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How to Practice Proactive Self-Care (Free Daily Planner Included)

Tue, 05 Sep 2023 21:30:04 GMT

Life on campus is an exhilarating journey that comes with its own set of challenges. In all the excitement it can be easy to forget your mental well-being and before you know it–you’re overwhelmed and exhausted! It’s time to get proactive about self-care. Before winter sets in. Before you’re behind on all your schoolwork. Before you’re stuck in an awkward situationship. Not this year. This year you’re planning ahead to take care of yourself.

Welcome to your personalized guide on creating a self-care plan that’ll empower you to conquer college with confidence. Let’s dive in!

Build your Support Network

Connect Authentically: Surround yourself with friends who uplift and support you. Seek genuine connections and be a good listener in return.
Reach Out: Don’t hesitate to ask for help when you need it. Reach out to campus counseling services, student support groups, or even professors.
Family Ties: Stay in touch with supportive family and loved ones. Their encouragement and perspective can be incredibly grounding.

Mastering Time Management

Planner Power: Invest in a planner or digital tools to organize your schedule. Or if you’re short on cash, check out this free daily Self Care Planner . Break down tasks into manageable steps to avoid feeling overwhelmed and don’t forget to CELEBRATE your wins!
Prioritize Tasks: Identify the most important tasks each day and use the methods that work best for your brain to accomplish them. Try time-blocking, tackling the hardest task first, or breaking it down into smaller steps. Everyone’s mind works differently and no one thing works for everyone!
Avoid Overloading: Be realistic about your commitments. Saying “No” allows you to give your best “Yes” to the things that matter most to you.

Navigating Sex and Relationships

Consent Always: Mandate consent in all intimate interactions. Mutual respect is not optional in healthy relationships. Keep your eyes open early on to see how they handle your boundaries before you’re in an isolated setting.
Open Communication: Be open about your boundaries, expectations, and feelings with your partner. Healthy relationships are built on trust and honest communication. Expectations that are unstated will always go unfulfilled. So speak up for yourself!
Sexual Health: Make informed, intentional decisions about your sexual activity and don’t leave it up to chance. Stay informed about safe sex practices, STIs, and contraception. If you need more information about safe sex or are concerned you might have an STI or be pregnant, schedule a free appointment with our nursing staff !

Cultivating Healthy Habits

Balanced Diet: Fuel your body with nourishing foods. Aim for a colorful plate filled with fruits, veggies, whole grains, and lean proteins. If you’re feeling run-down, start a food journal so you can be more aware of where you might need more nourishment.
Restful Sleep: Prioritize sleep! Establish a consistent sleep schedule to recharge your mind and body. This is especially important during exam season!
Active Lifestyle: Incorporate exercise into your routine. Find an offline activity you enjoy, whether it’s jogging, yoga, dancing, or hiking. If you find activities you love, it won’t feel like a chore and it will drastically improve your mood!
Creative Hobbies: Make time for activities you used to love, whether it’s reading, painting, or playing an instrument. Hobbies provide an outlet for stress and an opportunity to give your mind a break from the endless scroll of social media.

Securing your Social Life

Educate Yourself: Understand the potential risks associated with substances like alcohol and prescription medication. Talk with your doctor about how your body might handle any new substances and decide ahead of time what your boundaries are.
Set Limits: If you choose to drink, set clear boundaries based on your own tolerance level. Know your limits and never leave your beverage unattended.
Buddy System: Look out for your friends and encourage them to look out for you! Establish trustworthy relationships with people who will help you uphold boundaries and never drink and drive.

Tapping into Local Resources

Campus Support: Explore the mental health services offered on campus. Virginia Tech, Radford University, and New River Community College all provide counseling, workshops, and support groups. (Links to their pages)
Community Outreach: Check out these local organizations that promote mental health awareness and provide resources for students. (Links)
Online Resources: Utilize mental health apps, blogs, and forums to connect with others who are going through similar experiences. If you’re dealing with specific mental or physical health struggles there are tons of groups on social media where you can find support and connect with others who get it!

Remember, your well-being matters MORE than your academic success. By proactively nurturing your mental health, you’re setting the foundation for a fulfilling and successful college experience. You’ve got this! ��

If you or a friend are having thoughts of hurting yourself or others, there are people standing by to help. Call the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or text “HOME” to 741741 to chat with a counselor.

Top 10 Things To Do for New Highlanders!

Mon, 21 Aug 2023 20:52:01 GMT

Hey there, Highlanders! �� You’ve just landed in the welcoming community of Radford University, and your campus adventure is about to take off. Ready to navigate the RU experience like a pro? Let’s break it down – here’s your local guide to making those first days on campus unforgettable.

�� Fuel Up at Highlander Pizza

Before you dive into the hustle, grab a delicious slice at Highlander Pizza to kickstart your Radford journey with a burst of flavor. Because every great adventure begins with great food.

