Elections are coming up in a few days and with it is bringing some stress. The “Election Stress Kit” PDF attached to this is everything you need to get through this coming week.
As a lover of music, Spotify has become a daily part of my routine. With the ability to create my own playlists and/or choose the specific songs I want to listen to, I can cater to whatever mood or vibe I’m feeling. Or, if I’m not interested in having to do the work, I can listen playlists created by others or listen to ones generated by Spotify; there are endless possibilities. Here are some that I’ve found that are perfect for students whether it be for studying, relaxing, getting amped up, and whatever other moods on your docket:
Knowing where to go for self-help, training, or tips, is something we believe is extremely important. Listed below, are a few resources to get you started that we really like and think will be most helpful for you. You can also reach out to any of our counselors in the office too, if you you would like to look further into any of these resources.
- The website called “Seize the Awkward“
- If you click on the name, it should bring you straight to the link. The intention of the website is to learn about how to have those awkward conversations about mental health. It’s not easy or fun, but we do it, because we care about others and this will help teach you how to do so.
- The website for the QPR Institute
- If you click on the name, it should bring you straight to the link. This site is for training of QPR Gatekeepers. QPR stands for “question”, “persuade”, “answer”. It allows you to become a gatekeeper of suicide prevention. The school access code is: MTU
- Our website is full of great resources, as well.
- Here we have tabs pertaining to different resources you may be looking for, such as “Mental Health Resources” or “Well-Being”
The following is our office’s contact information:
Student Mental Health
3rd Floor Administration Building
1400 Townsend Drive
Houghton, MI 49931
Ph: 906-487-2538
Fax: 906-487-3421
Email: counseling@mtu.edu
If it is an emergency, here are some following resources to contact:
Title IX Coordinator
Kirsti Arko, PhD
Location: Administration Building Room 306
Call: 906-487-3310
Email: titleix@mtu.edu
Website: Title IX Information
Dial Help, Inc.:
Call: 906-482-4357 or toll free 800-562-7622
Text: 906-356-3337
Instant Message: Dial Help
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:
Call: 1-800-273-8255
Instant Message: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Barbara Kettle Gundlach Shelter Home:
Call: 906-337-5623 or toll free 888-337-5623
Website: Barbara Kettle Gundlach Shelter
UP Health Systems-Portage
Emergency Department
500 Campus Drive
Hancock, MI 49930
906-483-1000
Aspirus Keweenaw
Emergency Department
205 Osceola Street
Laurium, MI 49913
906-337-6560
Have you ever finished a really hard workout and felt great? Physically, you were probably sweating, your muscles might have been shaking, and you were probably convinced you were dying (or is that just me after a tough workout?). Mentally, however, it’s likely you felt great. You felt at ease. You felt like you could accomplish anything. All of your worries were gone.
I have suffered from an anxiety disorder since 10th grade of high school. Over the years, I have tried many different medications and techniques to manage this. It wasn’t until many years of trying to figure out how to manage my anxiety that I found out the benefits that physical activity has on disorders such as anxiety and depression. My anxiety is now manageable without any medications and I am in the best shape I have ever been in! Like always, though, everyone is different. I am not recommending that you stop taking your medications and start working out instead. It’s important that you talk to your doctor before making any changes! It took me a while to get to this point in my life and I have had a lot of conversations with my doctor about what’s best for me. Whether you keep your medical treatment the same or change things up – taking time to consider your physical well-being is always beneficial and important.
Why does physical activity make you feel better? There are many articles and website resources about why this may be (which I will list at the end) but to sum them up, the main reasons are:
- Distractions: when you’re working out, you aren’t thinking about all of the things that might make you anxious or depressed. You’re thinking about your workout!
- Increases blood supply to your brain: An increase in blood supply means more oxygen and nutrients. We all know that exercise gets your blood pumping, but did you know it gets it pumping in the brain too?
- Creation of new neurons in the brain: Studies have shown that disorders such as depression can affect neuron production in certain parts of the brain. Studies have also shown that exercise can increase the production of neurons.
- Tension reduction: Moving your body reduces built up tension you have from stress.
- Boosts physical energy: Sure, working out makes you tired for a bit, but it actually boosts your overall energy levels.
- Helps sleep: Working out helps to regulate your sleep cycles.
- Higher self-esteem: The more you workout, the better you feel about yourself.
- Better memory and concentration: Endorphins are released when you workout. These same endorphins help with memory and concentration on tasks.
So, now you know that working out might help manage your stress, anxiety, depression, etc. You might have questions now like how much exercise? How do I get started? What kind of exercise can I do?
How much exercise should I do to reap the benefits for my mental health? The answer is any. Any physical activity is better than none. Something as simple as a short walk will give you some of the benefits listed above. The more you do, however, the stronger and more consistent these benefits may be. According to this article from Psychology Today, studies show that 3-4 sessions of 45-60 minute aerobic exercise a week can have considerable benefits to depression symptoms.
How do I get started? Start slow and gradually increase your physical activity. Make sure you don’t jump in too fast! You don’t want to injure yourself or overdo it. As always, if there are any concerns or you have other health issues, consult your doctor.
What kind of exercise can I do? Make sure you participate in activities you enjoy. If going to a gym isn’t your thing, try going for a hike instead! There are many different options available to you. You could also try and find some fun kickboxing or dance workout videos on YouTube!
If you make it enjoyable and make it a habit, you should start to see both physical and mental benefits!
Good Resources:
How Your Mental Health Reaps the Benefits of Exercise
The Mental Health Benefits of Exercise
How to Start Exercising and Stick to It
10 Best YouTube Workout Channels to Try During Quarantine
While it can be difficult to find time to read, especially during the school year, reading can give you a break from the daily routine of homework and classes. Here are a few great books for all types that are not only entertaining, but also helpful in terms of organization, relationships, school, and life.
Meditation and Mindfulness
Men are From Mars, Women are From Venus
The Secret Art of Being a Grown-Up
A Tribe Called Bliss
Work Rules
The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up
The Obstacle is the Way
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a #!$&
How to Talk to Anyone: 92 Little Tricks