Fidelity’s 30 days to better well-being outlines healthy steps to take each day in June

Fidelity, Purdue’s official provider of education, guidance and assistance related to retirement plan investments and decisions, has shared helpful information related to mental health. The 30 days to better well-being calendar outlines healthy steps to take each day throughout the month of June and supports the behavioral health pillar of the Healthy Boiler Program.

According to a Gallup poll in December, Americans’ mental health ratings sank to a new low, down 20.9% in the last year. Only 34% of Americans say they have excellent mental health.

Calendar items for June from the Fidelity well-being calendar include:

• June 2 says to “Plan to take a day off before the end of this month,” which ties directly into last week’s mental health article in Purdue Today: “Taking time for mental health important, encouraged.”
• June 7 is “Go to sleep early tonight.” Sleep and mental health are closely linked. The Sleep Foundation’s “Mental Health and Sleep” article helps explain the connection in detail.
• The tip for June 10 is to “Breathe slowly for 5 minutes.” In a recent Purdue Today article on the Mindful Minute Series available on the Healthy Boiler Portal, the importance and effectiveness of breathing as a way to reduce stress and anxiety was emphasized for a reason. “Practicing deep breathing and meditation, even for just a few minutes a day, can have both physical and emotional benefits,” says Lindsay Bloom, health coach at Purdue University Fort Wayne. “Stressful day-to-day events can add up, affecting our immune system, contributing to chronic disease and causing anxiety and depression. Learning to calm both the body and mind can help us manage our stress and take control of our health!”
• June 22 asks individuals to “Try a mindfulness exercise,” and the Mindful Minute Series – mentioned above – is one option that could be used.
• On June 30, Fidelity’s calendar suggests “Write down your favorite memories of the past month.” As with sleep, breathing and time off, research shows that remembering happy times may offer protection for mental health. See “The Power of Positive Memories” article for details.

MORE INFORMATION

To assist faculty and staff

• Review the “Mental Health Resources” webpage for a variety of available resources for faculty and staff.

To assist students

Faculty and staff who work with students or have a student at home can direct students to the resources below for behavioral health assistance. Note: LiveHealth Online Psychology and LiveHealth Online Psychiatry services are also available to Purdue students who are covered on a Purdue health plan. Mental health visits through LiveHealth Online are covered at 100 percent on the Purdue student health plan.   

Office of the Dean of Students

• Continuous Network of Support
• Services and information
• Presentations and trainings
• Student of Concern reporting link

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)

• Therapy services at CAPS
• Self-help resources
• Group therapy
• CAPS YouTube channel
• NAMI On Campus – A free, virtual support group on campus.
• Thriving Campus – Service that provides students a way to search for mental health providers in many areas, locally and across the country WellTrack – interactive, self-help therapy app.

Questions

Contact Human Resources at 765-494-2222 or via email at hr@purdue.edu.