By: Sydney Shea, Zuckerberg College of Health Sciences Well-Being Leader 

At first, I was stumped when I got the initial assignment to create a community impact project. I knew I wanted to create something meaningful, but the possibilities felt endless. Journaling has been part of my daily life for a while now; it’s how I clear my mind, process my feelings, and stay grounded. It’s not fancy or complicated, but it’s made such a difference in how I manage stress and take care of my mental health. 

That’s how the idea for a wellness and stress relief journal came to life! I created a simple and approachable guide designed specifically for college students who might be feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or in need of a quiet moment to reflect.

The goal of my project was to give students a space to pause, reflect on their day, and process. Nothing complicated or overwhelming, just prompts that can fit into even the busiest of days. They include self-care reminders, mood tracking, and affirmations that can help you reflect on life. I created prompts based on the 8 dimensions of wellness since they are all crucial for our overall well-being! 

I created a digital version of the journal prompts for convenience. This way, students could utilize them at whatever time was best for them. It was really important to me that this resource be free and easy to access. People tend to shy away from journaling and similar activities due to intimidation and fear of starting something new. I wanted to show students how powerful it can be to just start. You don’t need a fancy app or a full-on program to make a difference. Sometimes, a blank page and a thoughtful question can go a long way and make a real impact on your day. 

I’m grateful this project gave me the chance to connect with my peers in a deeper way, and I’m even more excited to keep finding creative ways to support student well-being on campus.