Student Wellness

Our mission is to create an academic community that values mental health in a manner that facilitates the success of graduate students.

Student Wellness Resources: Your Guide to Thriving in Grad School

Curated by Claire Wallin, Department of Occupational Therapy

An evidence-based occupational therapy approach to graduate student wellness. Click HERE for the Wellness Guide.

This comprehensive resource collection provides practical, research-backed strategies to help graduate students navigate the unique challenges of advanced academic life. Created through an occupational therapy lens, these resources focus on helping you engage meaningfully in all your daily occupations while maintaining balance and well-being.

What You’ll Find:

🧠 Stress & Anxiety Management

• Mindfulness practices including journaling, meditation, and art therapy
• Breathing techniques and grounding exercises
• Test anxiety and public speaking strategies
• Nature-based stress relief and forest bathing

⚖️ Occupational Balance

• Time management and productivity systems
• Self-care strategies that actually fit your schedule
• Effective study techniques and break strategies
• Routine building and habit formation

💪 Mental Health Support

• Depression and burnout prevention
• Evidence-based wellness practices
• Building social connections and support systems
• Financial wellness tips for students

🎯 Practical Tools

• Downloadable planners and templates
• Coloring pages for stress relief
• Step-by-step guides and handouts
• Campus-specific resources for UCA students

Why These Resources Work:

Every strategy included is backed by research and designed with the understanding that graduate students face unique stressors. Rather than generic advice, these resources address the specific challenges of academic life while promoting sustainable practices you can maintain long-term.

Ready to transform your graduate school experience? Explore the full resource collection to find evidence-based strategies that work for your lifestyle and academic demands.

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Disclaimer: These resources provide evidence-based wellness strategies and are not intended to replace professional medical or mental health services. For crisis support, please contact the UCA Counseling Center or emergency services.

For more assistance, contact Megan Dibenedetto, Graduate Support GA

Email:  gradsupport@uca.edu