In Collaboration with the Schulich Mental Health and Wellness Society
If you’re reading this at its launch, you know that school has gotten Real, and it’s time to Lock In. While this may not stop you from going to Domus or from sleeping in, that anxiety in the back of your mind will creep to the forefront sooner rather than later.
This stress-creep is common as stress accompanies anything that takes effort. It doesn’t always come naturally, but coping with stress is essential for maintaining long-term health. However, not all coping mechanisms are equal. For example, an extremely harmful coping mechanism in the legal profession is the abuse of drugs and alcohol. To ensure healthy habits, we must be proactive. Here are some tips to help you orient ourselves from a place of wellness:
Be chill - not too chill, but pretty chill.
Sometimes, a lack of chill is necessary to Get. Work. Done. But remember, as people privileged enough to be law students, everything will work out – so rejoice! Keeping your distance from extra stressors and realizing it’s not a big deal helps you step back and create a plan to achieve your goals. Do you need to reserve a day to focus on a task? Do you need to have a tough conversation? Do you need to check in with friends? Whatever it is, allow yourself to be chill, and try to uplift those around you.
Exercise!
Physical exercise benefits us all, and it’s never too late to start. Missed a day, a week, or a decade of exercising? You will find what is right for you. Exercise is vital, and treating it with earnest intention can help hold us accountable to our practices and maintain our self-regulation. Yoga, cycling, marathons, walks, or intramurals can be scheduled into our lives – just make sure to get a student discount or attend free classes through the Wellness Society!
If you can afford therapy, do that.
Crisis lines and same-day counseling are great resources (provided at the end). Routine therapy sessions are better but can be hard to commit to since Dalhousie’s coverage for therapy is merely $1,000 per year for registered care providers according to the DUS Health Plan. Otherwise, discussing your emotions with friends and family can often be a great help.
Take one day off a week.
Incorporate breaks! This could be time for exercise, naps, games, a turn-my-brain-off reality TV sesh, spiritual or secular mediation! The best way to not feel guilty for taking time off is to intentionally do it. Everyone needs to play and rest.
Manage your caffeine addiction.
Okay, so I have a hard time with this myself. I try to limit my coffee intake to one cup per day, but as the semester progresses, I increase accordingly. Too much caffeine can be dangerous, and you could reach a point where your body can’t handle anymore. Be careful, and make sure to have some healthy meals (hot sauce and ramen doesn’t count!). make sure to incorporate nutritious meals with protein, carbs, and veggies that fuel your mind and body.
Touch grass to destress.
As someone who has experienced my fair share of mental health struggles. Reconnecting with nature helps me create a boundary where stress can’t interfere. We are lucky to study law in a city like Halifax where access to nature and green spaces like Point Pleasant and the Commons is abundant, as well as a number of beaches and coves accessible by public transportation and Communauto, for those who do not own cars! Take some time for yourself, and remember, you are just a little person on this big planet like anyone else.
Mental Health Resources Available to Dal Students
Inspired by The Schulich Mental Health and Wellness Society
Good2Talk
Dalhousie Mental Health Forum
TogetherAll
Peer Support Services
Puppy Power Hour
Same-Day Counselling
Connect with a Social Worker
Group Counselling in Halifax
The Inquiring Mind
Ask a Nurse
Ask a Spiritual Advisor & More
To access these resources, find them on Dalhousie's website.
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