in yourself by participating in the above resources to stay ahead of stress. Find a coping strategy that fits your experience and stick to it. Set goals for yourself and work towards improvement each day. Do so by creating an emergency plan for when life gets challenging; include grounding techniques, support services and mantras to help you focus on the present moment.
