Promote healthy behaviors that support students in cultivating general well-being. Instructors from any discipline can support healthy behaviors.

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.
  • Share what you do to manage a world of distractions and stress.
    • If you are looking for something to try and possibly recommend, see the Healthy Minds Program App, a tool developed by neuroscientist Richard Davidson, and serves as a cornerstone to programs at University of Wisconsin, University of Virginia, Penn State, and others.
  • Remind students to make 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.
      • Students are eligible for a free Calm subscription through April 2026. To access, students should email Ivana Drazin Ivelja at drazinivelji@montclair.edu from their Montclair email address with a request to join Calm. Limited to the first 5000 students
      • The Healthy.Minds Program App is also recommended by NYTimes Wirecutter, among other reviewers, and is free

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