Self-Care Space | Student Mental Health and Well-being

What is Self-Care?

At the end of a long day or a stressful week, we all need a little time for ourselves. That is when the importance of self-care comes into play. Self-care is simply doing something that benefits YOU and helps you maintain a healthy relationship with yourself, whether that be your physical, mental, or emotional health. As self-care focuses on you as an individual, not everyone’s self-care is going to look the exact same. Self-care can actually take numerous forms, ranging anywhere from getting enough sleep at night to going outside for a walk. It also doesn’t have to be expensive or take up your entire day, as it can simply be taking a moment to breathe. There is truly an endless amount of possibilities.

There are multiple types of self care.Michigan tech uses a model that has 4 types called Be Well, but there are models with more and ones with less..

Connect well encompasses activities where you create and strengthen relationships and support networks. Activities to fill this cup include:

Going out for a meal with friends
Calling friends and family
Going on a date
Being a part of a student organization
Partner dancing
Going to the Center for Student Mental Health and Well-Being found below
Going to a therapist
Making plans with friends or family

Recharge Well includes activities where you rest and reflect. Some ideas include:

Journaling
Going to a therapist
Listening to music
Listening to podcast
Talking with a friend or family member
Meditation and mindfulness
Going to a place of worship
Self-reflection

Live Well is what you can do to shape your life the way you want and nurture your brain. This may include:

Listening to podcasts
Taking a look at the local history
Budgeting
Food Preparation
Learning
Volunteering
Being a part of a student organization
Activism
Volunteering

Play Well are things you can do that encourage you to physically take care of yourself. Consider participating in activities like:

Walking
Sleep Hygiene
Going to the gym
Drinking water
Yoga
Dancing
Food Preparation

This is by no means an exhaustive list, and many of these activities are intertwined with one another. You may have to take part in multiple facets of self-care to feel regulated and balanced. If your are having trouble thinking of activities to implement into your life, check out these on-campus events and apps:

On-campus self-care events: