Anxiety

Mental health is... Moving your body

Anonymous — Fri, 31 Mar 2023 06:00:00 +0000

Mental health is... Moving your body Anonymous (not verified) Fri, 03/31/2023 - 00:00

Participating in regular movement (i.e. physical activity or exercise) has proven benefits for both our minds and bodies. Here are some tools to help you move your body in a safe and healthy way.

The benefits of movement

Oftentimes, when we think of movement, we automatically associate it with a sweat-inducing workout at the gym. However, movement can take a number of forms, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. In fact, all types of movement are beneficial for our bodies and minds. Here are just a few of the benefits of moving your body:

Releases endorphins and helps relieve stress
Allows us to take a break from everyday challenges and responsibilities
Helps emotions move through our bodies
Provides an outlet for self expression
Strengthens the connection we have with our bodies

Movement is a tangible and accessible coping mechanism for all abilities, fitness levels and ranges of mobility. It can also be a great outlet to meet people, build community and find support in tough times.

Evaluating our relationship with movement

While physical activity can benefit our mental health in many ways, it can also have a dark side. In some cases, we may use exercise as a way to exert control over our bodies, alter our appearance or use it to determine what we are allowed to eat. Here are a few things to consider when evaluating your own relationship with movement and exercise:

Intuitive relationship with movement:

Your routine...

Helps you feel connected with your body
Allows for rest and sick days
Makes you feel stronger, more flexible or have greater endurance
Helps you relieve stress and is enjoyable
Can move down on your priority list
Is responsive to your needs
Includes different types of movement
Is respectful of your body’s limits

Potentially harmful relationship with movement:

Your routine...

Is all or nothing
Allows for very few or no rest days
Doesn’t include breaks or time off for sick days or injuries
Must meet certain requirements to “count”
Feels like something you have to or are expected to do
Takes priority over other things in life (relationships, rest, socializing, etc.)
Causes you to feel upset or anxious if you miss a workout
Determines what you are allowed to eat based on activity level or calories burned

Making movement fun

Another way to build a more positive relationship with movement is to make it fun! Not only will you be more likely to engage in healthy movement, but it will also be easier to make it part of your routine if it’s something that brings you joy, improves your mood or helps you de-stress. Here’s how to get started:

There are so many different ways to move your body. Use these questions to figure out what kind of activities might speak to you:

Do you prefer to exercise alone or with other people?
Do you prefer indoor activities, outdoor activities or both?
What is your current fitness level?
How do you want to feel afterward (e.g. calm, energized, etc.)?

Once you’ve answered these questions, we recommend completing our Physical Activity Rating Worksheet. This worksheet allows you to browse through different types of activities and rate the ones that are most interesting to you. It’s important to remember to start where you’re at and what is comfortable for you. If an activity seems too strenuous, look for ways to adapt it to your own abilities and needs.

Physical Activity Interest Worksheet

*You can complete this PDF worksheet by filling it out on your computer, printing it or taking a screenshot on your phone.

Resources to help you get started

Whether you’re looking for something new or starting out as a novice, there are resources at CU Boulder that can help you get started.

Recreation Center
The Recreation Centers on campus offer a variety of programs, including inclusive rec, group fitness classes, small group training, personal training, outdoor trips, intramural sports, club sports and more.

BCycle
Interested in biking? Students can use BCycle for free! You can also rent a bike for the semester through the ECenter bike program.

Nutrition Services
If you have questions about nutrition, meal planning or eating healthy on a budget, Nutrition Services can help. They offer free consultations as well as one-on-one nutrition counseling services.

Student orgs
Exploring movement can be easier as a group. Buff Connect can help you find recreation- and wellness-focused groups to join on campus.

Peer Wellness Coaching
If you're unsure about getting professional support, you can work with a trained student instead. Peer wellness coaches can help you explore resources, create a routine and explore different types of movement.

