Sometimes, life just feels heavy. And that’s okay. We are human, and as humans, it is only our nature to experience these highs and lows. But the most important thing to always keep in mind is, the lows are always temporary. You will feel the weight lifted off your shoulders, and you always have someone to reach out to. The University’s Counseling Center is always there for you, and know that it is always okay to ask for help. Again, we are only human. If you aren’t feeling the best, maybe try one of our meditation sessions to focus on your body and breath. Or maybe you could try looking at some cute animals playing about with our attached live cams. No matter what, remember, “this too shall pass.” You aren’t ever alone. And you’re doing an amazing job, we are so proud of you.
Mini Meditation Apps
- Headspace app free beginner sessions can be from 3-10 minutes. It also has a premium program and can be also be used for sleep.
- Calm app Calm is the perfect mindfulness app for beginners, but also includes hundreds of programs for intermediate and advanced users. Guided meditation sessions are available in lengths of 3, 5, 10, 15, 20 or 25 minutes so you can choose the perfect length to fit with your schedule.
Emotional Well-Being Apps
- Reflectly – The World’s First Intelligent Journal. Reflectly is a journal utilizing artificial intelligence to help you structure and reflect upon your daily thoughts and problems. A personal mental health companion, it tracks mood every day, and ask other questions about goals for the future and reflects on why the mood for the day was the way it was.
- Motivation – daily quotes, gets notifications on your phone of quotes- builds self-efficacy for clients. Have a premium version and a free version. Premium version has different categories for motivational quotes, you get notifications throughout the day of motivational quotes.
- Well-being Coaching for URI students offers one on one meetings with a certified Well-being Coach, who is trained to identify your strengths and support you with a goal or behavior change. Your coach will guide you holistically and support you through day to day struggles. Whether you are just starting out on your journey optimizing your well-being or are trying to maintain behavior and would like more accountability, we are here for you!
- CampusWell App This is CampusWell, the wellness app that’ll give you insider, evidence-based info on living your best student life.
Need a Break?
Puppy play break, if you don’t have a dog, you can watch:
Find your National Park
National Park Services partners also have interesting ways to stay connected with national parks on their websites and social media, including live tours, activities, reading lists, digital suggestions, and more. Check out the National Park Foundation’s suggestions for Park Activities You Can Do from the Comfort of Your Home or Take a Virtual Visit to a National Park.
Light a scented candle
Using essential oils or burning a scented candle may help reduce your feelings of stress and anxiety. Some scents are especially soothing. Here are some of the most calming scents: Lavender, Rose, Bergamot, chamomile, Frankincense, Sandalwood, Ylang-ylang, Orange or orange blossom Using scents to treat your mood is called aromatherapy. Several studies show that aromatherapy can decrease anxiety and improve sleep.
Wash your face – DIY scents
- Homemade face wash
- Homemade facial cleanser
- 30 Rejuvenating Homemade Face Wash Recipes for Everyday Refreshment
Listen to the Holistic University Podcast, or try these other top rated
- Holistic University – When it comes to your fitness and wellness journey, you aren’t in it alone. Follow our Well-being Coaches on the Holistic University Podcast for wellness information and real discussions to help you navigate your wellness and stay connected.
- 15 Best Health Podcasts from Healthline
- The Best Mental Health Podcasts to Take You Through the Year from Healthline
Color something fun
Breathing Exercises
- 4-7-8 breathing for anxiety The 4-7-8 breathing technique, also known as “relaxing breath,” involves breathing in for 4 seconds, holding the breath for 7 seconds, and exhaling for 8 seconds.
- Simple Breathing Exercises The next time you’re feeling anxious try this simple relaxation technique:
- Inhale slowly and deeply through your nose. Keep your shoulders relaxed. Your abdomen should expand, and your chest should rise very little.
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- Exhale slowly through your mouth. As you blow air out, purse your lips slightly, but keep your jaw relaxed. You may hear a soft “whooshing” sound as you exhale.
- Repeat this breathing exercise. Do it for several minutes until you start to feel better.
- You can perform this exercise as often as needed. It can be done standing up, sitting down, or lying down. If you find this exercise difficult or believe it’s making you anxious or panicky, stop for now. Try it again in a day or so and build up the time gradually.
Resources
- URI Counseling Center helps students lead successful and fulfilling lives through counseling, referrals, outreach programs, and online self-assessments.
- Health Services We are here to support you in that, providing a wide range of care that addresses the whole you—your physical and mental health and wellness.
- Well-being Coaching for URI students offers one on one meetings with a certified Well-being Coach, who is trained to identify your strengths and support you with a goal or behavior change. Sign up for a virtual appointment on Starfish.
- JED’s Mental Health Resources Provides essential information about common emotional health issues and shows teens and young adults how they can support one another, overcome challenges and make a successful transition to adulthood.
- The URI Women’s Center partners with others in the URI community to provide an empowering space that promotes social justice for every member of the community, regardless of gender, gender identity, body, ability, sexual orientation, race, spirituality, and ethnicity.
- The URI Gender and Sexuality Center website contains a variety of resources, contacts, programs, and support for people everywhere.
- The Multicultural Student Services Center promotes access, equity, and individual growth for traditionally underserved students.
- Disability Services for Students works with students and all units of URI to create inclusive and sustainable learning and working environments.
- The Dean of Students Office offers a wide variety of services designed to empower our students and facilitate their involvement in the university’s decision-making process.
- The Office of Veteran Affairs and Military Programs at URI welcomes veterans, military, and their families to our beautiful campus community. We value your service to our country and we thank you
- Rhody Outpost The pantry provides food and other items at no charge to students, along with services and resources (see the Students First Fund page).