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As we approach the middle of the semester, many of us may be experiencing high levels of stress. Spring break can provide us with a chance to practice self-care, find some relief and focus on ourselves. This may look different for everyone, whether you’re planning to spend time with family, take a trip or stay close to home. No matter what your plans are, here are some ways to take care of yourself and find your break.
Think of stress as your ‘fight or flight’ response. 
When you are facing demands, expectations or other pressures in life, stress helps our bodies kick into high gear. In fact, it can help us feel more motivated, focused and energized.
However, if you’re stressed out all of the time, it can also cause you to feel run down. Experiencing chronic stress can give us a good indication that something is ‘off’ in our lives. Taking some time over spring break to address stress can help us feel better when we return to campus to finish out the semester.
Stress manifests in different ways for different people. Check out the examples below to see how stress may affect you. 

Physical signs

Psychological signs

Other signs
If you experience one or more of these symptoms, it may be time to make meaningful changes that can help reduce your stress.
 Note: If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis or needs urgent, same-day support, call 303-492-2277 to speak with a mental health provider. 
While alcohol and other substances can feel good in the moment, they don’t usually help when it comes to managing chronic stress. This is because substances tend to cover up or mask our feelings. While this can feel good in the moment, relying on substances for relief longer term can lead to additional stress or other issues.
If you choose to drink or use substances during this time, it’s important to take care of yourself. Here are some strategies you can use to stay safer and feel more in control over your night:
Learn more about substance use and connect with resources
Spring break is a great time to venture outside! Whether you enjoy walking, hiking, biking or snowshoeing, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the great outdoors. Just remember to keep these tips in mind:
If you want to improve your relationship with movement or find physical activities that interest you, Health and Wellness Services can help!
Learn tips and connect with resources for healthy movement
Whether you need to decompress from a long semester or find additional support, there are campus resources that can help.
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day all week long at the Rec Center with free events, activities and plenty of swag!
The Rec Center will be hosting free staycation activities, including entry for all Buff OneCard holders, ice skating, bouldering and an outdoor retreat with yoga and hiking.
The Division of Student Affairs offers hundreds of events, workshops and opportunities to get involved, meet fellow Buffs and have fun! Events range from DIY nights and fitness classes to career fairs and watch parties, so there’s something for everyone.
Health Promotion provides weekly events and workshops to help students learn more about self-care, stress management and additional resources.
They also provide free health supplies. Stop by the third floor of Wardenburg Health Center to pick up cold care, safer sex, sun care and other supplies.
Let’s Talk is a free service where CU Boulder students can meet for an informal, brief and confidential consultation with a counselor. CAPS is offering Let’s Talk both in person and virtually.
*CAPS will have adjusted hours and services over spring break.
Join weekly workshops to develop coping skills related to stress, anxiety and other distressing emotions. Workshops are also available to help students live healthy, balanced lifestyles.
*CAPS will have adjusted hours and services over spring break.
Schedule a time to meet one-on-one with a trained peer wellness coach. Peer wellness coaches are familiar with a variety of issues college students face every day, including stress, relationships, time management, self-image, sleep, self-care, finances, goal setting and more. 
If you or someone you know needs urgent or same-day support, please call 303-492-2277 for 24/7 support. Calling ahead allows CAPS providers to triage your concerns and address them more quickly.
Naloxone (brand name Narcan) can help temporarily reverse an opioid overdose. Free naloxone is available through:
This free, drop-in service allows CU Boulder students, graduate students, staff and faculty to briefly connect virtually with a confidential advocate counselor to see if services from the Office of Victim Assistance would be helpful based on their experience.
The CUCRC provides meetings and support groups, recovery-focused housing, events and activities, peer support and more for students in recovery or interested in pursuing recovery from drugs, alcohol, eating disorders, self-harm, other addictions and unwanted behaviors.
Medical Services specializes in college health and is available to all CU Boulder students, regardless of your insurance plan. Students can visit Medical Services for primary care, sexual and reproductive health, physical therapy, nutrition and more. If you’re headed out of town, you can also call the 24/7 NurseLine at 303-492-5101 to connect with a registered nurse.
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