When I first got to Stanford I quickly realized that I needed a calendar to keep track of all my classes, meetings, and even social life. But I quickly realized I needed to craft a calendar that kept me well amongst all the busyness. I needed to schedule in time to care for myself. It’s helpful to know I have time specifically set aside for something, especially when adjusting to a new environment and schedule.
Creating Your Well-Being Calendar
The start of a new school year can feel overwhelming, but creating a routine centered on well-being can help you stay grounded. Even small blocks of time for rest, reflection, or movement can make a big difference in how balanced and energized you feel. By treating self-care as a non-negotiable part of your schedule, you protect the energy you need to thrive in every other area of life.
Things I ask myself or think about when looking at my calendar:
Do I have time in my calendar each day to do something that nurtures my wellbeing?
I make sure my calendar is never so full that I can’t find moments of peace. Stanford is full of people, social activities, and of course schoolwork and extracurricular activities. It’s important to find time to slow down and do things that recharge your battery.
What helps you find calm, clarity, and joy?
For myself, I put aside time every morning to meditate (non-negotiable) and optional time for exercise, yoga, and breakfast! What’s your version? Can you make time each day to do one thing that nurtures these experiences for you?
Do I really need to take that many units?
Coming to Stanford I noticed there was this kind of “unit clout” or normal culture around maxing out on units. I chose to do the exact opposite because I realized for me more units did not equate to more happiness. It’s okay to drop a class, it’s okay to take less units than your peers. I was never ashamed of my unit count, and you shouldn’t be either whether you choose to take more or less units! Sometimes lots of units are the right thing for some people and that’s awesome, but I encourage you to take a step back after choosing your course load and ask yourself: is this sustainable, is this going to allow me to have harmony in all areas of my life, is this really the right amount of units for me or am I doing this because I feel pressured?
Am I making time for fun?
Someone once told me “life is supposed to be a dance.” Are you making time for things you genuinely enjoy? Things that uplift you and make you smile? Also your fun does not have to look like anyone else’s idea of fun! Some people love parties, some people don’t. Some people love board games, some people don’t. Figure out what you truly enjoy and make time for it! I love boba, having meaningful conversations, entertainment (movies, shows, concerts, theatre, etc…), singing, dancing, and being outside!
Do I have time to rest?
When I don’t rest I am left running on very little energy. I can’t show up in the ways I want to or even enjoy the things I usually do when I’m exhausted. Rest helps me actually be more productive and find joy in my day to day living! You don’t have to be working all the time! You are enough just as you are.
Setting time aside to nourish myself has been vital to having a Stanford journey I am grateful, proud, and happy for! I am so glad I made a decision freshman year to prioritize my health and wellbeing. I hope that you can do the same and make it through all the challenging times you might face and experience all the joy possible during your Stanford experience!
Written by: Cherrial Odell, Class of 2026
Resources
Stanford Resources
- Well-Being Coaching: Work with a supportive partner to design your own vision for well-being. Figure our what you want and need at this phase of your life. Move through uncertainty with a trusted guide.
- Counseling and Psychological Services: CAPS provides an array of mental health services available to students including clinical services, groups and workshops, and options for care outside of CAPS. Additionally, satellite clinics in multiple community centers offer Let's Talk in Community.
- Recreation and Wellness Classes: Registration for Fitness and Recreational Programs
- The Bridge Peer Counseling Center: Stanford's student run peer-counseling center that offers anonymous 24/7 peer counseling to members of the greater Stanford community.
- Wellness Buddies: This campus program, in partnership with Stanford Mental Health Outreach, aims to support students with their physical, emotional, and mental health.
- Stanford Mental Health Outreach (SMHO): A student group at Stanford that aims to raise awareness about mental health and advocate for students experiencing mental health issues.