Mental Health & Wellbeing Resources
September 7, 2023 5:02 AM

Dear Student Colleagues:

Having a wellness routine is integral to a meaningful college experience. This may include working out, taking time for a walk, playing games with friends, taking some quiet time to clear your mind, or many other activities that fall within the eight dimensions of wellness. Below are a few resources that will help you develop your wellbeing routine.

CAMPUS RECREATION - campusrec.illinois.edu

• Food Assistance & Wellbeing Program at the Activities and Recreation Center (ARC) operates a shopping-style pantry. It is open to current Illinois students with an active i-card. Shoppers walk through the space and select free food according to pantry guidelines. 
• Reflection Room is a reservable space at the ARC with a sound/light machine, coloring sheets, prayer pillows, and yoga mats/blankets. There are also mindfulness and relaxation workshops held in this space throughout the year.

COUNSELING CENTER – counselingcenter.illinois.edu

• InFocus is a a self-paced, online training program available to all students that teaches strategies for dealing with focus issues that can interfere with class work and/or relationships. You’ll learn how to effectively manage time, procrastinate less, and avoid common relationship issues that people who have focus issues sometimes have.
• Telus Health Student Support provides counseling in several different languages 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to international students and students who are currently living outside of Illinois.
• Skill-Building Workshops are programs that help students develop goals and plan to reach them, manage emotions, reduce anxiety, overcome perfectionism and more. 

MCKINLEY HEALTH CENTER - mckinley.illinois.edu

• Healthy Illini Podcast features weekly health and wellness topics. Healthcare professionals, campus experts and students engage in conversations about health topics that aim to enhance your wellbeing.  
• Flu Shot - All students can receive a free flu shot starting September 18 at McKinley Health Center. There will also be a variety of pop-up flu shoot outreach areas across campus. You can check McKinley's website for complete locations, times, and details.

STUDENT MONEY MANAGEMENT CENTER (SMMC) - studentmoney.uillinois.edu
Navigating financial choices in college can be difficult, particularly today, so we try to make it easier by sending you reminders, resources, and tips to support your financial wellbeing. Subscribe to the SMMC email.

DO YOU HAVE DIETARY RESTRICTIONS?
The Inclusive Solutions Kitchen micro restaurants, located in ISR (1010 W. Illinois) and Ikenberry (301 E. Gregory Drive), offer a variety of carefully prepared food options. Each option on the rotating menu is free from gluten and all of the top 9 allergens. Learn about navigating dietary and allergy needs.

REMINDER: MENTAL HEALTH CHECK-INS

Be sure you are being mindful of your mental health, especially around midterms and finals as those times can heighten stress levels. 

4 Tips to Help You De-stress

1. Increase your energy and be more productive by utilizing relaxation techniques
2. Set aside time to recenter yourself with mindfulness resources and consider creating a personal mantra
3. Check out this advice from a seniors’ blog post about managing your mental health at college
4. Watch this video on which foods help reduce stress

Beyond taking care of yourself, be sure to check in on your friends and loved ones. Not sure how to help a loved one you think might be struggling? Visit wellness.illinois.edu for mental health resources, tips to help others, and helplines you can call.

Remember that taking care of your mental health is important to your overall wellness and academic success.

Sincerely,

Danita M. Brown Young
Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs