Inside UCR

Mental Health Mindfulness During Winter Break

Mon, 12/09/2019 - 12:00
Counseling and Psychological Services
December 9, 2019

Highlander Faculty/Staff,

As you prepare for the long winter break, UCR’s Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) reminds you to be mindful of your mental health. Why? Because sometimes the long break can disturb your work-life routine. And for some, the holidays can bring stress, anxiety, or depression.

Winter Break: Practice Positive Self-Care and Wellness

  • Use this extended time off to check in with yourself, get realigned, and acknowledge your feelings
  • Relax and prepare for your next goals
  • Spend time with people who have a positive influence on you — and if possible, avoid those who don’t
  • Go outdoors, enjoy your surroundings, and get some sun to benefit from Vitamin D 
  • Be creative and do something artsy (paint, draw, sing, make music, dance, craft, build, etc.)
  • Catch up on sleep and take time to develop or reset positive sleep habits 
  • Use social media to stay connected with campus-friends who are supportive/positive in your life
  • Stay active to produce/stimulate feel-good hormones
  • Set realistic spending goals that you can afford in the long term
  • Be realistic about your expectations regarding relationships; give yourself permission to take the time you need
  • Seek support or continue treatment; talk about your feelings

Overall, be realistic. You don’t have to be perfect and neither does this holiday experience.

If you’re interested in meeting with a mental health counselor, please contact the Faculty and Staff Assistance Program (FSAP) at (951) 781-0510. This UCR Human Resource service is free* and confidential. You can also consult your insurance benefits to determine your behavioral health benefits. For concerns about students, please call or refer to CAPS at (951) 827-5331. (*There is no charge for the first three meetings, per issue every six months. If it is determined that there is a need for additional meetings with other specialized agencies, there may be a cost. These costs may be covered by group insurance. )

In crisis? If you or someone you know is struggling, please contact the National Suicide Hotline at 800-SUICIDE (784-2433) for help. You can also text “HOME” to 741-741 (at any time, from any place) to chat with a trained crisis counselor.

Be well,

Dr. Liz Mondragon, Director of Counseling & Psychological Services (Licensed Clinical Psychologist)