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Mental Health & Wellness Resources

Taking care of your mental health is important. Emotional wellness plays a key role in your overall health, and there are things that you can do daily that will make a difference.

Not sure where or how to start? Need tips or strategies? Here are some resources.

If academic and/or personal stressors are affecting you, incorporate some tips for coping with stress into your daily routine.

If you need help relaxing, our Basic Meditation for Beginners and Practicing Guiding Imagery guides can help you incorporate these practices in your daily life.

Self-care reminders for students, faculty & staff

During a pandemic, individuals may find it hard to balance their own care with their care for their students, employees, and families. It is important for you to prioritize self-care alongside care for others.

Here are some suggestions:

  1. Dedicate time every day for your other obligations, such as research or writing, family and other life obligations, checking in on loved ones, and for moments to relax, even if only for a few minutes. 
     
  2. Take short breaks throughout the day to look out the window, go for a (socially distant) walk, or participating in other relaxing activities, will provide a much-needed break from the computer screen and help keep you centered on your own needs.
     
  3. Endless zoom calls and classes can be hard on your eyes and typing all day can be hard on your hands. Take extra care to stretch your hands (forward and backwards at the wrist) and massage the skin between fingers as you type. Massage your eyes with the base of your palms and shake out your hands. Repeat several times a day!
     
  4. Set up a daily routine or schedule for your daily tasks and self-care. Having a routine can help alleviate stress and anxiety.
     
  5. Keep a gratitude journal. Write down five things you are grateful for every night before you go to sleep.
     
  6. Try to eat healthy well-balanced meals, drink plenty of water, exercise regularly, and get plenty of sleep. Avoid alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs.
     
  7. Take movement breaks throughout your day.  A 20 minute break to stretch, dance, walk, offers the mind time to rest and be at ease. Add in some movement breaks throughout your day with music or a virtual talk with a friend!
     
  8. Now is a great time to nurture your relationship with your community and your faith. Connect with others. Share your concerns and how you are feeling with a friend or family member. Maintain healthy relationships and build a strong support system. Offer yourself time everyday to touch and visit with your faith either through prayer, meditation, listening to your favorite faith leader online, a nature soundscape, an inspirational podcast, and/or joining a faith group study.
     
  9. Make a playlist of uplifting music. Take music breaks throughout the day. Put everything down and just enjoy.
     
  10. Rest your mind. Taking breaks from trying to be productive, from studying, from scrolling social media, and from performing is crucial to one's well being as you navigate this pandemic. Make time to unwind.
     
  11. Get in touch with nature, even if it is just to listen for birds, tend to a plant, or take a (careful, socially distanced, masked) walk around the block. Nature does wonders to turn around a difficult mood.
     
  12. Seek help when needed. FREE counseling is available to you at the University Counseling and Testing Center. For more information, please contact the office at 337-482-6480, counseling@louisiana.edu, or stop by the Saucier Wellness Center (OK Allen Hall).