Author: Caroline Masakayan

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Midterm Wellness Tip: Prioritize Emotional & Physical Wellbeing

3: Prioritize emotional and physical wellbeing

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It’s no secret that school is stressful.  When you’re juggling countless responsibilities, it can be easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of day-to-day life and forget to make yourself a priority. Keep reading for some simple ways to prioritize your emotional and physical wellbeing. 

Incorporate Mindfulness and Self-Care into Your Daily Routine 

Mindfulness can be used to reduce stress and calm your mind, but it’s also great for improving focus.  An article by Purdue suggests practicing mindful breathing, and emphasizes the importance of getting outside to enjoy nature. 

Always remember to take time to do something you enjoy, even if it’s only for a few minutes! Use a favorite activity to start your day off right, or to give you something to look forward to after completing a task. 

Practice Gratitude 

In stressful times, it’s hard to refocus and think of the good things around you. If writing is your thing, try a gratitude journal. If not, consider incorporating gratitude into mindfulness exercises as a way to appreciate the positive. 

Get Enough Sleep  

If you read our post on Tuesday, you know the importance of maintaining a regular sleep schedule. The CDC recommends that people over the age of 18 need at least seven hours of sleep a night. You will feel better and perform better when you’re well-rested.  

Get Moving 

If you live or take classes on campus, you might be getting some daily exercise walking to and from class. But in an increasingly virtual world, it can be hard to get the recommended 30 minutes of daily exercise.  If you have a full day on Zoom, try to get out for a walk during lunch or after dinner.  Remember to also take advantage of the resources available to you through Mason Recreation.  Grab a friend and try out a new class or online workout together. 

Get Help When You Need It

Most importantly, if you’re struggling, know that you’re not alone and remember to ask for help.  We have a multitude of resources on campus that are designed to help you.  Make an appointment with Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) or Student Health Services if you have concerns about your mental or physical health.  Stay tuned for tomorrow’s blog, which will detail both of these offices, as well as other resources that are available to you as a Mason student.   

Looking to learn more? This article from Chapman University offers suggestions for sustaining health and wellness while in college. 

Midterm Morale Boost Graphic
Join Us for the Midterm Morale Boost 

Are you in need of a boost in the midst of your busy midterm season? Join us on Thursday, March 9 in the Thompson Hall Lobby on the Fairfax Campus for our Spring 2023 CEHD Midterm Morale Boost! From 10:00 am – 12:00 pm, enjoy free snacks and activities like succulent planting and aromatherapy! 

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Midterm Wellness Tip: Maintain a Regular Sleep Schedule

1: Maintain a Regular Sleep Schedule

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Homework, social commitments, work, relationships, job fairs, classes, career planning, family, the list goes on and on…when you have so much to balance in your day-to-day life, it can be hard to make a good night’s sleep a top priority. Research shows that sacrificing sleep in the short-term can negatively impact your health and well-being long-term. Keep reading to learn about sleep hygiene, why it’s important, and how to improve an inconsistent sleep schedule.

What is Sleep Hygiene? 

Sleep hygiene refers to a set of healthy habits that are critical in getting a restful night’s sleep. By practicing good sleep hygiene, you’ll be more alert and productive during the day. Being consistent in your sleep schedule is a key component of good sleep hygiene. Read below for three ways to build a better sleep routine and improve your sleep hygiene.   

 Find Your Ideal Bedtime 

It may help to set a wake-up goal first, and try to make it about the same time each day (yes, even weekends!). This should be a time that suits your schedule and feels attainable. From there, calculate what time you need to go to bed to get at least seven hours of sleep. Need help finding an ideal bedtime?  Check out this sleep calculator. 

Create a Nighttime Routine  

Your nighttime routine should be simple and manageable. Choose activities that soothe you, like reading a book or practicing meditation. Setting up a comfortable sleep environment should also be part of your nighttime routine. Think white noise, dark room, a cool, comfortable temperature, and no distractions. Experts recommend keeping screens outside of your sleep space. 

Make Waking Up Enjoyable 

Reward your efforts to get out of bed by doing something you enjoy in the morning. Go to a coffee shop you love or make your favorite breakfast. Hit the gym early before it gets crowded. Think about what motivates you and make it a consistent part of your morning routine.   

Other Helpful Tips 

Other helpful tips may include avoiding naps, setting an “electronics curfew” for at least 30 minutes before bed, and being conscious of your caffeine intake. Remember, like with all things, you should focus on progress over perfection. The goal is improved long-term sleep habits, so don’t fret over the occasional late-night or Saturday morning snooze. 

Interested in learning more about the importance of sleep for college students?  

View this blog post by Harvard 

Join Us for the Midterm Morale Boost 

Are you in need of a boost in the midst of your busy midterm season? Join us on Thursday, March 9 in the Thompson Hall Lobby on the Fairfax Campus for our Spring 2023 CEHD Midterm Morale Boost! From 10:00 am – 12:00 pm, enjoy free snacks and activities like succulent planting and aromatherapy!