This week’s tip is about finals week self care! Whether it’s an exam, final paper, project, or just the end of the quarter, wrapping everything up can feel like a race to the finish. Here are some tips:

1. Mental Health:
   • Set clear boundaries with people and only take on what you can. It is okay to say “no.”
   • Try to focus on positive thoughts/self-talk where you validate yourself and acknowledge your strengths.
2. Physical Health:
   • Move your body in a way that feels good and makes you feel rejuvenated and energized. Remember, you are not obligated to exercise.
   • Eat what feels good; food is fuel and there are no “bad” foods.
3. Spiritual Health:
   • Set aside time to pray, meditate, or engage in another spiritual practice if that is something that feels meaningful for you.
   • Listen to music, an inspirational podcast, or something that makes you feel happy afterwards.
4. Professional/Academic Health:
   • Organize your study/work space in a way that works best for you. It does not have to be perfect.
   • Create a tentative schedule for each day. Even a general breakdown of what you are going to study/work on throughout the day is a good way to stay on track.

Good luck!

Are you a third-year counseling student preparing to sit for the National Counselor Exam in spring 2021? The DPU chapter of Chi Sigma Iota is offering a four-part NCE Workshop Series designed to help you prepare for the exam. This series will include both content review and test preparation techniques. Please check out the attached flyer for more information on session dates, topics, and facilitators.

All students preparing for the NCE are welcome to attend! This workshop series is free for CSI members. Non-members will be assessed a series entry fee of $20.

Registration is REQUIRED in order to attend this workshop series. The deadline for registration is Wednesday, March 17 by noon. You may register and find more information at the following link: https://forms.gle/WZFcvAPEx5YWk4KR8

As the quarter wraps up, stress and overwhelm may be increasing for many of us. This can show up through:

• Thinking: Being easily distracted, trouble with concentration, trouble remembering
• Emotions: Trouble relaxing, feeling irritable, feeling down, feeling anxious
• Body: Increase or decrease of energy, body tension, feeling restless, sweating, being easily startled, having headaches, changes in appetite, difficulty sleeping
• Behavior: Wanting to be alone, trouble completing work tasks, blaming others or getting into arguments

To mitigate these feelings and experiences amidst deadlines and tasks, it is important to adopt healthy techniques. Try this: in completing a task that elicits stress or a lack of motivation, work for 20 minutes, rest for 10, then repeat. This pattern may help you to stay on track with any deadlines while also creating healing space for any stress you’re experiencing.

This week’s Wellness Wednesday tip is all about mindfulness. As you may know, the basic premise of mindfulness is purposefully bringing your awareness to the present moment. While doing so, try to relax and observe your thoughts as they pass by – without interfering, judging, or commenting. Simply notice what is going on inside your mind and body.

You can find free mindfulness exercises and resources here.

Today’s Wellness Wednesday tip is about finding purpose and making meaning. Both can feel difficult to grasp in the first place, and life’s stressors may sometimes lead us to lose sight of them. In this moment, do you see meaning in your life? Try contemplating the following prompts:

1. Are my daily actions a reflection of my values and my known purpose in life?
2. Am I giving my attention to people and activities that align with my purpose?
3. Why is this important to me? (this can especially be asked during difficult times in order to gain clarity)

Get to know Dr. Burgess at this month’s Meet Your Counseling Faculty event!

Monday, February 22nd, 3:30-4:00pm

Zoom link: https://depaul.zoom.us/j/98045257433

Today’s Wellness Wednesday tip is about the power of support systems! As we navigate the second half of the quarter amidst coursework, jobs, relationships, and personal responsibilities, leaning on others for support when needed is vital. Your peers are great resources for empathy and emotional support, as well as navigating the ups and downs of grad school life.

1. Reach out to your classmates to help steer you around the coming obstacles. In this time of remote learning, intentional connection is more difficult but all the more important.
2. Make time for lowering your stress levels with friends and family. If your friends are also colleagues, keep the work chat to a minimum when you can.
3. Lastly, DePaul’s University Counseling Services can be a great resource for students. Check our their offered services here!

On Day 3 of National School Counseling Week, we’ll hear from another amazing DePaul School Counseling alum, Jen Fine (’20). Check out the video below to hear a little from Jen about her experience and insight as a school counselor!

Happy National School Counseling Week!

We’re continuing our celebration with more of DePaul’s awesome School Counseling alumni. Watch the video below to hear from our next featured alum, Brian Coleman (’14), 2019 National School Counselor of the Year!

Happy National School Counseling Week!

Happy National School Counseling Week!

This year, we’re celebrating with some of DePaul’s awesome School Counseling alumni as they share a little about their experiences as school counselors. Watch the video below to hear from our first featured alum, Pamela Nehrke (’20).