Caring for your mental health as you spring ahead this semester

The changing of seasons can impact each of us in unique and different ways. For many, spring can represent a season of renewal — accompanied by more time spent outdoors, a boost in Vitamin D, more energy, increased optimism, and greater socialization – all of which can significantly benefit our health and well-being.

There also can be struggles associated with the change in season. It can be difficult to adjust to changing rhythms and routines, particularly when your sleep-wake cycle is disrupted which can occur with the lengthening of days. Sleep and mood are closely connected, and healthy sleep is foundational to our health and well-being.

Sometimes spring can come with increased pressures such as social engagement expectations, body image concerns, and academic stressors, which can feel overwhelming. In addition, spring is often the season of application results, post semester planning and major milestone events like graduation – which can be exciting, but also may feel stressful and evoke a variety of mixed emotions. It is important to remember that you are not alone in these common feelings and experiences.

As you navigate the changing of seasons, there are many ways to care for your mental health and well-being.

Tip 1: Visit the Counseling Center’s Healthy Behaviors resource page to learn about the following practices to help you thrive:

• Sleep is the foundation of mental health.
• Stay hydrated.
• Nourish and move your body.
• Avoid the comparison trap.
• Take social media breaks.
• Spend time outdoors.
• Connect with nature.
• Practice mindfulness, gratitude and self-compassion.
• Adopt a growth mindset.
• Maintain a routine.
• Connection is key. Reach out for support.

Tip 2: Join a Counseling Center workshop this spring!

Conversations 101: Practice the art of conversation. Students will discuss basic tips and tools for starting new conversations, deepening conversations, and tolerating social discomfort. Thursdays • 1 p.m. • starting March 30

Getting Out of Your Mind: Learn how to stabilize yourself emotionally, engage with your experiences with more flexibility, and connect you to your values using metaphors, mindfulness exercises, and other experiential components. Wednesdays • 1 p.m. • March 29, April 5, and April 12

Seeking Serenity: Designed for students who experience overwhelming emotions that feel difficult to manage. We will learn skills related to tolerating distress, regulating emotions, and becoming fully present in their experiences. Fridays • 3 p.m. • April 7, 14, and 21

Progress, Not Perfektion! Interested in challenging your perfectionistic tendencies? This workshop will help you understand patterns of perfectionism, learn strategies to break the trap, and engage in a more effective approach.
Tuesdays • 4 p.m. • starting March 28
Email counselingcenter@lafayette.edu to join one of our upcoming workshops.

Tip 3: Register for Togetherall

Get access to mental health support wherever and whenever you need it! Togetherall is a peer-to-peer mental health community that empowers students to anonymously seek and provide support. This online resource is moderated by mental health professionals and offers a safe space to connect with others experiencing similar feelings 24/7, 365 days a year.
Togetherall also offers journaling, goal-setting and self-assessment tools, in addition to a wide range of self-guided courses to help support your mental health and well-being. And… it’s free for all Lafayette students!

Tip 4: Reach out for support

The Counseling Center offers drop-in consultation sessions Monday through Friday, 10-11:30 a.m. and 1-3:30 p.m. No appointment is needed. Simply stop by the second floor of Bailey Health Center to speak with a counselor about any concern you may be experiencing!

Even when the Counseling Center is closed, students can speak confidentially with a crisis counselor by calling our main number 610-330-5005. Support is always available!