Recreation Injury Care Center (RICC)
The Injury Care Center is open to all members of the Rec Center. They provide a number of services, including taping, injury assessment, referrals and more. They also have a library of preventive and rehabilitative exercises.

Physical Therapy and Integrative Care (PTIC)
Medical Services offers a number of rehabilitative services, including physical therapy, massage and acupuncture.

Student events
If you’re looking for events and programs to get involved in movement on campus, check out the Student Events page for more information.

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Mental Health Is... Caring for yourself

Anonymous — Thu, 07 Apr 2022 16:00:13 +0000

Mental Health Is... Caring for yourself Anonymous (not verified) Thu, 04/07/2022 - 10:00

After a long semester, it can be hard to stay motivated around self-care. Here are some simple ways you can continue to practice self-care, even in times of high stress.

Brush up on the basics

When life gets stressful it can be easy to forget to address our most basic needs. Take some time to reflect on what you need most throughout the day. Here are some examples you can use to get started.

Hunger

If you forget to eat, feel hungry throughout the day or struggle with grogginess, it may be a good idea to pack some snacks with you when you come to campus. You may also want to carry a water bottle and set reminders to eat and stay hydrated. This will reduce the chances that you forget or simply put it off.

Sleep

Do your best to avoid pulling all-nighters when preparing for finals. Instead, try to get seven to nine hours of sleep each night. Adequate sleep helps encode memories, which can help you more easily remember what you studied during the exam. If you’re feeling tired during the day, you can take a quick 20-minute nap without affecting your nighttime sleep schedule. Avoiding caffeinated beverages later in the day can also help you sleep more soundly at night.

Movement

Staying active and moving our bodies not only helps promote physical health, but it can also be a great way to relieve stress. Make time for movement by taking a walk outside, stretching, going to the Rec Center or playing a game with friends on Farrand Field. Don’t worry, you don’t have to commit to a full workout. 10 to 15 minutes of activity is a good starting point.

Socializing

Whether you consider yourself to be an introvert or extrovert, socializing and spending time with people you care about is important for your mental health. Try to schedule time with friends each week, even if it’s a brief coffee break or a short walk across campus together. Remind your friends that even if you all feel overwhelmed, you can decompress together.

Be ‘unproductive’

Pressure to perform well, meet expectations or reach certain milestones at the end of the semester can send us into overdrive when it comes to our productivity. However, being ‘unproductive’ has benefits, too. For instance, downtime can help us relieve stress, avoid burnout and better retain information. It can also help us become “unstuck” if we are having a hard time processing information or solving a problem.

Try to carve out some time each day to do something completely unrelated to school, work, chores or other responsibilities. If you have an hour, great! If not, 15 to 20 minutes may feel more manageable right now. It can be helpful to come up with a list of activities you can do. For instance, you may want to read a book for pleasure, listen to a new podcast series, cook your favorite meal, visit a new hiking spot or enjoy a long bath to unwind. Keeping your list handy will help you easily choose activities without feeling even more overwhelmed.

Take a break from social media

Stress builds on stress. If you find yourself doom-scrolling, reading unpleasant news stories or focusing too much of your time on social media, it may be time to take a break (at least until finals are over). Try deleting social apps from your phone, turning off app notifications or simply moving your social apps off of your main home screen.

While these tactics may help you feel less distracted while studying, it’s also important to remember that the benefits go beyond productivity. Instead of thinking about how much time you’ll gain, focus on the peace of mind you may experience by limiting the amount of time, energy or brain power you spend on social media every day.

Set healthy boundaries

The end of the semester is a critical time to be honest with yourself about what you can and can’t do. This may not be the best time to take on additional work or responsibilities beyond what you already have on your plate. If things come up, practice saying “no” and being protective of your physical, emotional and mental resources so you can keep the commitments you’ve already made to yourself and others. It’s also important to remind yourself that you’re doing the best you can with the resources, energy and time that you have.

