Dear Huskies,
As we head into week seven of the semester, I want to acknowledge that October can be a time of increased stress and anxiety. With academic demands ramping up and midterm exams on the horizon, coupled with the complexities of the contested time we are experiencing with national and international events, it’s understandable if you're feeling overwhelmed. During times like these, it’s more important than ever to engage in self-care—not only as a valuable skill but as a necessary one to keep believing that “I Can. I Will.” succeed.
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So, what exactly is self-care, and how can we practice it effectively? According to the World Health Organization, self-care is “what people do for themselves to establish and maintain health, and to prevent and deal with illness.” This covers both physical and mental health, and the strategies we use are as unique as we are.
At NIU, we are committed to helping you find ways to support your well-being and build your own self-care toolkit. Below are some opportunities we offer to help you stay balanced, recharge, and connect with others during this busy time. I encourage you to explore these resources and take a moment to focus on you:
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- Crafting Connections (Monday, Oct. 7): Join us for arts and crafts from 6 to 7 p.m. in HSC 250. It's a great way to de-stress while meeting fellow students.
- Procrastination Café (Tuesday, Oct. 8): Stop in between 5 to 8 p.m. in the College Grind in the HSC for a dedicated space for you to do your work, and get prizes for finishing it!
- Open Wellness Space (Wednesday, Oct. 9): Drop by HSC 250 from 3 to 8 p.m. to relax with coloring pages, puzzles, and board games. Our peer educators from the Wellness Crew will be there to support you.
- Chilling with Chase and Friends (Wednesday, Oct. 9): Spend time with therapy dogs, including Chase, from 2-3 pm in the OASIS pit area. Sometimes, a little puppy love is all you need to reset!
- Wellness Wednesday Workshops (Wednesday, Oct. 9): Join us virtually from 7 to 8 p.m. on Teams for a wellness seminar focused on prioritizing your well-being. This is an opportunity to learn new strategies for managing stress and staying centered. Email bewell@niu.edu for the Meeting ID and Passcode.
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Visit the Student Wellness website or follow them on Instagram (@niuhealthyhuskies) to learn more about these and other upcoming events. In addition to these events, NIU also offers a variety of counseling and consultative services to help you navigate the challenges of the semester, including individual and group counseling. In fact, space is still available in this semester’s groups! If you are interested, reach out to Counseling and Consultation Services at 815-753-1206 or stop by their office in the Peters Campus Life Building, #200, to schedule an initial consultation.
Remember, you’re not alone in this. Taking care of yourself is not just a one-time event—it’s something we can all practice regularly to ensure we’re at our best academically, emotionally, and physically. Let’s keep moving forward, together!
Take care, Huskies—you’ve got this, and we’ve got you!
With appreciation,
Clint-Michael Reneau, Ph.D.
Vice President for Student Affairs
Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Counseling and Higher Education
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