Self-Care

With multiple deadlines and commitments, it can be easy to forget that school is only a small portion of your life. Take the time for yourself and try some of these techniques below. This page is adapted from UVic Counselling Services.

 

Healthy Mind Strategies

Bounce Back®: Reclaim Your Health (Canadian Mental Health Association)

Bounce Back: Reclaim Your Health is a program designed to help adults experiencing symptoms of depression and anxiety that may arise from stress or other life circumstances. The project is led by Canadian Mental Health Association BC Division and funded by the BC Ministry of Health Services.

Bounce Back offers three forms of help:

  • Bounce Back Today Video: A DVD video providing practical tips on managing mood, sleeping better, building confidence, increasing activity, problem solving and healthy living. Watch the video online by visiting www.bouncebackvideo.ca and use the access code bbtodaybc.
  • Bounce Back® Coaching: A customized series of workbooks with 4 to 6 coaching sessions delivered by phone or video conference. The workbooks are available in English with telephone coaching in English, French, Cantonese, or Punjabi. Please talk to your doctor to request a referral to Bounce Back®‘s coaching service.
  • Bounce Back® Online: An independent, self-guided online program with access to video modules, e-books and worksheets. To access Bounce Back® Online, visit www.bouncebackonline.ca and select ‘Register Now’ to get started.

Relaxation Downloads (Dartmouth College)

This website contains links to various audio files aimed in promoting relaxation. Some of these approaches include:

  • Deep Breathing & Guided Relaxation Exercises
  • Guided Imagery/Visualization Exercises
  • Mindfulness and Meditation Exercises
  • Progressive Muscle Relaxation Exercises
  • Soothing Instrumental Music

Mobile Applications

  • Breathr: provides opportunities for users to try out a variety of mindfulness practices, while also teaching interesting facts about the brain science behind those practices.
  • Calm: contains mediation techniques for sleep and stress reduction. Features relaxing screensavers and soundtracks.
  • Headspace: provides simple guided meditation and mindfulness activities.
  • Insight Timer: offers guided meditations, talks, podcasts, and a silent meditation timer.
  • Meditation Studio: has over 250 guided meditations of varying lengths and focus. Small one-time fee allows you unlimited access.
  • MindShift™: designed to help youth and young adults learn how to relax, develop more helpful ways of thinking, and identify active steps that will help you take charge of your anxiety.
  • Stop, Breath & Think: find anywhere to check in with how you’re feeling and try short activities to tune into your emotions.
  • thinkFull: aims to help manage daily stress, promote problem-solving techniques, and live well.
  • TruReach Health: provides “mental wellness on-the-go” through engaging lessons and activities to enhance mental wellness.

UVic Students’ Society Clubs

With over 200 active clubs through the UVSS, find your passion based on what interests you! Please visit the UVSS website to view a list of the current clubs at UVic.

 

Vikes Recreation

Get ready to break a sweat, whether it is climbing the rock wall, swimming, or participating in sports clubs. See the wide range of activities offered here.

 

UVic Multifaith Services

From meditation to yoga to the Pet Cafe, swing by the Interfaith Chapel to see what events and programs are offered during the week. See their calendar here.

Disclaimer: unless otherwise stated, the UVNSS is not sponsored by the above resources.