�� Roam Around with RU Transit

Jump on RU Transit for free and explore your new surroundings like a true Highlander. It’s not just a ride; it’s your ticket to discovering the beauty of Radford and reducing your carbon footprint too.

��️ Retail Therapy at Radford Shopping Plaza

Need move-in essentials? Head to Radford Shopping Plaza for a shopping spree that covers everything from dorm decor to groceries. It’s your one-stop shop for settling in style.

�� Bond with the Bonnie!

Ready to unwind? Check all the amenities at “The Bonnie” ( Hurlburt Student Center ) and kick back with your fellow Highlanders. It’s the perfect way to ease into your new routine and make some new friends!

�� Join the Club

Discover the 250+ clubs, events, and the heart of the RU community while at the Bonnie. Immerse yourself in the campus vibe and find your tribe of fellow Highlanders.

�� Book Hunts and Beyond

Got your booklist? Give it a double-check and grab those essential readings at the RU Bookstore . It’s time to gear up for academic success!

�� Treat Yourself at Sweet & Savory

Satisfy your sweet tooth with a doughnut from Sweet & Savory Doughnuts & Bagels . After all, every bite is a reminder that you’re savoring every moment of your Radford adventure!

�� Bond with Nature

Forge unforgettable bonds with your roommates while on local nature walks at Bisset Park or Wildwood Park Riverway or take it up a notch with some serious hiking at the Cascades or McAfee’s Knob! (Just watch out for bears! ��)

��️ Navigate with a Campus Map

Plan like a pro before classes start with a Campus Map in hand. Take it from this Millennial who missed her first classes wandering all over campus…you’ll be glad you did.

�� Rest Up for Success

Before you dive into classes, remember: self-care is key. Prioritize your well-deserved rest the night before. You owe it to yourself to invest in your health!

Highlanders, as you step into the next chapter of your life at Radford University, let this guide be your first week roadmap. Embrace the adventure, create lifelong memories, and make the most of every moment – because your RU story starts now! ��❤️��️

Top 10 Things To Do for Brand New Hokies!

Mon, 14 Aug 2023 20:02:14 GMT

Hey there, Hokies! �� You’ve just touched down in the vibrant world of Virginia Tech, and it’s time to embrace all the excitement that campus life has to offer. Ready to dive into the VT experience headfirst? Let’s break it down – here’s your local Top 10 Things to Do in for Brand New Hokies. And let’s make those first days on campus unforgettable.

�� Slice into College Life: Benny’s Style

First things first, feed that hungry soul! Grab a slice of pizza at Benny’s and savor the flavors that will fuel your college journey. Because nothing says “welcome to campus” like a cheesy, delicious slice.

�� All Aboard with BT

Ride for free with BT (Blacksburg Transit) to start exploring your new home away from home. It’s not just a ride; it’s a chance to discover the beauty of Blacksburg and reduce your carbon footprint too.

��️ Retail Therapy at University Mall Shops

Move-in necessities? Check! Head to the University Mall Shopping Center for a shopping spree that’ll have you covered – from dorm decor to groceries, they’ve got it all.

�� Lights, Camera, Lyric!

Feeling the need to unwind? Catch a summer blockbuster or an arthouse indie at the historic Lyric Theatre to settle into your new routine and take in the flavor of downtown Blacksburg.

�� Get in the Know at the Squires Center

Clubs, events, and all things VT spirit – it’s happening at Squires Student Center . Did you know VT has 800+ clubs and organizations? Dive into the vibrant campus scene and discover your community of like-minded Hokies.

�� Book Hunt & More

Got your book list? Double-check it at BookHolders and grab those aesthetic craft essentials at New River Art & Fiber . After all, a good set of pens can absolutely increase your GPA.

�� Treat Yourself at Our Daily Bread

Indulge your sweet tooth with delectable desserts from macarons to pastries at Our Daily Bread . After all, every sweet bite is a reminder that you’re savoring every moment of your VT adventure!

�� Bond Over Some Axe Throwing

Ready to forge connections? Get to know your roommates in a whole new way with a thrilling session of axe throwing at Blue Ridge Axe Throwing . It’s a unique experience that’ll help you both shake off those moving-in frustrations and bring on the good vibes.

��️ Navigate with a Campus Map

Plan like a pro before classes start with a Campus Map in hand. Take it from this Millennial who missed her first classes wandering all over campus…you’ll be glad you did.

�� Sleep Well for Success

Before you dive into classes, remember: self-care is key. Prioritize your well-deserved rest the night before. You owe it to yourself to invest in your health!

So, Hokies, as you embark on this exciting new era at Virginia Tech, let this guide be your first week companion. Embrace the adventure, create memories, and make the most of every moment – because your VT story starts now! ��