{"id":9042,"date":"2026-02-05T17:31:56","date_gmt":"2026-02-05T22:31:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/commuter-housing\/?page_id=9042"},"modified":"2026-04-08T09:26:54","modified_gmt":"2026-04-08T13:26:54","slug":"check-in","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/commuter-housing\/alerts\/check-in\/","title":{"rendered":"Commuter Wellness &amp; Stress Check-In"},"content":{"rendered":"<section class=\"cl-wrapper cl-promo-wrapper\"><div class=\"cl-promo  \"><div class=\"cl-promo-backdrop-wrapper\"><div class=\"cl-promo-backdrop style-blur\" style=\"background-image:url(https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/healthservices\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1769\/hs-hero.jpg)\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"cl-promo-content\"><div class=\"cl-promo-text\"><h1>Wellness &amp; Stress Support<\/h1><p>You are not alone. Review options to support your health, balance, and success.<\/p><p><a class=\"cl-promo-text-link\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/commuter-housing\/alerts\/check-in\/\">Your Well-Being Comes First<\/a><\/p><\/div><div class=\"cl-promo-img-wrapper\"><div class=\"cl-promo-img\"><a class=\"cl-promo-img-link\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/commuter-housing\/alerts\/check-in\/\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/healthservices\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1769\/hs-hero.jpg\" srcset=\"\" alt=\"\"><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns fullwidth is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:25%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/commuter-housing\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1078\/lippitt-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8081\" style=\"aspect-ratio:3\/4;object-fit:cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/commuter-housing\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1078\/lippitt-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/commuter-housing\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1078\/lippitt-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/commuter-housing\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1078\/lippitt-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/commuter-housing\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1078\/lippitt-364x243.jpg 364w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/commuter-housing\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1078\/lippitt-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/commuter-housing\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1078\/lippitt-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/commuter-housing\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1078\/lippitt.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" id=\"it-mattters\">Why Your Wellness Matters<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Many commuter students juggle:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Long drives or bus rides<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Work schedules<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Family responsibilities<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Financial stress<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Heavy coursework<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Over time, this can lead to <strong>exhaustion<\/strong> and <strong>burnout<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Taking care of yourself helps you succeed academically and personally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:25%\"><div class=\"cl-wrapper cl-card-wrapper\"><a class=\"cl-card  \" href=\"#\" title=\"\"><div class=\"cl-card-container text\"><div class=\"cl-card-text\"><h2>Self-Check<\/h2><p>Ask yourself frequently:<br>\u2714 Am I sleeping enough?<br>\u2714 Have I eaten well?<br>\u2714 Do I feel supported?<br>\u2714 Do I need help?<br>\u2714 Have I rested?<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"cl-card-container button\">If not, adjust and reach out.<\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">\u26a0\ufe0f Signs You May Need a Break<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><em>\ud83d\udea9 Constant fatigue<br>\ud83d\udea9 Trouble concentrating<br>\ud83d\udea9 Irritability<br>\ud83d\udea9 Anxiety<br>\ud83d\udea9 Loss of motivation<br>\ud83d\udea9 Sleep problems<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">It\u2019s time to reach out.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><section class=\"cl-wrapper cl-boxout-wrapper\"><div class=\"cl-boxout  \">\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">Get help right away if you feel:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong> Overwhelmed constantly<br>Hopeless<br>Unable to function<br>Unsafe<br>Isolated<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">You deserve support.<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/section><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">\ud83d\udee0\ufe0f Everyday Wellness Strategies<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><section class=\"cl-wrapper cl-notice-wrapper\"><div class=\"cl-notice\" data-hash=\"6682e5b354cd8ef8733262763e21228d\"><h1>\ud83d\udca4 Sleep<\/h1>\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Aim for 7\u20139 hours whenever possible.