Prioritizing Student Wellbeing

As another semester winds down, finals are quickly approaching. It’s natural to feel a little anxious or stressed as you study and finish final projects, but developing good mental health habits and knowing the resources available to you can be incredibly helpful. When you prioritize your wellbeing, you plan more effectively, stay motivated and make better decisions. Below are some activities to consider as you make your plan for finishing the semester strong — they also can be helpful year-round. 

• Take some time to be outside. It’s always beneficial to spend time outside. Often when we study, we spend a lot of time in front of screens, so taking a break can reset neurotransmitters. According to the American Psychological Association, taking time in nature is linked to improved attention, less stress and overall better mood. 
• Get moving with physical activity. Physical activity doesn’t have to be intense or an hour long. You can 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. 
• Be sure to rest. Students with busy social lives, challenging finals and looming projects often find balancing it all to be overwhelming. Your body needs rest to help your brain function at its peak. Lack of sleep affects both long- and short-term memory, concentration and mood, and weakens your immune system. 
• Lean on your friendships. Social support is an important part of a daily self-care routine. It is vital to be intentional about creating mutual, reciprocal caring friendships. Researchers have found that positive friendships can be a protective factor for psychological distress, including anxiety, depression and symptoms of post-traumatic stress. 
• Check in with yourself. How are you really doing? Be honest with yourself about how you feel. It can be easy to become so busy that you’re distracted, almost disconnected from your emotions. Take some time for yourself – journal, catch up with a friend, listen to music, read a devotional or pray. 

Remember — you are not alone. Your University community is here for you and offers resources to support your physical, mental and spiritual health.

• The Baylor Counseling Center offers mental health counseling and crisis support to all Baylor students.  
• Baylor Telehealth by Academic Live Care connects you with a virtual healthcare professional to support your medical or mental health needs 24-hours day, 7 days a week.
• Baylor Health Services offers a physician on site to care for the medical needs of students.
• If you need someone to talk to and pray with, connect with the Office of Spiritual Life or drop by the Bobo Spiritual Life Center. 

Here’s a complete list of resources available to students.