Words of Wellness for Dec. 2
Words of Wellness are resources for students to access and utilize to improve and maintain their overall wellness.
While Counseling and Wellness Services are available Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for counseling, consultation, and referral needs, remotely via phone or Zoom, for currently registered students, we wanted to share additional resources that may be beneficial during this time.
As our semester is coming to an end, the Wellness Center wanted to share resources on how to manage stress and engage in self-care activities. It is important that during this increasingly stressful time you are taking measures to care for yourself focusing on both your physical and mental health. We hope that you find these activities enjoyable and stress relieving. We want to wish you the best of luck finishing your semester strong and remember if you need additional support, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us!
For this Wednesday, December 2nd, the following resources focus on information on stress management and time management skills as well as links for interactive self-care activities.
Stress Management Tips from Therapist Aid
The Stress Management Tips worksheet presents a number of valuable and easy-to-follow tips for dealing with stress. These tips encourage a healthy mindset about stress, the maintenance of a healthy lifestyle, and they encourage the use of several valuable coping skills.
Click here to access the Stress Management Tips.
Time Management Tips from Therapist Aid
Effective time management skills can have significant effects on the reduction of stress. In some cases, skills like these make all the difference. Take a look at the tips listed in this handout to develop ways to effectively manage your coursework for the last few weeks of the semester.
Click here to access the Time Management Tips.
Self-Care Tips from Therapist Aid
Self-care means taking time to do things you enjoy, and taking care of yourself. When used consistently, self-care can reduce stress, relieve uncomfortable emotions, and improve physical health.
Click here to access the Self-Care Tips
Deep Breathing Exercise from Therapist Aid
Deep breathing is a simple exercise that can be used to manage stress and anxiety. Use this video to help teach, and then practice, how to use the technique. Without practice, most relaxation skills will be of little help in a truly anxiety-producing situation. Establish a schedule for yourself to regularly practice deep breathing, in order to be able to effectively access this coping skill.
How to do Deep Breathing
Click here to access a Deep Breathing Exercise video (3:45 mins.)
Progressive Muscle Relaxation from Therapist Aid
Progressive muscle relaxation is a technique that will teach you to identify where tension is being held in your body, which will allow you to release it. The Progressive Muscle Relaxation Exercise video will walk you through each stage of this technique. Progressive muscle relaxation is the most effective when it’s used daily. The positive effects of relaxation aren’t only active while practicing — they can generalize to the rest of the day.
How to do Progressive Muscle Relaxation
Click here to access a Progressive Muscle Relaxation How To video (6:30 mins.)
Click here to access the Progressive Muscle Relaxation “Whole Body Script” shown below.
Mandalas — Adult Coloring from Therapist Aid
Sometimes we need to take a creative break from studying to let our minds relax and recuperate from preparing final projects and studying for final exams. Mandalas are traditionally used in many eastern spiritual traditions as a tool to aid meditation. In western culture, mandalas are often used as a form of stress relief, a tool for art therapy, and as a meditative exercise.
Click here to access Mandala Coloring Sheets.
Mandalas not your thing? A quick google search for adult coloring pages in a category that is congruent with your creative style and interests will return endless opportunities for a creative, meditative, stress-relieving enjoyment.
Colorful Coping Cues
Sometimes we needs reminders of how to cope with the stressors that we face in our lives. Print out this picture or make your own to keep in a spot where you get your daily dose of color and coping skills. 
Wishing you safety and wellness!
All the best,
Counseling and Wellness Services Staff
Campus Center 270
518-629-7320
counseling@hvcc.edu
Published: Wed, 02 Dec 2020 12:55:18 +0000 by k.weeks