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Avoid late-night driving when tired.<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/section><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">\ud83e\udd57 Nutrition<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Pack snacks and meals to avoid skipping food.<\/p>\n\n\n<a class=\"cl-button   prominent\" href=\"#\" title=\"\">Explore<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><section class=\"cl-wrapper cl-notice-wrapper\"><div class=\"cl-notice urgent\" data-hash=\"834cc1e15bf6fda0ed72efff1f6bc55a\"><h1>\ud83e\uddd8 Breaks<\/h1>\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Use gaps between classes to rest, reset, and recharge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>Use Available Spaces.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/section><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<section class=\"cl-wrapper cl-panel-wrapper\"><div class=\"cl-panel  \"><figure><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/commuter-housing\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1078\/senate-square-e1681430470827.jpeg\" srcset=\"\" alt=\"\"><\/figure><article>\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">Planning<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Use calendars and apps to reduce stress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">\ud83d\udcc5<\/h1>\n\n\n<a class=\"cl-button  \" href=\"#\" title=\"\">Explore<\/a>\n<\/article><\/div><\/section>\n\n<section class=\"cl-wrapper cl-panel-wrapper\"><div class=\"cl-panel reverse  \"><figure><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/commuter-housing\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1078\/hammerschlag-mall.jpg\" srcset=\"\" alt=\"\"><\/figure><article>\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">Movement<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Short walks and stretching help mental focus.<\/p>\n\n\n<a class=\"cl-button  \" href=\"#\" title=\"\">Explore<\/a>\n<\/article><\/div><\/section>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\ud83e\udd1d Campus Support Services<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You don\u2019t have to manage everything alone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Available Resources:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>\ud83d\udcac Counseling Center<br>\ud83d\udcda Academic Advising<br>\ud83d\udcdd Tutoring Services<br>\ud83d\udcbc Career Services<br>\ud83c\udfe5 Health Services<br>\ud83e\udded Dean of Students Office<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Seeking help is a strength \u2014 not a weakness.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\ud83d\udcac Staying Connected<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Try to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2714 Join commuter events<br>\u2714 Attend workshops<br>\u2714 Connect with classmates<br>\u2714 Visit student spaces<br>\u2714 Participate online<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Community reduces stress.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n<section class=\"cl-wrapper cl-breakout-wrapper\"><div class=\"cl-breakout use-content-width  \"><div class=\"content-width\">\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">\ud83d\udcda Stress During Midterms &amp; Finals<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>High-pressure weeks are tough. Try:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2714 Start studying early<br>\u2714 Break tasks into steps<br>\u2714 Schedule rest<br>\u2714 Limit caffeine overload<br>\u2714 Stay hydrated<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">\ud83d\udccc Remember: One exam does not define you.<\/h2>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/section>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n<section class=\"cl-wrapper cl-notice-wrapper\"><div class=\"cl-notice\" data-hash=\"41fc9c487f0b4d05a9a1cb5b6e6d4972\"><h1>\ud83c\udf28\ufe0f Winter &amp; Seasonal Wellness<\/h1>\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Cold and dark months affect mood and energy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">\u2705 Get daylight when possible.    \u2705 Stay socially connected.    \u2705 Keep routines.    \u2705 Exercise indoors.    \u2705 Ask for support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Seasonal stress is real, but it can be managed.<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-left\">Remember<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-top is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><em>You <\/em>matter.<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><em>Your health<\/em> matters.<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-bottom is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><em>Your success<\/em> matters.<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<p id=\"long\">\ud83d\ude97\ud83d\ude8c Making Long Commutes Healthier &amp; Easier<br>Long drives and extended bus rides are a daily reality for many URI commuters. With the right habits, you can protect your health, stay focused, and reduce stress.<br><br>\ud83d\udd52 1. Plan Your Commute Like a Class<br>Treat your commute as part of your schedule.