Find a study spot

Being cooped up in your room studying can get old. Try to change up your scenery by testing out different study spots on campus. One way to narrow down your options is by asking yourself questions like:

Do you prefer to study solo or in groups?
Do you want to have snacks, drinks or vending options nearby?
Do you need an outlet?
Does your college or school offer study areas that require special access?
Do you need access to a printer?
What kind of noise level can you tolerate?

These questions can help you find a study spot that works best for you. Take your time to explore your options. Try to keep a few spots in mind in case one space runs out of room or becomes overcrowded closer to finals.

Change your scenery

Spending time outside can improve our mood, stress levels and overall mental health. Make time to study, play or socialize outside if possible. Just remember to practice sun safety by staying hydrated, wearing sunscreen (SPF 30 or more) and opting for a hat or sunglasses to protect your eyes from UV rays.

Celebrate small victories

Allow yourself to bask in the glory of small victories. Whether you’ve been studying for one exam or several, it’s important to acknowledge the progress you’ve made. Here are a few ways you can celebrate:

Eat a nice dinner. Cook your favorite meal or order something special from your favorite local restaurant.
Take a day off. Give yourself a day off to relax and recharge, whether that means watching shows or movies or spending the day outside.
Do something for yourself. Congratulate yourself on your progress with a small treat, such as an extra special coffee order.
Practice gratitude. Take some time to express gratitude for those who helped you study or supported you through finals (including yourself!).

Reach out for support

For a full list of support resources, events, study spaces and tips for finals week, visit colorado.edu/finals.

Let’s Talk

Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS) provides free drop-in services through Let’s Talk. Counselors are available in person and online to help provide insight, solutions and information about additional resources related to academics, stress, anxiety, substance use, relationships and more.

Peer Wellness Coaching

Peer Wellness Coaching is a free service available to students to help them set and achieve wellness goals. Peer wellness coaches are familiar with a variety of topics, including stress, relationships, academics, self-care, sleep, finances and more.

Free Finals Week at The Rec

Stop by the Rec Center to enjoy free activities like ice skating, bouldering and fitness classes!

Buff Boxes

Order a free Buff Box to get free health and wellness supplies delivered to your residence hall, including stress and sleep supplies, cold and flu supplies or safer sex supplies. Living off campus? You can also pick up free supplies at the Wellness Suite on the third floor of Wardenburg Health Center.

Disability Services

Disability Services provides academic and testing accommodations for students with disabilities, temporary medical conditions and other needs. They also offer free workshops that are open to all students.

Figueroa Wellness Suite

The Wellness Suite is a great place to rest and reset. Whether you need a nap, want to pick up free health and wellness supplies, or if you just want to find a quiet place to study, the Wellness Suite provides a relaxing environment for students.

Writing Center

The Writing Center provides free one-to-one tutoring sessions with professionally trained writing consultants, individualized guidance and feedback, as well as time-saving skills for writing and presentation projects. The Writing Center is available to all CU Boulder undergrad and graduate students for free.

Tutoring services

CU Boulder offers a wide variety of tutoring services. Some are specific to classes, departments or groups of students, while others are available campus-wide. Many of these services are free to use. If you aren’t sure where to begin, be sure to check your syllabus, and ask your professor or course assistant for help and referrals.

Grade Replacement Program

This program allows degree-seeking undergrad and graduate students to retake a course in which they earned a low grade in an attempt to improve their cumulative GPA.

Whether you feel ready or not, finals are coming quickly. Here are some ways you can practice self-care even in times of high stress.

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Tips for navigating and coping with grief

Anonymous — Wed, 23 Mar 2022 20:23:19 +0000

Tips for navigating and coping with grief Anonymous (not verified) Wed, 03/23/2022 - 14:23

Grief encompasses all of the ways we respond to the loss of someone or something that is important to us. Grief manifests in different ways for different people, and it’s important to remember that there is no one ‘correct’ way to grieve. Whether you or someone you know is grieving, here are some tips that can help you navigate and cope with grief.

