How to 'Take Care' at UCSC

By Makani Speier-Brito on May 25, 2015

I first saw this poster taped to the wall in my apartment at Kresge College. These options seemed like less basic needs to me at the time. What do you need? What qualifies as a “need”? Anything that is important to you.

 

Maybe you just need a hug. Maybe you need to plan out your week. Maybe you need to be alone for a while. Maybe you need to power down your laptop and take a
 walk outside.

Sometimes in focusing on attending classes, completing papers and studying for finals, we forget to care for ourselves. When our own needs are neglected, studying becomes a chore and we suffer. We get sick. We get crabby. We yell. And we have no good days.

 

UCSC offers a place to care for YOU. Counseling and Psychological Services nicknamed “CAPS”. Below I list two resources

CAPS offers to get your needs met. The services offered are covered by your student fees.

 

So pause. Just listen to your body. If a part of your body could talk what would it say? Are your shoulders begging for a massage?

What is your body trying to tell you? Yes, you are tired. Maybe you are worried about graduating “on time”. CAPS is located across the street from College 9/10. Walk, bike or take the metro bus to CAPS. Take what you need.

 

Let’s Talk

 

‘Let’s Talk’ is where you can chat with a counselor, someone friendly, who is there to just talk to you. You do not need to call in advance. No appointment is necessary. It’s confidential.

 

CAPS are offering three drop-in sites for Spring 2015:

Tuesday, 1 – 3 PM at the Cantu Center
Wednesday, 1- 3 PM at McHenry Library, Room 2285
Thursday, 2:30 – 4:30 PM at Baskin Engineering, Room 153B

 

The lovely people at CAPS also compose a newsletter once a month. The newsletter is sent to your UCSC e-mail. They are here to help you. In the newsletter they share techniques on how to take special care.

 

Curious or skeptical about ‘Let’s Talk’?

Click here: http://caps.ucsc.edu/resources/lets-talk.html.

 

To find out more about ways to care for yourself, you can reach CAPS at: (831) 459-2628.

 

Relaxation Station

I like the name of this place. The ‘Relaxation Station’ is located in a private corner at the Student Health Center. The Student Health center is located near CAPS across from College 9/10.

At the ‘Relaxation Station’ you can snooze in a massage chair or listen to a meditation tape. Here is an article detailing what prompted the university to invest in your well-being:

http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/social-affairs/20150423/ucsc-unveils-relaxation-station

 

Help Yourself

You can also help yourself by going to sleep at the same time every night. Attempt to be in your bed sleeping for seven to eight hours per night. Before bed time, turn off your laptop and phone. Have a set time where you finish your typing or reading. Dim down the activities of your day.

Eat three times a day, primarily fruits and vegetables. And at least thirty minutes of physical activity. I like biking along west cliff drive at sunset.

Learn your subject of interest while feeling a good “just got out of a warm bath” feeling. A satisfied you, is a well-rested you. Take care.

 


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