Mindfulness, Self-Care, and Stress Management

Embarking on an academic journey can be exciting, but there may be times when a student experiences feelings \i of anxiety \i, stress \i, and self-doubt. These feelings are often a result of changes in routine, schedule, lifestyle, and balance. Other feelings can also transpire from negative learning experiences (i.e., test anxiety, undesirable grade on an assignment, challenges grasping a concept). Assuming student’s role entails increased responsibilities, and this can be especially challenging for students employed and/or have familial responsibilities. It can take some time to effectively strike a healthy balance between being a student and tending to other life and career \i responsibilities. This chapter emphasizes the importance of mindfulness \i, self-care, and stress management to academic success. This chapter presents evidence-based mindfulness practices associated with reducing anxiety and improving emotional regulation. In addition to mindfulness, students need to engage in self-care and utilize various strategies to manage the stress that often transpires during an academic journey. As such, this chapter describes the pillars of self-care and offers best practices for actions and behaviors that students can engage in to support a well-balanced self-care routine. Strategies are also provided to help students manage or reduce stress they may experience while on their academic journey. Finally, Chap. 12 provides valuable information on sources of support and guidance that a student should seek within the college or university setting, and beyond. Students are not limited to the support and guidance provided by their course instructors, there are several other resources and support systems that exist (or should exist) beyond the academic setting of an online course.