Life events that can trigger grief

There are a variety of events that can trigger grief. Sometimes, losses are concrete, such as when a loved one passes away. Other losses may feel more ambiguous, such as when we move to a new place, change majors or break up with someone.

Here are a few examples of life events that can trigger grief for students:

Death and dying

The death or impending death of a friend, family member, significant other, pet or loved one.

Serious illness

Coping with a terminal or life-altering illness or the illness of a loved one.

Divorce or separation

Life changes, like the divorce or separation of one’s parents, or other serious family conflicts.

Academic challenges

Students may fall short or not reach the level of academic success that they expected. This can include things like test scores, GPA, admission to a specific degree program or other academic milestones.

Relationship struggles

Coping with relationship problems from general conflict to abusive behaviors. This can also encompass the end of interpersonal relationships, including friendships or romantic partnerships.

Career challenges

Students may grieve the loss of their ideal career, struggles securing a job after graduation or difficulties related to financial security or debt repayment.

What does grief feel like?

People who are grieving may experience a wide range of reactions and emotions. Feelings of grief can be intense or subtle. It’s also normal for feelings of grief to surge and subside over time. Here are some common symptoms that people experience during the grieving process:

Remorse: A grieving person may become preoccupied by what they could have done differently to prevent a loss from happening or to alter the outcome of an event.
Anger: Individuals may feel a sense of injustice or powerlessness over their situation, which can lead to feelings of anger or vengeance. Loss can also threaten beliefs that we hold about ourselves or the world around us, which can lead to feelings of confusion or regret.
Denial/numbness: Sometimes people need to distance themselves from significant losses or pain. This can show up as denial or numbness around a particular event or loss.
Feeling down: After a loss, people who are grieving may experience feelings of loneliness, isolation, sadness or hopelessness. Some people may retreat or withdraw from social groups after a loss or lose interest in activities they once enjoyed, especially if they are associated with their loss.
Physical symptoms: Emotional stress and grief can also cause a variety of physical symptoms, including headaches, nausea, stomach pains, changes in appetite, insomnia and other ailments.

Learn more about symptoms of grief

Supporting someone who is grieving

Grief is often misunderstood, and it can be a tricky subject to approach, especially if someone has experienced a loss. However, there are ways that we can support ourselves and others through the process.

Ways to take care of yourself while grieving…

Take care of your basic needs. Rest, eat well and stay hydrated. For some, it may also be good to embrace physical contact (like hugs) as part of the healing process. Get more self-care ideas.
Take time to grieve. Grief can sneak up on us when we least expect it. Try to dedicate time to grieving. This will give you a structured way to get it out, while enjoying moments of peace during other times of the day.
Connect with others. Surround yourself with people who will let you experience your feelings, whether you need to cry, sit in silence or tell someone your story again and again.
Channel your feelings. Find an outlet for your feelings. Journaling can be a great way to express and externalize everything that is going on inside of you. You may also find talking to be helpful. Find what works best for you and dedicate time to working through your feelings.
Be patient. Your grief may take longer to process than you or others expect. Be patient with yourself as you work through your feelings and show yourself kindness as you move through this process.

Ways to support someone who is grieving…

Reach out. Grief can feel isolating, so it’s important to reach out to our loved ones who are grieving. Check in with them and let them know you’re thinking about them.
Help out. Offer support by helping out with household chores, meals, planning social events or other tasks that may feel overwhelming.
Listen to them. Take time to listen to your loved one and let them express their emotions. Avoid sharing judgment or advice. Instead, try to simply be there for them.
Don’t avoid the subject. If someone lost a person they were close to, don’t worry about avoiding the person’s name or bringing them up in conversation. Remember that the loss of someone doesn’t mean they should be forgotten.
Encourage them to seek support. If someone is struggling with grief or depressive feelings, encourage them to seek support. Campus resources are available for students, staff and faculty.

