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Wellness Guide — Calming Stress with Self Care

A Guide to the UConn Library Wellness and Self-Care Collection

Calming Stress with Self-Care

Balancing a schedule of university classes, schoolwork, and deadlines can be stressful.  It is important to take care of yourself when you are stressed out.  Taking a break to rest and recharge can be very helpful.  According to the American Psychological Association, self-care is defined as, "activities or behaviors that enhance mental, emotional, and/or physical health and well being."  Whether your self-care activity is eating a healthy meal, going for a walk, taking a nap, coloring, painting, listening to music, dancing around your room, or talking to a friend-- self-care is an important tool for taking care of yourself.  If you are feeling stressed out, a self-care activity can help you to feel calmer and more centered.

Photo of tea and baked good

Photo by Reyhaneh Mehrnejad on Unsplash

 Examples of Self-Care Activities:     

  • Going for a walk outside
  • Cooking a meal for yourself
  • Taking a nap to rest
  • Watching a comedy show to laugh
  • Calling a friend to talk
  • Writing in a journal to express your feelings 
  • Taking deep breaths to relax the body
  • Smelling a relaxing essential oil like lavender
  • Drinking a cup of tea and taking a moment to pause
  • Sitting in front of a 10,000 Lux SAD lamp in winter to feel more awake and positive 
  • Breaking a sweat by exercising to release endorphins                               

 

Online Free Wellness Classes:

There are several free wellness classes online which teach students how to live well, and take care of themselves.

For more information about the origins and history of the term "self-care," please refer to the link below which provides a nice overview.

Are You "Doom Scrolling?"

Doom scrolling became a more common term during 2020, when everyone was stuck at home and spending a lot of time on social media.  If you find you are doom scrolling too much, take a break.  

Or if you feel like you are comparing yourself too much to others, follow hashtags like #selfcare on Instagram.  

Accounts to follow to brighten up your Insta feed:

@selfcareisforeveryone

@anxiety_wellbeing

Digital Library Books

Physical Library Books

Take a Break

Or try some yoga and meditation with UConn Rec!

Disclaimer

Disclaimer: This content guide is meant to be solely informational in nature.  It is not meant to provide professional care or recommendations.  It includes general considerations, but readers should contact their medical provider for individualized advice, treatment, and recommendations.

If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, call 911 or go to your local hospital. If you are in crisis, please call 860-486-4705 to be directed to the UConn on-call therapist. During winter breaks, crisis support is available only during business hours.