For me, college has been the perfect start to being independent. I’m living away from home, making my own decisions about food, and pursuing social and career opportunities. However, that independence has also meant keeping up with my mental health away from my loved ones. Being on campus has taught me that while I am here for academics and my career, I’m also learning how to be the best version of myself – including practicing good mental health habits. Here are some of my tried and true tips to keeping your brain happy and healthy on campus.
Going for a walk
Being outside amidst sunlight and fresh air is one of my favorite activities. Why not walk around the Emerald Necklace right next to our academic campus, or take a trip down the Green Line to the Boston Common? Or, you can take a stroll around the residential or academic quad if you’re in a time crunch. Speaking of crunch – have you stepped on any crisp leaves lately? Go do it. Trust me.
Participating in community events
It can be rewarding to go to a movie night with your program’s liaison, arts and crafts with your RA, or a sports game. You can check Campus Connect for events on the academic or residential campus, or look for posters around campus! Take someone you know with you or get to know people who share similar interests at the event.
Take time to ground yourself
There are hundreds of grounding exercises online, including breathing techniques, physical movement, meditations, and brain games. One of my favorite exercises is box breathing, where you breathe in, hold your breath, breathe out, and hold for four seconds, referring to the sides of a box. Another favorite is color spotting, where you challenge yourself to find a certain number of things of one color. How many green items can you find in your room? At Common Grounds?
Simmons-specific resources are here to help
As Simmons community members, we have plenty of accessible resources on campus and online. The REEF Center offers physical resources like food, HappyLight lamps geared toward Seasonal Affective Disorder, games and puzzles, connections to off-campus resources, and more. You can also reach out to the Counseling Center through email or by calling to schedule an appointment with a professional.
Reach out to your community
Above all, sharing how you feel is the most beneficial way to practice strong mental health habits. You can reach out to family, friends, and even your RA. It doesn’t need to be a long conversation, but making sure that you reach out to your support system is incredibly beneficial. Remember – people care about you. Your voice deserves to be heard.
Please note the following student and faculty resources:
Simmons Counseling Center: please visit their website here
The 988 Suicide and Crisis Hotline can be reached by calling or texting 988 or visiting their website to talk to an online counselor.