Resources

Student resources

Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS)

CAPS offers short-term counseling, consultation services, workshops, community referrals and crisis support for CU Boulder students and graduate students.

Office of Victim Assistance (OVA)

OVA provides free and confidential information, consultation, support, advocacy and short-term counseling services for students, grad students, faculty and staff who have experienced a traumatic, disturbing or life-disruptive event.

Peer Wellness Coaching

Health Promotion

Health Promotion offers free weekly programs that focus on self-care, community-building, stress management and more. Topic areas change weekly and events are open to all students.

Staff and faculty resources

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Office of Victim Assistance (OVA)

Faculty and Staff Assistance Program (FSAP)

FSAP provides free short-term counseling for CU Boulder employees both in person and online.

Wellness events

FSAP offers a variety of free wellness events throughout the semester that focus on self-care, community care, personal growth and support.

Grief encompasses all of the ways we respond to loss of someone or something that is important to us. Here are some tips for navigating and coping with grief.

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January is National Stalking Awareness Month

Anonymous — Thu, 25 Jan 2018 22:37:27 +0000

January is National Stalking Awareness Month Anonymous (not verified) Thu, 01/25/2018 - 15:37

While legal definitions vary, a working definition of stalking is “a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to feel fear.”

According to the Stalking Resource Center, in the United States, over 7.5 million people are stalked each year, with nearly half of all stalking victims (46 percent) facing a least one unwanted contact per week.

The majority of victims are stalked by someone they know (like an ex-partner or roommate), with experiences like having the person show up in places they were not wanted; receiving unwanted telephone calls, voicemails or text messages; being watched or followed from a distance; and being spied on.

Stalking happens in communities across the country, and chances are you know someone who has been stalked. Being someone who takes stalking seriously and is willing to help can make a difference.

If you or someone you know is experiencing a pattern of unwanted contact that is having impact on you, please contact the Office of Victim Assistance (OVA) to discuss safety concerns and explore safety planning.

What is stalking?

Stalking happens in communities across the country, and chances are you know someone who has been stalked. Being someone who takes stalking seriously and is willing to help can make a difference.

Stalking is a pattern of behavior directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to feel fear or alter their everyday activities. The unwanted behaviors can consist of texts, phone calls, emails, social media posts, following someone, spying on someone, leaving unwanted gifts for someone or any combination.

Stalking is against the law in all 50 states and violates CU Boulder’s policies.

To learn more about stalking, call 303-492-8855 or visit CU’s Office of Victim Assistance (OVA) in the Center for Community. Go to the OVA website for tips on how to log unwanted behavior, how to help a friend and more. Also, OVA advocate counselors always are willing to discuss something more with you confidentially, if you want.

More information on national stalking awareness can be found at the Stalking Resource Center.

How to Help a Friend who is Being Stalked

If you know someone experiencing a pattern of behavior that is causing them to feel fear or alter their everyday activities, there are ways to support them.

Take the situation seriously, and leave out judgement.
Ask about, and listen to, what your friend needs to feel safe.
Let your friend know what you are noticing and express your concern.
Encourage your friend to keep a record of what has been happening.
Please note if you have experienced a similar situation, your friend’s reactions and choices may differ, and that is okay.
Consider referring your friend to free and confidential advocacy, counseling and support services at CU’s Office of Victim Assistance (OVA). They can be contacted at 303-492-8855 or assist@colorado.edu.
Be aware that if you start to feel impacted by your friend’s situation, OVA is here for you, too! Getting support for yourself will allow you to be more available for your friend.

To learn more about stalking, visit the Stalking Resource Center and OVA's stalking pages on the “Get Help” tab. Also, look for more information on OVA’s Facebook page.

While legal definitions vary, a working definition of stalking is “a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to feel fear.”

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