September is National Suicide Prevention Month, a time where we as a community at the University of Delaware can come together and share resources to help each other out to spread awareness about suicide and find ways to improve mental health.

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), more than 41,000 individuals die by suicide each year, making suicide the 10th leading cause of death among adults in the United States and the second leading cause of death among individuals 10 to 24 years of age.

Phi Sigma Sigma, a Panhellenic sorority on campus, created a list of ideas for those looking to enter a better head space and focus on their mental health.
 

Listen to self-care podcasts 

Check out “The Wellness Cafe” with Trinity Tondeleir or “@Lexie” by Lexie Lombard for some tips on finding your center and relaxing.
 

Go outside  

Spending time in the outdoors each day, especially in the morning, helps regulate your mood, improves quality of sleep and overall emotional wellbeing. Find spaces around campus and on The Green to sit and reflect on the day before classes.
 

Participate in Wellness Wednesdays

Every Wednesday, attend wellbeing events at Warner Hall to learn about different aspects of wellness or take part in fun activities like tie-dying t-shirts or playing frisbee. Check the UD calendar for more details on each week’s theme.
 

Try a new recipe

Baking and cooking can help distract yourself from anxious thoughts or stress—plus, the end product is a yummy treat or meal! 
 

Clean your room

Washing your bedding, sweeping or vacuuming, cleaning the bathroom and organizing your closet are productive activities that can help clear your head and your surroundings for an overall better environment. 
 

Take a yoga class

Practicing yoga is a mood booster and puts you in a positive headspace for the rest of the day; it’s also incredibly helpful on your healing journey. Warner Hall offers one-hour restorative yoga classes on Thursday nights at 7 p.m. in the Wellbeing Center, Room 101, that is fit for beginners and designed for those in need of emotional healing including mental health struggles.
 

Paint 

Whether it is freestyle painting, getting inspiration from Pinterest or paint by numbers, art is a great form of relaxation.
 

Rewatch a comfort show or movie

Rewatching TV shows or movies that you know and love can be comforting to some so as not to induce more stress with the unknown aspects of a new scene. 
 

Read a book

Try putting down your phone or computer and reading a book as a great way to take a break from reality. Make a Goodreads account, check out the Lovers of the Library or ask RAs in your residence hall or friends if they’re up for starting a book club.
 

Go for a run

If you are feeling overwhelmed, take yourself on a walk or run to get your blood flowing and take time for yourself in nature. White Clay has awesome routes, as well as the reservoir. 
 

Take a bath

A hot or warm bath is a great way to relieve muscle tension and can provide an environment for meditation. It’s also helpful in regulating your sleep pattern.
 

Phone a friend

Call a friend or family member to catch up or get things off your chest. Or ask if they have time to hang out in person!
 

Have a self-care night 

Put on a face mask, do your skin care routine and relax in bed for the night to treat yourself. 
 

Sweat the stress away

Working out allows you to focus on your physical wellbeing, which can also improve your mental health. Take a group recreation fitness class at the Little Bob or sign up for a spin class at Oh-So-Cycle on Main Street with Phi Sigma Sigma member Grace Inman.
 

Go for a drive

Have a car on campus? Driving can be a reset and help you get into a better frame of mind. Whether it’s alone or with friends, with or without a destination, try it out.
 

Keep a journal 

Writing down your thoughts and feelings can help you decompress and identify what you’re experiencing.
 

Listen to music 

Blast some music in your car, play it in your headphones while doing work or just in your house to take your mind off reality with some of your favorite songs.
 

Create a morning routine 

Make your bed, prepare a healthy breakfast and take some time to yourself before beginning a day of classes and activities.
 

This blog post is written by our Division of Student Life student intern Elliana Olivo.