Mental and Physical Health Spot Check

Throughout the semester it is important for students to check in with themselves, mentally, emotionally, and physically. Take stock of how you're feeling across the board. Does your body feel run down and exhausted? Are you running on a high of stress and caffeine? 
Taking just 5 minutes to check in with your body can help you assess where you are and what you might need to adjust to make it through the remainder of the semester. Your university will almost certainly have a variety of resources that you can, and should, make use of. These resources range from academic assistance such as writing centers, to free counseling and mental health services, to affordable or free health clinics and vaccinations. But in addition to those services, there are a few minor things you can do right away to get back on track. 

​Are you struggling with racing thoughts?

• Take 1 minute to do a guided meditation. 
• Ask yourself where the majority of your stress is coming from, and what you can easily change or take control of. 

Does your to-do list feel endless and overwhelming? 

• Do a quick triage of your tasks by writing down every single thing on your to-do list, then ranking them in terms of deadline and importance. Tackle the most urgent ones first, and let go of some of the less important things where you can. 

Feeling generally unhealthy and off-kilter? 

• Try a brief social media detox. 
• Try to schedule in time for exercise. If a 30 minute run isn't in the cards, just do what you can. Exercise is not all-or-nothing. Fit in a few short walks by taking the long way to your next class or your car, or squeeze in a quick stretch break between homework assignments. Do these things WITHOUT your phone glued to your face. Just listen to the sounds around you, pay attention to your thoughts, and generally be a part of your surroundings. 

Are you maintaining healthy attitudes toward food? 

• During times of intense stress, food can easily become a crutch for comfort. Don't beat yourself up. Use Intuitive Eating strategies to honor your hunger, avoid diet culture, and retain a sense of body neutrality. 

Have you done something kind of someone else recently? 

• Engaging in small acts of kindness toward others can boost our own moods, self esteem, and happiness. In fact, kindness toward others can improve your life in a myriad of ways. 

Finally, did you remember that you are a whole and complete person who is worthy of love and kindness, just as you are? 

• Your worth is not determined by your grades or your achievements. You are doing a good job.