Taking Care of Ourselves & Each Other

Health & Well-Being

Stanford
Student Affairs

Tip of the Month: Well-Being Tips From Two Stanford Students

As you look toward the upcoming year, it is important to take a minute to reflect on the past year. How did you prioritize time to care for your mental and physical health? Did your practice benefit your overall well-being? What unhealthy practices would you like to work on in the new year? By looking inward and understanding your behaviors, you can better prepare for the upcoming year with a fresh mindset.

 

Make sure to find time for yourself and to enjoy all that Stanford has to offer, aside from academics. To get you started, here are a list of suggestions for the new quarter:

  1. Admire the beauty of the Stanford campus: Take in the beauty of the Stanford campus by visiting Hoover Tower or ditching your bike and simply walking around campus during the day. Be sure to check out O'Donohue Family Stanford Educational Farm, Cactus Garden, and Lake Lagunita.
  2. Practice mindfulness on campus: Find time to slow things down and be mindful. Read a book, journal, or simply meditate at Windhover. You can also find a nice place outdoors, like the Oval, to sit down and reflect on yourself. 
  3. Focus on your physical health: If you have been wanting to exercise more, this is the perfect opportunity to take that first step. Make a consistent schedule for yourself to go to the gym. You can go climbing at Arrillaga Outdoor Education and Recreation Center (AOERC), joining an intramural sport, or hiking the Dish on your free time. 
  4. Pick up a new hobby: There are a plethora of clubs and activities on campus. Think about things you never tried before and see whether there is a club for that on campus to join. For more information on the different organizations and events on campus, check out the Office of Student Engagement. 
  5. Check out new study spots: Tired of studying in the same place? Start exploring Stanford’s large campus and find a new study spot. Whether that be at one of Stanford’s many libraries (e.g. Green Library, Law School Library, East Asian Library, etc.) or outdoors at Law Terrace, there is a lot of places on campus where you can get a change in scenery.

While you navigate a new year and quarter, recognize that your well-being journey will not always go as planned. Remember to practice self-compassion and focus on the process to a healthier you.

Written by: Edward Tran, Class of 2023, and Michaela Phan, Class of 2023

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