By: Kuldeep Derola, Francis College of Engineering Well-being Leader

As college students, life can often feel like a balancing act. Between exams, deadlines, social commitments, and personal responsibilities, our emotional well-being can take a backseat. However, focusing on emotional wellness, one of the eight dimensions of the wellness wheel, is essential to leading a balanced and fulfilling college life. Emotional wellness is all about understanding, managing, and expressing your emotions while building resilience to challenges. On campus, it’s a cornerstone for achieving academic success and personal growth.

Why Emotional Wellness Matters

Emotional wellness plays a crucial role in mental health and personal development. When we prioritize it, we can improve our ability to handle stress, form meaningful relationships, and make decisions that align with our values. For us students, emotional wellness can have a direct impact on our academic performance, social interactions, and overall happiness. Ignoring this vital aspect of well-being can lead to burnout, anxiety, and a lack of motivation, making it harder to thrive in college.

Ways to Improve Emotional Wellness on Campus

If you’re looking to enhance your emotional well-being, here are a few actionable steps you can take:

Take Advantage of Campus Resources: At UMass Lowell, you can access free or low-cost resources to help you navigate emotional challenges. Whether you’re dealing with stress, homesickness, or other personal issues, reaching out for support can make a big difference. If you’re unsure where to start, this website includes resources that can help support you: https://www.uml.edu/wellbeing/dimensions/emotional.aspx.

Build a Support Network: Surround yourself with people who uplift and support you. Friends, mentors, and even student organizations can provide a sense of belonging and community. When you share your feelings with trusted individuals, it can help lighten your emotional burden and give you new and helpful perspectives on life.

Practice Self-Care Daily: In the hustle of college life, self-care often gets overlooked. However, small acts like getting enough sleep, staying active, and eating well can improve your emotional health. Self-care also includes finding time for activities you enjoy, such as journaling, meditation, or a hobby that helps you recharge.

As a Well-being Leader, I can help you enhance your emotional wellness by providing:

• Peer Support: Sometimes, all you need is someone to listen. I’m here to provide a safe, judgment-free space for you to share your thoughts and feelings.

• Stress-Management Strategies: I can introduce you to mindfulness techniques, relaxation exercises, and time management tips to help you stay calm and focused during challenging times.

I’m available at Southwick Hall-250B (Deans’ Office) every Monday from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM and Wednesday from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM to offer a safe space for you to express your challenges.

Citations:

Mayo Clinic. (2023). Stress Management: Manage Your Stress for Better Health. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management
Harvard Health Publishing. (2023). The Importance of Self-Care for Mental Health. Retrieved from https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/self-care