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There are many things in our lives that can affect our mental health. Spending time with friends, family and your community are a great way to boost your well-being. People who stay connected with those who care for them are less likely to feel depressed, have higher self-esteem, have more empathy and trust others more. Feeling connected gives us a sense of belonging and support, which can be really important for our health.Ìý

One way to prioritize your mental health is to build meaningful connections with those around you. Here are some ideas to try this month.Ìý

Make time to catch upÌý

Making an effort to check in and catch up with friends and family regularly can help you feel more connected. This can help ease feelings of loneliness and give you something to look forward to in your schedule. It’s also a simple way to show your friends you care about them.ÌýÌý

Here are a few ways to make check-ins a regular part of your routine:ÌýÌý

• Send a quick text to say hi and that you’re thinking about them.Ìý

• Ask a friend for coffee or dinner or to go for a walk.ÌýÌý

• Invite your friends to an event on campus or to workout with you at The Rec.Ìý

Share gratitudeÌýÌý

Expressing gratitude can have a positive effect on our relationships, mental health and physical health. Additionally, practicing gratitude can help us slow down and change our perspective on what is happening around us. Even with busy schedules, deadlines and other responsibilities, taking a moment to think of a few things we are grateful for can help us move through overwhelming feelings.ÌýÌý

Even the simplest gesture can leave a lasting effect on someone (and on you!). Try these simple ways to show gratitude this month:Ìý

• Share a thank you: Send a note, text or card to someone you care about to tell that how grateful you are to have them in your life.Ìý

• Journal: Take a few minutes to jot down the things that made you feel grateful today.Ìý

• Spend time with a friend: Sometimes just offering your time is enough to show someone you care about them.Ìý

Connect with your communityÌý

Whether you invite a friend or join solo, student events are an excellent way to combat feelings of loneliness, spend quality time with others and meet new friends. Here are a few upcoming programs and events to check out this month.Ìý

Days of GratitudeÌý
Feb. 13-17ÌýÌý

Days of Gratitude is a week where students, staff and faculty are encouraged to practice gratitude across campus. Practicing gratitude can increase happiness and boost your mood.Ìý

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Feb. 17 | 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Farrand FieldÌý

Stop by to connect with Health & Wellness departments and ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵSG and learn more about ways to support your mental health.Ìý

Animal-Assisted Therapy GroupÌý
Fridays | 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. | CAPS, C4C N352Ìý

This 4-week group uses animal-assisted therapy to help students develop essential relationship skills, including communication, emotion regulation and conflict resolution. Through interactive activities with a therapy dog, participants practice creating new connections, setting boundaries and expressing emotions effectively. If you’re interested in joining, call CAPS to schedule a screening appointment at 303-492-2277.ÌýÌý

Learn about more upcoming events for students.ÌýÌý

Find supportÌý

It can be especially helpful to reach out to someone you trust if you’re struggling. Leaning on people you love and who care for you can help remind you that you’re not alone and that you have people you can rely on in tough times.ÌýÌý

If you or someone you know needs mental health support, it’s important to reach out for help. If you are not sure how to help, check out these resources to learn about warning signs and how to share your concerns. Also, learn more about suicide prevention and other related tips.Ìý

There are also resources on campus that can help:Ìý

Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS)Ìý
CAPS provides mental health support for all ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ Boulder students, including a 24/7 clinician line, mental health screenings, brief individual therapy, group therapy, workshops, crisis support and more.Ìý

CAPS workshopsÌý
Join CAPS for free weekly workshops to develop coping skills that can help you manage stress, anxiety and distressing emotions. These in-person and virtual workshops allow you to work through modules and interact with a CAPS counselor directly to ask questions or get more information. Workshops are open to all students.ÌýÌý

Let’s TalkÌý
Let’s Talk CAPS counselors are here to help students navigate specific issues and connect with services and resources on campus. Let’s Talk is a great way to explore issues related to anxiety, depression, relationships, academics, finances and more. Sessions are available in person and virtually through telehealth.Ìý

Peer Wellness CoachingÌý
Peer wellness coaches are trained Buffs who can help students navigate a variety of concerns, including social media use, time management, relationships, self-care and more.Ìý

Office of Victim Assistance (OVA)Ìý
OVA provides free and confidential information, consultation, support, advocacy and short-term, trauma-focused counseling services for students, grad students, faculty and staff who have experienced and/or witnessed a traumatic, disturbing or life-disruptive event. They are familiar with a wide range of topics, including sexual assault and harassment, discrimination, microaggressions, identity-based trauma, abuse, violence, intimate partner abuse, stalking, crime and more.ÌýÌýÌý

Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution (SCCR)Ìý
SCCR offers free conflict coaching and other resources for working through disagreements. They’re here to help you build stronger relationships with friends, roommates, professors and other people in your life.Ìý

WellTrackÌý
WellTrackÌýis a free app that is available to all ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ BoulderÌýstudents. It is designed to help you understand your mental health and to provide you with the help that you need right now.ÌýÌýÌý