Let’s face it, at any given time there can be a lot going on. Whether in your personal life, with law school, or with current events. All are important issues that deserve your research, attention, and discussion. Yet, it’s important not to lose sight of any potential negative or triggering impacts such issues can have on you.
If at any point you begin to feel overwhelmed or triggered by current events, or really any stressor at all, try out any one or a combination of the tips and tricks below to care for your mental health need and/or ground yourself.
If you or someone you know is standing on the edge, please seek immediate help. Global suicide hotline resources are available to assist you and your peers in working through a difficult time.
Take Advantage of On-Campus Mental Health Services
Most universities have on-site counselors, many of whom have experience in sexual abuse and trauma training. If they don’t, they will 100% be able to refer you to someone who does.
Take Advantage of Mental Health Support from BARBRI
We understand the pressures of balancing work, life, studies, and world events. We’ve been in your shoes and know the challenges of the legal journey. We’ve gone to great lengths to find the best resources and advice to help our students cope with whatever life throws in the mix.
Ground Yourself Using Your Senses
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- Sound: When you feel triggered by current events, it may help to pop your earbuds in and listen to your favorite song, call a friend or loved one, read out loud, or listen to nature sounds such as ocean waves.
- Touch: Try holding an ice cube in your hands until it melts, take a hot or cold shower, rub your hands over something textured, pop bubble wrap, or massage your temples when you’re feeling triggered. Sensory experiences like a hot or cold shower can be extremely useful when experiencing a panic attack.
- Smell: When your stress levels are high, utilize an oil diffuser with strong soothing scents like lavender or peppermint to help relax. If you don’t have a diffuser on hand, you can also opt for a fragrant candle. Or when you need a more immediate “fix,” try smelling oils or fresh herbs directly.
- Taste: If you ever feel disassociated (like you’re outside your own body), try biting into a lemon or lime, chewing peppermint, or taking a spoonful of hot sauce. These shocking tastes have a way of snapping you back into reality.
- Sight: When you begin to feel overwhelmed try playing a modified version of ‘I Spy’ by focusing on your surroundings in great detail until you feel calm (make note of objects, colors, patterns, etc.). Alternatively, you can try putting your favorite TV show on, immersing yourself in a book, or concentrating on a word search or a similar game.
- Other: If the above-mentioned aren’t working for you, you can also take a play out of the “Grey’s Anatomy” playbook and “dance it out.” Go to the gym or for a run, take 10 deep breaths with long exhales, journal your thoughts and emotions, stretch, do yoga, try to meditate for 10 (plus) minutes, or head to your local animal shelter to benefit from a quick oxytocin surge.
Learn about other ways to manage stress.
Get self-care tips for exam time.