Promoting Student Mental and Physical Health in any Discipline

💡More than 60% of college students meet the criteria for at least one mental health problem, and almost three-quarters report moderate to severe psychological distress.

🏋️‍♀️College students are not meeting physical activity guidelines, with reduced activity levels during the COVID-19 pandemic.

🧩Including mental health resources, such as on-campus services, on the syllabus can increase awareness and utilization by students.

💻Creating virtual break rooms with exercise breaks, relaxation breaks, intellectual challenges, and social interactions can promote student well-being and enhance cognitive function.

🚪Virtual escape rooms provide engaging and interactive activities that encourage collaboration and problem-solving skills among students.

Why is student mental and physical health a concern?

—More than 60% of college students meet the criteria for at least one mental health problem, and there is a lack of physical activity among students. Addressing these issues is crucial for promoting overall well-being and academic success.

What strategies can instructors use to address student mental health?

—Instructors can include mental health resources on the syllabus, such as on-campus services, to increase awareness and utilization. They can also create virtual break rooms with exercise breaks, relaxation breaks, intellectual challenges, and social interactions to promote student well-being.

How can virtual break rooms benefit students?

—Virtual break rooms provide students with opportunities to take a break, engage in physical activity, practice relaxation techniques, and participate in intellectual challenges. These activities can enhance cognitive function, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being.

What are virtual escape rooms?

—Virtual escape rooms are digital puzzles and challenges that students can solve collaboratively. They encourage problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and teamwork, while providing an interactive and engaging learning experience.

Can virtual break rooms and escape rooms be used in any discipline?

—Yes, virtual break rooms and escape rooms can be adapted to any discipline. The activities and challenges can be customized to align with the specific content or learning objectives of the course.

00:01The session introduces strategies to improve student mental and physical health in any discipline.

02:59More than 60% of college students meet the criteria for at least one mental health problem.

04:30Incorporating mental health resources on the syllabus can increase awareness and utilization by students.

06:52Virtual break rooms with exercise breaks, relaxation breaks, intellectual challenges, and social interactions can promote student well-being and enhance cognitive function.

08:59Virtual escape rooms provide engaging and interactive activities that encourage collaboration and problem-solving skills among students.

11:10Virtual break rooms and escape rooms can be adapted to any discipline, providing a customized learning experience.