Fall Break: Mental Health Edition
Baylor’s beloved Fall Break is right around the corner. As we recognize Mental Health Awareness this month, consider one of the following activities for your long weekend:
- Take some time to be outside. It’s always beneficial to spend time in the great outdoors; oftentimes, we spend a lot of time in front of screens, so taking a break can be incredibly helpful. According to the American Psychological Association, taking time in nature is linked to improved attention, less stress, overall better mood and (possible) increased empathy.
- Bring in some physical activity. It doesn’t have to be intense or an hour long; take a walk around campus, go for a bike ride, grab a friend and go to the SLC, or do some chair stretches throughout the day. You don’t have to be an expert and there’s no need to over-exert yourself – listen to your body and do what feels good.
- Rest. Being a student, having a social life, balancing it all – it can be overwhelming. Your body needs rest; lack of sleep affects both long- and short-term memory, concentration, mood, and weakens your immune system.
- Get ahead on schoolwork. This may not be for everyone, but sometimes getting ahead can help ease anxiety. You can also re-review your syllabi to make sure you know what’s coming up for the rest of the semester.
- Check in with yourself. How are you doing? How are you really doing? It can be easy to become so busy that we’re distracted from how we are emotionally. Take some time to yourself, journal, catch up with a friend, etc. If you realize you may need a little extra care during this time, check out these resources.
- Enjoy! Take time to experience this time off with things you love doing; listen to your body and look after yourself.