University of California Irvine Parent Guide
Safeguarding Your Student’s Health and Well-Being
Research indicates that wellness supports academic and personal success. Good health is about balancing life in all areas.
Stress Basics
Stress is the primary health concern for students. Daily life can present a stream of potentially stressful experiences. While it is not possible to eliminate stress, how one responds to these experiences affects physical and mental health.
Here are some tips to assist your student in combating stress:
Sleep
- Too little sleep results in decreased motivation, memory and concentration.
- During stressful times such as testing periods, adequate sleep is essential for students’ health and peak academic performance. By beginning to study well before exams and learning to take regular study breaks, students can avoid burn out and fatigue.
- Noise, light, substance use and poor health habits can compromise sleep. Earplugs and sleeping masks should be staples for sleep difficulties.
Exercise
- Students can counter stress by exercising at least three days each week. Aerobic activities – walking, running, swimming, dancing or many other pursuits – satisfy this requirement.
- Exercise can help students make friends, relax after a test and allow time for reflection.
Healthy Diet
- Balanced meals help build a healthy immune system. UC Irvine’s campus food service is committed to offering students healthy menu options.
- Parents can encourage students to look for “Peter’s Pick” healthy eating logo or to contact a food service manager for assistance in making healthy choices.
Relaxation
- Relaxation decreases metabolic heart rate, blood pressure, breathing rate and muscle tension. Deep breathing and stretching help manage test anxiety and improve academic performance.
- Relaxation takes practice. Students should take time for relaxation exercise at least 15 minutes each day.
Involvement
- Involvement with campus and community organizations can give students a healthy break from academic routine.
- Building relationships outside the classroom provides students significant mental health benefits.
- Parents can encourage students to join groups or activities that appeal to their interests.
For more information on helping your student develop healthy routines, visit our web site.
Resources
UCI Counseling Center
web site
Individual and group counseling staffed with professional psychologists. The center offers personal consultation, crisis intervention, workshops and academic courses.
UCI Student Health Center
web site
On-campus health center staffed by certified and licensed medical professionals.
UCI Health Education Center
web site
Dedicated to promoting healthy lifestyle choices, the center offers health education instruction, individual consultation, information and workshops.
UCI Campus Recreationand Anteater Recreation Center (ARC)
web site
Features an 89,000-square-foot indoor facility, a 25-acre outdoor complex and a sailing facility in Newport Harbor with intramural and club sports, classes, clinics, outdoor adventures, rock climbing and healthy cooking classes
Campus Organizations
web site
UCI gives students more than 500 ways to get involved, have fun and make friends, from multicultural to academic, recreational and professional opportunities.
