#BeWellUGA and Learn About…Managing Stress: Spirituality
Spirituality means knowing one’s self, having a sense of purpose in life, feeling connected to others, and achieving one’s full potential.
For some, it means tapping into the wisdom within. For others, spirituality is grounded in experiencing nature. Spirituality is being inspired, focusing on sensory experiences, finding beauty and joy in everyday things, cherishing life, and feeling the interconnectedness of the universe.
Many rituals associated with spirituality can be helpful in managing stress. Spirituality can help restore a sense of calm and balance when the daily grind may seem overwhelming. Here are some ways to explore your spirituality and resources to help you try them out. Which might you be interested in trying sometime in the next week? In the next month?
Free yourself from mass media. Turn off your TV.
- Manufacturing Consent: The Political Economy of the Mass Media by Edward S. Herman & Noam Chomsky
- Can’t Buy My Love by Jean Kilbourne & Mary Pipher
- Where the Girls Are: Growing Up Female With the Mass Media by Susan J. Douglas
Reduce your consumption. Give unneeded belongings away.
- Buy Nothing Day
- Enough, Anti-Consumerism Campaign
- Affluenza: The All-Consuming Epidemic by John De Graaf, David Wann, & Thomas H. Naylor
- The Better World Handbook: From Good Intentions to Everyday Actions by Ellis Jones, Ross Haenfler, Brett Johnson, & Brian Klocke
Walk to feel connected to your surroundings.
- Walking by Henry David Thoreau
- Wanderlust: A History of Walking by Rebecca Solnit
Garden. If you don’t have space, consider a windowsill herb garden.
- Visit the State Botanical Garden
Practice slow food. Cook at home and eat with others you care about.
- Slow Food USA
- Slow Food: Collected Thoughts on Taste, Tradition, and the Honest Pleasures of Food by Carlo Petrini & Benjamin Watson (Eds.)
- Fast Food Nation: The Dark Side of the All-American Meal by Eric Schlosser
Attend services or other activities of your church or religious organization.
- For student organizations, including religious organizations, view the University of Georgia’s Student Organizations Directory
Learn a new skill or craft. Check out the community programs at the Georgia Center for Continuing Education.
- Georgia Center for Continuing Education
- Take an art class at the Oconee Cultural Arts Foundation.
- Classes at Lyndon House Arts Center.
Volunteer for a special event or on a regular basis.
- Volunteer Match
- HandsOn Northeast Georgia links volunteers with organizations in Athens
- Make a Difference: Your Guide to Volunteering and Community Service by Arthur I. Blaustein
Practice meditation, yoga or tai chi. Take fitness and wellness classes at the Ramsey Center.
- Try a free Yoga for Stress Relief class offered by UHC
- Ramsey Center
- Check out one of the many yoga centers in town.
Other Ideas
- Carry a special object with you that reminds you of what is important to you.
- Keep a diary or journal.
- Take a personal retreat. Change your routine and give yourself a break from your responsibilities.
- Travel.
- Spend time alone.
Resources:
The UGA Health Center (UHC) wants to support you in succeeding and enjoying your experience at UGA. Experts at UHC offer knowledge and programs concerning stress management and college life.
- Check out the resources on the Managing Stress: A Guide For College Students website
- Attend one of the FREE #BeWellUGA Wellness and Prevention programs such as Yoga for Stress Relief, #BeWellUGA Pop-Ups, or Stress Relief Workshop for International Students
- Schedule a FREE screening appointment with CAPS (UHC Counseling and Psychiatric Services). This is confidential/private, and a professional will provide you with resource recommendations appropriate for addressing your learning goals.
- Work with a UHC Wellness Coach!
Written by: UHC CAPS and Communications