Especially if you are entering your first quarter on the Farm, you may feel like you have to learn an entirely new lingo, social culture, and the classes you have on your schedule. You might have seen your dorm channel with a DAHA/DAWA page- “Does anyone have/want any…” In the spirit of new dorms, novel decorations, and even cooler residential themes, does anyone want any grounding tips (or a quick distraction between classes)?
DAHA Grounding Tips
Everyone Feels It
While you might feel a flurry of overwhelm and busyness, remember you are not alone. Each year, Stanford welcomes over 1,000 new undergraduates—not to mention graduate students. Picture a group of fish being released into a giant ocean; at first, you may swim off confidently only to realize you’ve drifted farther than feels comfortable. That is okay. Regardless of your year, Stanford encourages you to explore, make mistakes, and try new things. Next time you hesitate to wade through campus alone, invite your roommate, a classmate, or even the person with the cool fashion style in your section. Think about how good it feels to be included—small invitations can spark lasting connections.
Resources at Stanford
A huge part of The Flourish is reminding you that not only are you an amazing student who earned a place at Stanford, but you also have access to countless resources. These include professional services like CAPS and Well-Being Coaches, as well as non-professional options such as student-led groups and community centers. If professional help feels intimidating, start small—visit a community center built around identity and shared experience. And if therapy isn’t what you’re looking for, try Well-Being Coaching. It’s approachable and can help you reset your daily rhythm.
Pause at the TIPP of the Iceberg
Do you ever get stuck in a cycle of thoughts? TIPP—Temperature, Intense exercise, Paced breathing, Progressive muscle relaxation—can help. This grounding strategy invites you to pause and notice what you’re feeling. One of my favorites is the 5-4-3-2-1 method: name 5 things you see, 4 you can touch, 3 you hear, 2 you smell, and 1 you taste. Can’t find them all? That’s fine—the goal is presence, not perfection. Try placing a cold Hydroflask behind your neck to “restart” your system, or take a quick five-minute stretch break. These small resets help you return to center.
Remember
Being a student is hard. We often forget we’re young adults figuring out the world while balancing academics, friendships, and self-growth. So, whether you pause to breathe, stretch, or simply reach out to someone new, you are doing great. Your success at Stanford is only the TIPP of what you are capable of—and there’s so much more ahead.
Written by: Chavi Coy, Class of 2026
Resources
Stanford Resources
- Well-Being Coaching: Work with a supportive partner to design your own vision for well-being. Figure out what you want and need at this phase in your life. Move through uncertainty with a trusted guide. Sign Up for a Coaching Session Here
- The Centers for Equity Community and Leadership: The Centers for Equity, Community, and Leadership is a unit in Student Affairs comprised of eight Centers on campus. Their mission is grounded in values of justice, equity, and belonging at Stanford and beyond.
- Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS): CAPS providers are ready to support your mental health. The process is fluid and meant to respond to your individual needs.
Additional Resources
- TIPP Skills from NAU: This sheet gives concrete and easy examples on how to ground yourself using TIPP while simplifying it even more. It is easy to read and organized and great for beginners.