<br>What to Do<br>\u2714 Build buffer time for traffic and weather<br>\u2714 Check transit apps before leaving<br>\u2714 Avoid \u201cjust-in-time\u201d arrivals<br>\u2714 Identify backup routes<br>\ud83d\udca1 Tip: Leave 10\u201315 minutes earlier during winter and midterm weeks.<br><br>\ud83d\udca4 2. Protect Yourself From Fatigue<br>Tired driving is dangerous \u2014 and long bus rides can drain energy.<br>What to Do<br>\u2714 Get enough sleep before early classes<br>\u2714 Avoid late-night driving when exhausted<br>\u2714 Take short breaks on long drives<br>\u2714 Stay hydrated<br>\u26a0\ufe0f If you feel drowsy while driving, pull over safely.<br><br>\ud83c\udfa7 3. Use Commute Time Productively (Without Overloading)<br>Your commute can be useful \u2014 but it shouldn\u2019t increase stress.<br>Safe Options<br>\ud83c\udf99\ufe0f Podcasts<br>\ud83d\udcda Audiobooks<br>\ud83c\udfb5 Music playlists<br>\ud83e\udde0 Recorded lectures<br>\u2757Avoid reading or texting while driving.<br>For bus riders:<br>\u2714 Review notes<br>\u2714 Organize assignments<br>\u2714 Answer emails<br>\u2714 Plan your day<br><br>\ud83e\ude91 4. Reduce Physical Strain<br>Sitting for long periods affects posture and circulation.<br>What to Do<br>\u2714 Adjust seat and mirrors<br>\u2714 Sit upright<br>\u2714 Stretch shoulders and neck<br>\u2714 Rotate ankles and wrists<br>On campus:<br>\ud83d\udeb6 Walk briefly before class to reset your body.<br><br>\ud83e\udd57 5. Pack Smart for Energy<br>Skipping meals makes long commutes harder.<br>Bring:<br>\ud83e\udd6a Snacks<br>\ud83e\udd64 Water<br>\ud83c\udf4e Fruit<br>\ud83e\udd5c Protein bars<br>Avoid relying only on caffeine \u2014 it increases crashes later.<br><br>\ud83c\udf21\ufe0f 6. Prepare for Weather &amp; Delays<br>Rural commutes are especially vulnerable to weather.<br>Keep in Your Car<br>\u2714 Blanket<br>\u2714 Phone charger<br>\u2714 Flashlight<br>\u2714 Ice scraper<br>\u2714 Emergency contacts<br>For bus riders:<br>\u2714 Extra layer<br>\u2714 Backup ride info<br>\u2714 Alert apps enabled<br><br>\ud83d\udcac 7. Stay Connected &amp; Supported<br>Long commutes can feel isolating.<br>Try:<br>\u2714 Check in with classmates<br>\u2714 Join commuter groups<br>\u2714 Attend occasional campus events<br>\u2714 Use student lounges<br>Connection reduces burnout.<br><br>\ud83d\udcf1 8. Manage Stress During Travel<br>Commutes can trigger anxiety \u2014 especially in traffic or winter.<br>Helpful Habits<br>\ud83e\udec1 Deep breathing<br>\ud83c\udfb5 Calming playlists<br>\ud83e\uddd8 Mindfulness apps<br>\ud83d\udcf5 Avoid negative news while driving<br>Arriving calm improves learning.<br><br>\u23f1\ufe0f 9. Balance Work, School, and Travel<br>If you commute far and work:<br>\u2714 Avoid stacking long shifts + late classes<br>\u2714 Schedule recovery time<br>\u2714 Use planners<br>\u2714 Ask advisors for support<br>Your schedule should be sustainable.<br><br>\ud83c\udd98 10. Know When to Adjust<br>If your commute is hurting your health or grades, get help.<br>You can talk to:<br>Academic advisors<br>Commuter Housing staff<br>Counseling Services<br>Dean of Students<br>Support can include schedule adjustments or referrals.<br><br>\u2b50 Quick Commuter Survival Checklist<br>Before You Leave:<br>\u2714 Phone charged<br>\u2714 Route checked<br>\u2714 Food packed<br>\u2714 Weather reviewed<br>\u2714 Time buffer built<br>After Arrival:<br>\u2714 Stretch<br>\u2714 Hydrate<br>\u2714 Take a breath<br><br>\ud83c\udf08 Key Message for Students<br>Your commute is part of your college experience.<br>Taking care of yourself on the road helps you succeed in the classroom.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Why Your Wellness Matters Many commuter students juggle: Over time, this can lead to exhaustion and burnout. Taking care of yourself helps you succeed academically and personally. \u26a0\ufe0f Signs You May Need a Break \ud83d\udea9 Constant fatigue\ud83d\udea9 Trouble concentrating\ud83d\udea9 Irritability\ud83d\udea9 Anxiety\ud83d\udea9 Loss of motivation\ud83d\udea9 Sleep problems It\u2019s time to reach out. \ud83d\udee0\ufe0f Everyday Wellness Strategies [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3495,"featured_media":0,"parent":5658,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"class_list":["post-9042","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/commuter-housing\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/9042","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/commuter-housing\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/commuter-housing\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/commuter-housing\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3495"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/commuter-housing\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9042"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/commuter-housing\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/9042\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":9456,"href":"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/commuter-housing\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/9042\/revisions\/9456"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/commuter-housing\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5658"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/commuter-housing\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9042"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}