Student Success Blog

Midterm Wellness Tip: Visit On-Campus Healthcare Facilities

Did you know you have wellness resources readily available to you just for being a Mason student? Here’s a few to check out: 


Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) 

CAPS provides free and confidential short-term mental health services for enrolled students.  If your needs require a different level of care, CAPS will work with you to transition care to community or off-campus providers. If you are interested in connecting with a provider in the community for long-term counseling, please visit the Find a Community Provider page for their database of community provider options and other options for connecting with a therapist.  

In order to begin services with CAPS, please come to their office located in Student Union Building 1 (SUB 1), Suite 3129. If you are unable to come to their office, you can call them at 703-993-2380. 


Student Health Services 

Student Health Services provides accessible and affordable health care services for all currently enrolled Mason students in a caring and confidential environment. From diagnosis and treatment of illness and injury, to immunizations and prescriptions, Student Health Services is here for you. If Student Health is closed, call 703-993-2831 and follow phone prompts to speak with the after-hours nurse advice service for medical concerns. 

** There is no charge to be seen by one of their healthcare providers. There are fees for lab tests, immunizations, medications, supplies, physical exams, procedures, and some services. 


Student Support and Advocacy Center (SSAC) 

The Student Support and Advocacy Center (SSAC) offers an empowering environment for all Mason students to seek support services and to explore healthy life choices. They offer educational programming, one-on-one consultations, and resources in the areas of sexual and interpersonal violence, financial well-being, substance use, and collegiate recovery. The SSAC also assists students encountering barriers to personal success. You can request support or make a referral here.  


TimelyCare 

Mason students now have FREE access to TimelyCare – a virtual mental health and well-being platform crafted specifically for college students! 

With TimelyCare, Mason students have access to a multitude of virtual mental health and well-being resources that are free and available 24/7. Find out more about the resources available online at Timelycare.com/gmu or download the app in Google Play or the App Store.  


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! 

Midterm Wellness Tip: Prioritize Emotional & Physical Wellbeing

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! 

Midterm Wellness Tip: Create Balance & Routine

 

You may have heard the quote “we all have the same 24 hours in the day.” But when assignment deadlines, personal commitments, and other life responsibilities roll around, it’s easy to feel like you don’t know where those hours went! Establishing a routine filled with balance may help you take charge of your 24 hours. Read below for time management strategies that can help you create a routine that balances all the competing areas of your life while also leaving time for YOU! 


Tackle Small Tasks to Start 

When you have several projects and exams to study for, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed. Resist the urge to procrastinate by starting with shorter items. Crossing off a task from your to-do list will give you motivation to get started on those larger projects! 


Give Yourself Breaks 

It may seem counterintuitive to stop working when you have so much to do. But taking breaks can actually help increase your productivity when you are trying to get work done. One way to make the most of your work time is to schedule breaks using The Pomodoro Technique, which involves setting up a timer to have short bursts of uninterrupted working time followed by a scheduled break. However you choose to do it, make sure you are giving yourself time to breathe while knocking out that to-do list! 


Schedule Time to Do Something You Love 

When creating your routine, make sure you leave time for the things you love. While your main goal right now is probably to earn that degree, it is worth noting that you are a dynamic person – your identity as a college student isn’t your whole personality. It is vital for your wellness to focus on what lights you up – and that may require scheduling time in your busy day to do so. So, if you know you get a boost of energy after spending time with friends, don’t feel guilty for scheduling a hang out!  

Interested in learning more time management techniques? View this blog post by Purdue.  


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!