Engaging with self-care awareness month on campus

By Bryce Johnson •

September was National Self-Care Awareness Month, and as students are getting back into the groove of their classes, NSU has several ways for them to keep their health and wellness a priority.

Isabel Thompson, a licensed mental health counselor and associate professor in the department of counseling, said people should build individual self-care strategies based on what works for them.

She also suggested meditation as one option. “Typically, it [mediation] helps you calm down in the moment and also has long-term positive benefits,” said Thompson. Other examples for self-care include: “exercise, spending time in nature, connecting with other people socially,” she said.

With classes picking back up, many students feel too busy for self-care. But Sofia Cabal, a third year student in the school psychology specialist program, said that even taking short breaks throughout the day is beneficial.

“Just sitting five minutes in your car and taking the day in, or sitting quietly while you’re eating your food, or thinking about the day, that’s usually helpful for me,” she said.

River Cabrera, freshman child development major, practices art for self-care because it helps them think through their emotions and problems. Photo by Indaya Byer.

Katlyn Bagarella, a third year student in the school psychology doctorate program, agreed and said self-care has helped her develop a more a positive environment and relieve some stress. “I do some self-care by making sure I’m in my comfy clothes before starting it [an assignment], or putting on my favorite music, my favorite playlist, so it’s more enjoyable,” said Bagarella.

There are many ways students can practice self-care on campus. The NSU Center for Student Counseling and Well-being is one resource that provides evaluation and help for students. “It’s 10 sessions per academic year that students have essentially paid for by virtue of their tuition,” said Thompson. “They can address if someone is having stress management issues, if they’re struggling with indecision, anxiety, depression, relationship issues or academic stress.”

For students who are more comfortable with online help, NSU offers several self-care resources virtually. “Mindfulness Mondays” is a weekly online guided meditation session that Bagarella is hoping to continue in the future. A resource available to students currently is the app TAO. “The University has partnered with TAO, which is an online supportive counseling format that all students have access to with their NSU login,” said Bagarella. “It has guided modules on certain topics that students may be needing support in.”

Some examples of support TAO offers include “money management, stress with school and time management.”

If students decide to engage with self-care, they may find the best results by sticking with their methods.

Eric Thompson, an associate professor in the College of Psychology, believes it’s important for students to nurture themselves consistently. “If you play an instrument, your instrument is going to be your body and mind and maybe your spirit. If we’re able to nurture that, you’re going to enjoy your time here on Earth,” said Thompson.