In Focus: Checklist for Flourishing on the Farm

If you are feeling overwhelmed, excited, uncertain, anxious, or all of these at once as you transition to the Farm, know that you are not alone. The transition to campus can feel overwhelming but you do not have to go through it alone. To help ease any stress or anxiety you may experience, we created a checklist, with the help of a Stanford alumnus, to help ensure a smooth transition to campus. Ready to start flourishing?

Tips for Flourishing on the Farm

Establish a daily routine: When creating a routine, be realistic with the time needed to complete your tasks, including travel time between events, and the time you have available for yourself. This will help you create a healthy balance between work and play. Some things to factor in to your routine:
- A study schedule. While you may be still shopping for classes, create a study schedule as soon as possible to stay on top of all assignments and deadlines.
- A sleep schedule. Think about how much time you need to sleep to feel your best (a weekly average of 8-9 hours per night is still recommended practice) . Once you establish this, you can then determine a consistent wake time and bedtime. Well-Being Coaching can help you establish your sleep routine and hygiene including bedtime and wake-up rituals.
- “Me” time. It is important to carve out time to rest and recharge. Listen to your body and allow yourself to take breaks to avoid burnout. Don’t forget to nourish your body and stay hydrated!
- Time for family and friends. Set a regular time to connect with family and friends so that it does not get overlooked when life gets busy or hard.
Create a self-care menu: Whether it be practicing mindfulness, spending time with loved ones, or exercising, establishing self-care strategies can help build your capacity and resilience to overcome challenges that the quarter can bring. Identify what things bring you joy and replenish your soul. Well-Being Coaching can be very helpful here too. Discover ways to take care of yourself and each other.
Take care of your health: Reconnect or learn about Vaden Health Services, Counseling and Psychological Services, and Well-Being Coaching. If necessary, establish a new primary care physician or transfer your prescriptions.
- Vaden Health Services: Dedicated and professional clinicians are available to diagnose and treat illness, injury, and ongoing conditions, as well as for preventive counseling and education. They provide a full range of care, from screening tests to medical emergencies.
- Counseling and Psychological Services: Offers individual visits, skills workshops, process groups, psychiatry services, community referral resources, 24/7 support, and crisis intervention.
- Well-Being Coaching: Can help you cultivate the internal and external resources to live a healthy, vibrant life; manage stress; build resilience; and form meaningful connections with others.
Explore the beauty on campus: There is so much more to explore on campus besides academics! Find time to take a stroll or bike ride around campus. Visit the O'Donohue Family Stanford Educational Farm, the Papua New Guinea Sculpture Garden, Cactus Garden, the Dish, and Lake Lagunita.
- Ten campus spots where you can take a break and de-stress (part 1)
- Ten campus spots where you can take a break and de-stress (part 2)
Build your support team: These are your go-to people who can support you during difficult times. Your support team may include friends or family from home, student residential staff, an academic advisor, professional staff, or new friends you met during orientation.
- Check out the Mental Health Resources at Stanford for a list of peers, professionals, and confidential resources ready to join your team.
Request accommodations early on: If you feel that you can benefit from accommodations, connect with the Office of Accessible Education (OAE) early on in the quarter. Check out this month’s In the Spotlight section to learn about the types of accommodations OAE offers and how to begin the process to request them.
Find your community: It can be helpful to find a community that really gets you and makes you feel safe. Join clubs, organizations, or sports teams that align with your interests. Try new hobbies, arts, or volunteer opportunities, and attend campus events and gatherings to meet new people. It may take some time to find your community, but continue to put yourself out there. Your people will be waiting for you!
- Explore communities at Stanford
- Explore upcoming events and student organizations through the Office of Student Engagement.

Remember that you are more than your productivity and performance. Take good care of yourself and each other, practice self-compassion when experiencing setbacks, and most of all, enjoy your time on campus!

Written by: Edward Tran, Class of 2023

How Graduate Students Can Flourish This Quarter

From Stacey Bent, PhD, Vice Provost for Graduate Education

Seek Out Mentors: It's incredibly valuable to have experienced individuals who can offer guidance and mentorship along your academic journey. These mentors don't necessarily have to be part of a formal arrangement, and you can gather insights from individuals with diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
Prioritize Self-Care: Achieving balance in life is essential. While dedicating time to your studies is crucial, it's equally important to engage in activities you enjoy that provide a break from your research and scholarly pursuits.
[For Research-Based Programs] Acknowledge the Challenges of Research: Research is a demanding endeavor that will test your intellectual capabilities. There may be moments of doubt, but it's essential to persevere. Don't hesitate to reach out to advisors, mentors, and experts for guidance to move your research forward. Patience is key, as the journey can be both exhilarating and immensely rewarding.

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Suggestion: Bookmark this page so you can refer back to this checklist and tips during the quarter.

Resources

Stanford Resources

Helping You Flourish on the Farm Student Affairs: From medical services to counseling, substance use programs and education to wellness courses, (and more!), this site is your one-stop shop for taking care of your physical and mental health and well-being. Begin exploring resources that are eager and ready to help you flourish!
Well-Being Tips at Stanford Well-Being at Stanford: Explore candid advice from the Well-Being at Stanford team and learn tips for supporting your well-being.
How is Life Tree(ting) You?: Flourishing on the Farm The Flourish, October 2022: Learn more about what it means to flourish and how it ties into your overall mental health and well-being.
Tip of the Month: Well-Being Tips from Two Stanford Students The Flourish, January 2023: Stanford students share suggestions for managing the start of a new quarter and making the most out of your time at Stanford, beyond academics.