What you should actually do when you feel overwhelmed at UCLA

Regardless of where you are in your academic journey, it’s safe to say that UCLA is a stressful place. From the first-year anxiety about a new school, to the ever-present stress about the future (which grows exponentially during your last year), it can be hard to take care of your mental health when you’re here, especially when everyone else doesn’t seem to need a break. But when you’re in as stressful an environment as a university setting, it’s important to practice self-care and look after your mental health.

Unfortunately, UCLA doesn’t have the best track record when it comes to helping students with their mental health, meaning that students often struggle to take care of their minds, along with the stress of school. This means that your mental health is almost entirely in your hands, but luckily, there are some things you can do to decompress.

Here’s a short list of strategies and behaviors that can help reduce your stress at UCLA:

Do a little bit of your homework

This might seem a bit strange — after all, isn’t self-care about relaxing and reducing anxiety? Think about it this way: if your schoolwork is causing you stress, one way to reduce this stress is by getting it out of your way. Even if you only finish one problem, or just read one page of that 50 page reading — just a little bit of progress can help lighten your burden.

Going to talk to your professor or TA can be super helpful, and a way to make progress on your work. If you’re struggling with a paper, there are also resources on campus: the Undergraduate Writing Center and Writing Success Program are two programs that allow you to get individualized feedback on your essays.

Studying in a different environment can help out, too, if being in your dorm or apartment becomes impossible. Whether you make the trek to the Kerckhoff Coffee House, YRL, or even a cafe in Westwood, there’s a plethora of places to check out and study in, depending on what kind of environment you’re looking for.

Implement mindfulness into your daily routine.

Psychology Today describes mindfulness as “a state of active, open attention on the present.” Mindfulness can reduce stress and generally improve your help, according to the UCLA Mindful Awareness Research Center (MARC). These benefits are especially important when nearly 50 percent of college students report experiencing overwhelming anxiety.

Here at UCLA, the MARC offers free, weekly drop-in meditation sessions around campus to help cultivate mindfulness. UCLA’s Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) also offers wellness workshops that you can request and attend to work on things like procrastination, stress, time management, and even public speaking.

Spend some time outside of your room, class, and the library

Have some free time before class? Try to sit outside — maybe on the lawn by Janss Steps, the Sunken Gardens, or in the Murphy Sculpture Garden. Changing your environment can help you destress, even if you’re still studying — just outside. For further relaxation, put your books away and maybe take a nap, or listen to music and chill.

Take a quick break from studying!

This might seem impossible, especially when you’re cramming for midterms or finals, but your brain won’t work its best unless it gets some rest. Whether you take a dinner break or hang out in Westwood, there’s plenty of options.

Visit the Fowler, Hammer, or another nearby museum

Museums are typically quiet and pretty soothing; plus, they often have interesting events that you can attend when you need to get out of your room and away from your notes.

Spending time in the Botanical Garden

Green is a relaxing color and it’s a great place to detox your brain.

Attending an event on campus

The Cultural Affairs Commission, Campus Events Commission, and other organizations on campus often offer free events, including movie screenings, poetry, and concerts.

Talk to someone supportive

Whether you’re talking to a friend, a family member, or a therapist if you can afford it — make sure you get some kind of support. Research suggests that social and emotional support are instrumental for your health. If you feel like you need to see a professional, CAPS offers a limited number of sessions with qualified therapists, which can be a helpful start. They also can give you resources if you decide that you need more long-term psychotherapy.

Besides talking to a therapist, however, you can also talk to your college’s academic counselor, or your departmental advisor about your academic worries. A great way to talk to someone and take a break from studying is by going to the Hammer, sitting in the spinny chairs, and just shooting the breeze for an hour or so.

Again, none of these guidelines will magically address mental illness, or remove academic stress from your life.

However, implementing these behaviors can help make you time at UCLA a slightly less stressful experience.