According to the American Psychology Association, “during the 2020–2021 school year, more than 60% of college students met the criteria for at least one mental health problem.”

This time of year is known to be one of the most tolling in terms of mental health between working adults and college students.

The Lindenwood Student Counseling and Health Center offers support to any student struggling with stress, anxiety, and other mental illnesses. Representatives from the center provided some tips to help students reduce stress and anxiety during finals and the holidays:

• First, it is OK to feel how you feel
• Take breaks
• It is important to drink water, eat a snack, or stretch when studying for long periods of time to give your brain a break.
• Seek sun and endorphins

– Try to spend 20 minutes of the day outside, Vitamin D helps to reduce stress.

– Exercise is also a good way to release endorphins thus releasing dopamine (the happy chemical)

• Help someone else

– Cheering up others will allow you to process your own feelings while helping someone understand theirs.

• Create your own traditions

– There are no rules to how you spend your holidays.

-Family has no definition, spend joyous time with people who bring you joy, not stress.

• Try to stay busy and avoid unstructured time.

-Many may become anxious when traveling or spending new time alone. It is best to spend time doing things that bring you joy to keep your mind and body happy and moving.

Counseling is free to all students and available Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

If there is an emergency regarding suicidal thoughts or actions, call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline; it is free and anonymous with translators available.