End of the semester strategies and resources - Fall 2023

With finals week, winter break, and 2024 just around the corner, this is a great time to plan and incorporate strategies that will help you meet your goals and manage stress. As you create your end of the semester routine, make sure to include time for those healthy activities, breaks, and connecting with those relationships that help you recharge. Along with studying and assignments, make sure to also build in enough time for sleep, physical activity and healthy meals.

Consider visiting the Counseling Center’s self-care spaces, the Oasis and Studio, for some drop-in self-care. The Oasis, open M-F 8:30am-4:30pm, offers free relaxation resources including use of massage chairs. In our Studio space, open M-F 10am-2pm, students can enjoy the benefits of artistic expression and creativity. Or visit the Serenity Center in Warren 419 to relax and recharge or participate in an upcoming mindfulness/meditation workshop. For more information and campus resources on decreasing distress, stop by De-Stress Fest @ TDU from 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Tuesday, 12/5/23, through Thursday, 12/7/23, and from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on Friday, 12/8/23.

There are so many resources available to support student wellness at JMU. For academic support take advantage of your professor’s office hours, available tutoring or mentoring opportunities if offered within your major, as well as support available through the Learning Centers. For study skills and time management resources, check out Learning Strategies Instruction. Visit UREC’s website to see the upcoming fitness classes and other services available. Learn more about nutritional, medical, and physical health support available through the JMU Health Center. Want to take a study break, and interested in learning more about upcoming events happening on campus, then visit the JMU Event Calendar where you can search by date and/or event type.

You can visit the Counseling Center’s self-help resource pages for more strategies to take care of yourself. And, if you’re looking for more ideas around ways to de-stress, and/or evidence-based ways to improve your mental wellness, check out TimelyCare’s Self-Care Journeys and Content. All JMU students have FREE 24/7 access to TimelyCare. Visit the “Explore” page within TimelyCare for guided self-care content, including yoga and meditation sessions. Know that TimelyCare's support services (i.e., individual counseling, TalkNow 24/7 on demand support, etc.) are available over winter break, even if you are traveling home or out of state. Wishing you all the best as you finish the semester!