Whether you are continuing your education or still hunting for that perfect job, not knowing what lies ahead can be stressful. You are not alone in having these feelings. You cannot predict the future or control the job market. One thing that you can do is focus on how you react to stressful situations. For 6 tips on how you can find the positive aspect of any situation, check out this article.   

Finals week is quickly approaching here at Penn State, so now is the perfect time for you to make a plan to manage your stress! Aim to find stress-reducing activities that best fit your interests. If you enjoy art, take some time to de-stress using these coloring pages. If you enjoy yoga, join yoga and meditation on Zoom every Monday and Wednesday through April 28 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. You can also find the class recordings here. Be sure to schedule time away from your computer and books, by taking a quick walk in the nice weather, calling a friend to chat, or reading a good book. Research shows that when you spend time doing relaxing activities, you feel overall happier and less stressed. Another helpful tool is the Manage Stress Workbook. This workbook will help you identify sources of stress in your life which is key to developing a plan to manage your stress. Most importantly, remember to trust yourself! Good luck Penn State; you’ve got this! 

Feeling the blues? A recent study has shown that spending time outdoors and engaging in outdoor exercise may improve your mental wellbeing. Learn why nature is so good for your mental health with this quick 1-minute read.  

Prioritizing mental health is something that can be done to reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. Taking time for yourself, disconnecting from social media, and building a meaningful support system are just a few ways to prioritize mental health. Check out this helpful PDF from SAMHSA; a step-by-step guide to wellness to creating a healthier life.   

Meal prep is a great way to ensure healthy eating throughout the week. The first step of meal prep is to pick recipes that are well-rounded and include lean protein, vegetables, and whole grains. Choose dishes that have a variety of colors and textures and easy to prepare. Then, make a grocery list for all the ingredients. Make sure to switch up recipes weekly so that your favorite recipe never gets old. Here is an easy guide to healthy meal prep!  

Health Promotion and Wellness is celebrating Eating Disorders Awareness Week on February 22 – March 4, 2021. We have a number of programs scheduled for the ‘week’ including a guest speaker, workshops focused on cultivating self-awareness, as well as body positive events.  Kimberly Dark, a performance artist, will perform You Don’t’ Owe Anyone Pretty on Tuesday, February 23 at 7:00 pm.  This performance will encourage you to think about the importance of your whole body and will help you shift away from the importance of appearance.  Dr. Elisha Halpin will lead two workshops (2/25 and 3/2 at 6:00 pm) with dancing, breathing and meditation which are designed to help you to find your inner confidence. To learn more about this week’s events and to get the Zoom links, visit Health Promotion and Wellness Events and Programs.