The rigors of college life often bring stress and anxiety to students’ lives. As they strive to balance academic excellence, social activities, and personal growth, it’s essential to promote mental health and provide resources for managing stress. To address this concern, the University of Utah Asia Campus (U Asia Campus) recently hosted an enriching Mental Health Week aimed at supporting students in coping with stress and nurturing their mental well-being.
A Week of Diverse and Engaging Events
From October 19th to October 31st, U Asia Campus transformed into a hub of knowledge, relaxation, and self-care with an array of engaging events designed to help students manage stress effectively and foster better mental health. In addition to these events, U Asia Campus introduced an exciting new Asia Campus YouTube series, ‘U Buddy Joseph,’ which explores how U Asia Campus students relieve their stress in innovative ways.
1. Stress and Mental Health during College Years: The MindCare Institute led a valuable session on handling stress and mental health in college, emphasizing the importance of taking care of one’s mental well-being.
2. Guest Speaker Dr. Yang Jae Jin: An esteemed guest, Dr. Yang Jae Jin, a psychiatrist and a celebrity known for his Mindcafe Psychiatric Clinic and YouTube channel, delivered an enlightening talk on “Mental Health, Stress, & Me.” He discussed the impact of stress on individuals and the difference between good and bad stress, offering insights on stress management.
3. Yoga and Meditation for Serenity: Dr. Hugh Schuckman guided students through yoga and meditation, providing a relaxing and rejuvenating experience to ease the burdens of academic life.
4. Furry Friends for a Mood Boost: Everyone knows that spending time with adorable furry animals can be a surefire way to brighten one’s mood. The “Furry Friends” event allowed students to play and relax with these delightful companions.
5. Self-Care Kit Giveaway: In support of self-care practices, U Asia Campus provided students with mental health self-care aid kits. These kits contained valuable resources for managing stress and maintaining mental well-being.
6. Pop Your Stress Away: For a creative outlet, students had the opportunity to engage in balloon splatter painting, a fun and liberating way to release pent-up stress and anxiety.
7. Learn to Meditate: Zen Master Tan Wol led a meditation session, offering instructions on the art of meditation. This event aimed to help students, faculty, and staff find a sense of inner peace and mindfulness.
‘U Buddy Joseph’ YouTube Series
In addition to the exciting Mental Health Week events, U Asia Campus introduced a new episode on ‘U Buddy Joseph,’ a YouTube series that showcased how U Asia Campus students cope with the demands of college life. This episode offers a unique opportunity to learn from fellow students about innovative and effective ways to manage the pressures of college life, emphasizing that you’re not alone on the journey to better mental health.
The University of Utah Asia Campus’ Mental Health Week, now scheduled for October 19th to October 31st, brought together a diverse range of activities and resources to address the growing concern of stress and mental health in college life. By fostering well-being through education, creative outlets, relaxation, and expert guidance, U Asia Campus is taking significant steps to ensure that its students have the tools to navigate their academic journey while maintaining good mental health. These events and the ‘U Buddy Joseph’ YouTube episode not only offer students essential coping mechanisms but also remind them that their mental health is a priority, and there is a supportive community ready to help them thrive. As students continue to navigate the challenges of college life, such initiatives play a crucial role in building a happier and healthier campus environment.