Supporting Graduate Students' Academic and Professional Success
De-stress ON Campus? YES!
Academics and campus work are often the cause of much stress. Paradoxically, campus can also be the key to unlocking numerous sources of stress relief resources. Don’t believe me? Let me count the ways.
[Image Description: Disney’s Meilin Lee in her fluffy Red Panda form, stroking herself on the face with brushes to calm herself down.]
Pictured: It’s time to relax!
1. Stress Relief Fair(s)
There are several stress relief fairs each quarter. GradSuccess and The Well host a stress relief fair every quarter in Week Four. Look out for the fair from 3-5 p.m. in the Physics Courtyard. Food, chair massage, games, and activities are some of the few standards. Food and chair massage appointments are available while supplies last.
The UCR Library hosts a Finals Week Stress Relief Series during finals week. Food, games, and activities are scheduled throughout the week and can be found at both Rivera and Orbach Libraries.
2. Hydro Massage Chair
Did you miss a chance to get a massage appointment from one of the stress relief fairs? No problem! Head to the Student Recreation Center (SRC) to experience a free hydromassage. Located in SRC North, the hydromassage chairs use water to massage your way to relaxation.
3. Stress Relief Apps
Can’t make it to campus? Thanks to the Well's curation of Apps for Well-Being, you don’t have to leave home to access stress relief. Among the many apps are Headspace, Calm, Happify, Sanvello, and many more. Don’t pass on taking advantage of these free memberships to these often pricy subscriptions.
4. Botanical Gardens
The UCR Botanical Gardens are a great way to find relief on campus. Open Monday through Friday, from 8 am to 3:30 pm, and the first and third Sunday of every month from 8 am to 2 pm, you can enjoy relaxing and diverse ecological landscapes. The suggested donation for entry into the gardens is $5 per adult visitor. The gardens will have special events throughout the year, like Art in the Gardens, so keep your eyes open.
5. Meditation Room
Costo Hall has a meditation room on the second floor (228). If you are on campus and need a place to decompress, you can access the room and any number of Apps provided on the Well’s Stress Relief Apps (mentioned above), or you can access meditations without subscribing to an app through the CAP’s website, which has a list of quick access medications.
6. Nap Pods
Sometimes, you need to nap it out. Great! UCR has Nap Pods in SRC North. Don’t forget to pick up a Nap Kit from the Well. The nap kit includes a sleep mask, calming aromatherapy lotion, ear plugs, and sleep education.
7. Free Chair Massage
Though on pause for a bit, once reopened, you can book a 10-minute chair massage with a masseuse on the SRC website or at the SRC front desk. Appointment availability at the SRC Fitness Studio North is usually on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays.
Stress not. UCR is here to help you relax!
[Image Description: Relaxed white cat getting massaged in its cheeks.]
Pictured: This can be you!