How to Have a Stress-Free Spring Break

Hooray! Spring break is finally here! Here are a few stress-free ideas to try during the upcoming week away.

1. Reach out to loved ones you miss to reconnect.
2. Get some much needed rest. Remember, rest is sometimes the most productive way to use your time!
3. Go outside and get some fresh air. Taking deep breaths can help your brain get the oxygen it needs to function at its best.
4. Have a plan when traveling. No one wants to be stressed and overwhelmed on vacation! Try assigning roles to those in your group, double-check your itinerary before a flight, and prioritize the moments that will mean the most to you on your journey.
5. Try out a new hobby. Now's the perfect time to get to know yourself better, too!
6. Do some spring cleaning. Organizing your space can help your mind feel more at ease as well, and help you feel ready to take on the end of the semester!

International Women's Day, Women's History Month, and Mental Health

March 8 is International Women's Day! Women continue to experience depression and anxiety at higher rates than men, and the effects of mental health concerns are exacerbated by factors like sexism, violence, and stigma for women of color seeking professional treatment. At the University Counseling Center, our clinicians are ready to help and support women of all backgrounds in their mental health journey. Make an appointment with a counselor by calling (616) 331-3266 or visit gvsu.edu/counsel for more information and resources.

International Transgender Day of Visibility

March 31 is the International Transgender Day of Visibility! Today, we celebrate the resilience and success of people who do not identify with the gender that is typically associated with their sex assigned at birth, including trans men, trans women, and non-binary people. This day is also to raise awareness of the pervasive injustice experienced by the LGBTQIA+ community. TDOV provides the opportunity for trans and non-binary people to be honored for their contributions to pop culture, academia, and society as a whole.

Visibility in and of itself can have positive impacts on mental health, but we can't stop there! GVSU's LGBT Resource Center is hosting a week of events to celebrate the skills, hobbies, and dreams of the trans and non-binary people in our community.

The University Counseling Center believes that YOU matter. Schedule an appointment to talk with a counselor confidentially about gender identity, or anything else you may be going through. The University Counseling Center also proudly offers gender affirmation services, including consultation, assessment, and letters for currently enrolled students.

Juggling School and Work Stress

Enhancing your wellness can be difficult when it comes to managing your time as a student and an employee. Now, more than ever before, students are working part- or full-time jobs in conjunction with their studies to make ends meet financially. This can be overwhelming for some. The University Counseling Center is here to support you. Explore some of the tips below for thriving while wearing multiple hats.

• Choose a job that offers an added benefit. This could be finding a position that fits within your major and could count as an internship, or finding a position that may allow you to work remotely or do homework during your shift.
• Be honest with yourself and others. Try not to over-commit your time to too many people at once, and share how you're feeling with people like your loved ones, your professors, and your supervisors.
• Lean on your support network and take care of yourself. Your team can help keep you motivated, be there to support you during the most stressful weeks, and cheer you on as you reach your goals.