Promote healthy behaviors that support students in cultivating general well-being.

This week’s “Be a Strong Student” message to students asks them to take care of their health. Students who do so may increase their ability to focus and to succeed in their coursework. Here are some strategies instructors can implement to help support their efforts:

Promote healthy behaviors

• Remind students about the Resources section on the Montclair Syllabus.
• Model healthy behaviors and strategies.
• Recognize the essential value of mental health self-care.
  • Convey your interest in students’ wellbeing through check-ins, in-class activities, or other means.
  • Try an activity like self-care bingo that helps students learn the different forms of self-care. Sample Student Self Care Bingo (opens as PDF shared by Ashlee Martellacci (Social Work and Child Advocacy).
• Reinforce last week’s time management theme by reminding students to include time for sleep, exercise, healthy eating, and self-care practices.
• Remind students about Health Promotion and their resources, including weekly workshops aimed at promoting well-being (such as mindfulness meditation and crafting).
• Encourage students to take advantage of Campus Recreation options.

Connect students to campus resources

• Notice the signs of students who may need help and:
  • • Refer students to the Student Health Center
    • Connect students to Montclair Cares which offers resources and connections when someone is feeling alone, stressed, afraid. 
    • Remind students of the Red Hawk Pantry and the Food Champion Program 
    • Advertise Mental health services
      • Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
      • Let’s Talk “walk-ins”
      • Group Therapy 
      • Online therapy resources (TAO and Uwill Teletherapy)
        • TAO is also available through this CAPS Canvas Community
      • CAPS provides access to grant funds available for treatment off-campus.

Additional resources

• Mental Health First Aid training is open to individuals 18 years and older, and is offered at various times during the year. See program details for more information.
• The CARE Team. Complete a CARE report for students who may need to be connected to services to address academic, social, and physical/mental health concerns.
• Session Recording (Panopto) — Student Burnout: The Importance of Self-Care in the Classroom