Our Initiative has compiled together a list of resources accessible for students who are looking for ways to build or share happiness, adopt new mindful practices, or simple steps towards a happier and healthier life.
Happiness Resources
Want to explore and learn the different ways you can build happiness and joy in your life? Below are some resources to help you get started!
Action for Happiness
Their movement is focused on creating a happier and friendlier world through evidence-based practices. Learn more about the sense of belonging and how you can create more happiness in the world for everyone.
See their "10 Keys To Happier Living" to learn about the different parts of holistic happiness.
You can also check their Happiness Calendar which include simple and daily reminders for how you can develop better practices to leading a happier and more fulfilling life.
The Institute for Global Happiness
An online resource with keynote speakers, books, and other resources carefully curated for ease of reading and selection. Check out some of their free downloadable resources to learn more about the role of happiness in action.
HelpGuide.org
An independent nonprofit that is focused on provided mental health resources. See their cultivating happiness page and try a few suggestions!
Wellness Resources
Below are resources and toolkits to help you maintain your overall health throughout your college experience. We also included mindfulness tips which can help you develop a strong sense of self-awareness and connectedness.
Terrapin Thrive Toolkit: A Wellness Workshop Series for Happiness and Well-being
The Terrapin Thrive Toolkit is a collection of quick, practical, and student-led workshops designed by The Happiness and Wellness Initiative to help you build skills for happiness and well-being. Each workshop includes presentation slides, facilitator guides, and downloadable handouts, perfect for student groups, classrooms, or personal use.
Available Workshops:
- Pause & Reset: Mindfulness & Stress Reduction - Learn to recognize your body’s stress signals and build a personalized toolkit of quick practices you can use in your daily life when you need to pause and reset.
- Navigating Connections: Healthy Relationships & Communication - Learn what a healthy relationship looks like. Practice using the DEAR MAN framework to express your needs, and set boundaries that protect your well-being.
- Mastering the Clock: Time Management & Academic Balance - Learn how to manage your time to prioritize what matters most and prevent burnout. Create a weekly plan that includes productivity and rest.
NIH Emotional Wellness Toolkit
The National Institute of Health (NIH) has an Emotional Wellness Toolkit with information on how to improve your emotional health and wellbeing. Topics include managing emotions, mindfulness techniques, stress reduction, the importance of sleep, and coping with loss and grief.
NIH Physical Wellness Toolkit
The National Institute of Health (NIH) has a Physical Wellness Toolkit with 6 different strategies for improving your physical health. Each strategy list a handful of simple reminders and practices to adopt.
The Mental Health Coalition College Mental Health Toolkit
This toolkit is designed to equip college students with the information and support they need to thrive as they transition to adult life. The toolkit contains digestible, accessible information for supporting your mental health during the college experience.
How to Train a Happy Mind Podcast
How to Train a Happy Mind is a free YouTube podcast that focuses on meditation and how to lead happy, meaningful lives. Listen to their podcasts while you exercise, study, or simply relax and develop a happier and more peaceful life.
CDC Healthy Eating Tips
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has numerous Healthy Eating Tips and information on healthy eating and nutrition recommendations. Here are some suggestions to get started:
University Health Center Services
- Check out their Health Promotion and Wellness Services for specialized care ranging from sexual health, diet consultation, massages, and more.
- Learn more about stress & self care practices and how to manage stress in your daily life.
UMD Arboretum & Botanical Gardens Mindful Moments Walking Tour
This 45 minute mindful walking tour invites you to ground yourself in the outdoor spaces and explore a deeper connection within yourself and your environment. Walk individually or with a group to build connections.
Connect with Student Organizations
We deeply value the importance of social health and its overall impact, so we compiled a list of different student organizations related to happiness, wellness, health, and advocacy. Check out these organizations listed below!
Art, Crafts, and Creativity
- UMD Paints and Shells: A low commitment, motivational, fun art club with themed meetings to socialize and practice art skills of different mediums.
Fitness, Exercise, and Body Empowerment
- Terrapin Trail Club: A student led group leading outdoor activities nearly every weekend. Activities can include hiking, camping, biking, kayaking, and more!
- Yogi Terps: Learn more about the sharpened focus and reduced stress that comes from yoga and meditation practices.
- Body Positive Alliance: A safe space for exploring body positivity and image. This organization advocates for acceptance, equity, and representation of all bodies.
Environmental-Related
- UMD Community Learning Garden (CLG): A student-run space that practices lessons in environmental stewardship, agricultural sustainability, physical activity, and balanced diets.