Self-Care Tips for Midterms and Finals – The Flor-Ala

With midterms just around the corner and final exams fast approaching, it’s easy for students to become overwhelmed with the responsibilities, which unfortunately can cause their mental and physical health to suffer. To combat the stress and sleepless nights that come with exam season, University of North Alabama students are encouraged to take advantage of the campus’s many resources.

Mental Health Resources:

The UNA student advisory service offers students a variety of options to get their stress, anxiety, depression or other psychological problems under control.

For students concerned about their behavior or mental health, SCS offers anonymous online screenings where students can report their concerns and receive recommendations for their next steps. From there, students can utilize the mental health resources available on the website or schedule an appointment with an SCS counselor.

SCS also offers group counseling and workshops for those who want to meet with others to work on common mental health issues. Most groups meet weekly and address topics such as stress and anxiety, relationships and self-esteem, among other topics.

When students need a break during their busy days, the Zen Den is another resource they can use. The room provides a safe and comfortable space to relax when students are stressed. Therefore, students are encouraged to stop by or book the room if interested. SCS also offers a mobile Zen Den, allowing student organizations to rent the necessary materials to create a safe stress relief environment for their members.

For students who are not interested in SCS mental health resources and would like to receive help elsewhere, SCS offers a list of providers in the area to help students find the help they need.

All SCS resources are available on una.edu under the Quick Links tab. From there, students can then select “Counseling Services,” which is located under “Safety and Wellbeing.”

Physical Health Resources:

If students are not feeling well, UNA Health Services can help them feel better so they can return to classes and other activities sooner. Particularly at the start of cold and flu season, Health Services urges students to come see them if they feel sick.

The health service offers free appointments to students, which can be booked on its website. Spontaneous appointments can also be accepted on most days. Your providers can test students for flu, strep throat, Covid-19 and mono. They also have a new PCR Covid-19 test that is said to be more accurate than other tests, especially within the first 24 hours of symptoms appearing.

If students test positive for an illness, the health service has a small pharmacy where students can access common medications, usually for as little as $5 to $10.

Health Services also offers vaccinations at clinics held throughout the semester. Many of them are free or inexpensive.

Like SCS, Health Services is able to connect students with other providers if they want to go elsewhere or receive medical care that Health Services cannot provide. Their primary goal is to help students in any way possible.

“If you become ill, please call us as we are happy for students to stay home,” said Sheena Burgreen, executive director of public health. “We’ll make sure you get treatment and hopefully get back to class. We are always there when you need us.”

Students can access Health Services resources online, including in the Quick Links tab, by selecting “Health Services.”

General tips for well-being:

Burgreen recommends finding healthy, nutritious food options both on and off campus to avoid consuming too many foods that are not rich in vitamins and nutrients. Proper nutrition, along with plenty of water and enough sleep, can help ward off any illnesses one might come into contact with and can also help students not become too stressed during their exams.

The most important step for students is to reach out if they are not feeling well, as there are numerous resources on campus to ensure students are well while earning their degree. Campus resources are available to students and they are happy to help anyone who needs it.

“Our goal is to ensure student safety, happiness and health,” Burgreen said. “We want to get them back in the classroom so they can complete the semester well and finish well.”

Students interested in promoting their overall health and well-being are encouraged to join the Healthy Lion Council by contacting Health Services.