University life can be stressful. Let us offer some friendly advice to help you find your Zen and thrive!
The typical day-to-day challenges and stresses of university life can be managed with the support of your peers, families, faith, and other communities. In addition to these support systems, there are numerous resources and tools that can help you with the information and education needed to build additional skills and knowledge that can help you resolve personal difficulties and help you thrive at Carleton and beyond!
Start with the basics. Stay hydrated and eat healthy meals. Breathe. Practice self-love. Exercise. Do some stretching or take a walk. It’s also important to learn from your feelings by learning why emotions are important, knowing that emotions aren’t perfect and applying what you’ve learned and apply it to a positive future. Meditation and mindfulness can also help one understand their feelings. It takes practice and patience, but it helps in the long run!
As mentioned there are plenty of self-help resources on campus such as Empower Me, KORU mindfulness, CUSA support services, and even better the Carleton Therapy Dogs! For those with mild to moderate health concerns, resources like the Paul Menton Centre and Health & Counselling Services are always there to support you and give you access to accommodations. Check out Carleton’s Mental Health and Well-Being information page for more resources: https://carleton.ca/wellness/living-well/
Start with the basics. Stay hydrated and eat healthy meals. Breathe. Practice self-love. Exercise.
It is also important that you don’t lose sight of the mental benefits that exercise provides, especially during difficult times. Exercise goes way beyond the number on the scale. In fact it can help with stress and anxiety release, it can increase your energy levels, and can help better your sleep. This year will take a lot of adjustment. Being on a computer all day is a drastic shift from walking around outside on campus. You probably didn’t notice it but you were getting mild exercise! Speed walking from building to building with 10 minutes between classes definitely got your blood flowing. It’s not expected of you to do a full blow workout, but a light walk around the block can definitely help you get fresh air and clear your head.
Meditation and mindfulness can also help one understand their feelings. It takes practice and patience, but it helps in the long run!
As well as campus resources, you can find other resources like apps for your phone. A strong recommendation from us is Fabulous. This app will help increase energy levels, be more focused, sleep better, and build healthy habits and routines in your life.