Wellness Matters - August 2023

Health Services Stall News

For Health and Wellness

 

Welcome new and returning students! It’s the beginning of a new academic year and the perfect time to try new strategies to help make your semester more enjoyable and successful.

 

Good health is essential to success, but it is important to remember that health is not restricted to just physical and mental (emotional) health. There are many dimensions of health & wellness including financial, social, spiritual, occupational, intellectual, and environmental. All these dimensions are interconnected. Strengthening any one of them will help to support the rest. Problems in any one of them, can negatively impact the rest. Example: when working to improve your academic (intellectual) health, it is important to attend class and study, but don’t forget the importance of a safe environment, relaxation breaks, good sleep, and supportive relationships.

We Are Here for You!

Every employee who works on campus is here to support your wellness and success. Do not forget this. If you have any challenges in any one of the dimensions of wellness, please let us know. If we can’t assist you directly, we can refer you to someone who can help.

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Tips for Preparing for a New Semester

Feeling nervous, unsure, and overwhelmed when starting college is perfectly normal. Most students share these feelings. Just remember that they are temporary - you will acclimate in time. To help speed up the process, consider trying some of these tips:

  • Aim for perfect class attendance. It isn’t always possible but make it a goal. Attendance is a strong predictor of college success. Show up!
  • Read your syllabi. Understand what is expected of you in each class.
  • Pace Yourself. Don’t get overwhelmed. Focus on one week at a time.
  • Be present during your classes. Focus your attention on what you are hearing, seeing, experiencing in class. Doing this is a form of mindfulness practice. When you notice your mind wandering, practice refocusing your attention back to the present moment in class.
  • Put away all distracting electronic devices during class. This will improve your ability to be present and focus on learning.
  • Get good sleep. Information we receive during the day is stored in our brain’s long-term memory during certain deep sleep cycles. Lack of adequate sleep leads to poor memory and decreased academic success.
  • Get comfortable asking questions. It is a wonderful way to learn.
  • Make a friend in each class. Say “hello” and introduce yourself. It may help to ask the person some questions to learn something about them before you start talking about yourself.
  • Avoid procrastination. Get started on assignments as soon as possible. Get it done. Try to decrease the amount of time the stress of unfinished assignments is hanging over your head.
  • Take time to de-stress and relax. Don’t consider it an indulgence; it is a necessity for wellness and success.
  • Learn about Campus Resources. Visit the Welcome Center, Tutorial Center, Career Center, Health & Wellness Office, Library, Student Activities, Academic Counseling, Disabled Student Programs and Services, Veterans Center, and Financial Aid Office. Learn what resources are available to you BEFORE you might need them.