‘Take a Break Tuesday’ Events Planned to Encourage Short Breaks

"Take a Break Tuesday" graphic that says "A day filled with in-person, virtual and grab 'n' go events!"

ALBANY, N.Y. (April 6, 2021) – In honor of Take a Break Tuesday today, Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) encourages students to take a little bit of time for themselves.

Similar to Wellness Wednesday last month, a series of events to help the campus community relax are planned today. Additional events are planned through April 25 to celebrate Spring into Well-Being.

“It’s been a really stressful school year, and we know many students are feeling the effects of burnout because we haven’t had a longer break,” said Vivian Wilson-Hwang, a psychologist at CAPS. “We know that these days don’t replace spring break, but we want students to know how important it still is to find the ways you can take a break for even small parts of the day to prevent further burnout.”

Supported by University Auxiliary Services (UAS), the CAPS events are co-hosted by Res Life, Campus Recreation, the Center for Leadership and Service, UAlbany Dining, the Center for Behavioral Health Promotion and Applied Research, the Advocacy Center for Sexual Violence, and CDTA. More information can be found on the event website, and resources will stay available after the events are over.

In-Person Events

  • Paws for Potted Plants, 12 p.m.-2 p.m. All four Quad lawns. Paint your own pot and plant seeds to take with you.
  • Dutch Quad Yoga on the Lawn, 3:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m. Outside of Dutch Quad Commons. Free mats and towels will be provided. 
  • UPD Canine Meet n’ Greet, 5 p.m. Indigenous Quad Mohawk Tower Sky Lounge. Talk with UPD and meet their beloved canine.
  • Powerlifting Meet (squat, bench and deadlift), 10 a.m., Colonial Quad Gym. Register: IMLeagues.com.
  • CDPHP Cycle!, 11 a.m.-2p.m. Small Fountain. Check out the bike share program on campus.

Virtual Events 

  • Yards for Yeardley Virtual 5K and Kickoff Presentation, 1 p.m. Zoom. As part of Sexual Assault Awareness & Prevention Month, join the Kickoff Presentation then participate virtually in the 5K. You can walk, jog, or run  anywhere in honor of Yeardley Love, a college student at UVA whose life was tragically taken by an ex-boyfriend.
  • Express Yourself: Journaling Break, 2 p.m. Zoom.  Meeting ID: 946 2201 1697, Passcode: 519192. Join CAPS to learn about the mental health benefits of expressing yourself through journaling, and take some time to practice journaling with prompts.
  • Fit Fair, 4 p.m.-5 p.m. Find out more about health and wellness, learn more about clubs, UPD, and mental health. More information is available on Campus Recreation’s website.
  • Practicing Mindfulness, 5 p.m.-5:30 p.m. Learn about different approaches to mindfulness meditation practice, the benefits of practicing mindfulness meditation, and have an opportunity to practice the different approaches discussed as well as learn ways to incorporate mindfulness meditation into your daily life. Register.
  • It’s REAL and Talk Saves Lives, 4 p.m. This program will feature the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention's “It's REAL” presentation, which discusses supporting mental health in University settings. Information from CAPS’ “Talk Saves Lives” will cover how to spot the warning signs in others, and how to keep ourselves, our loved ones and those in our community safe. Information about support resources on campus will be shared. Register. 
  • Stress, Coping and Study Tips for the Virtual Space, 1 p.m. Zoom. Meeting ID: 962 4236 3433, Passcode: 279270

Grab and Go  

  • Five Senses Calming Kit, 12 p.m.-2 p.m. Campus Center West GO Desk (across from Starbucks), the Graduate Student Office in the George Education Center (Health Sciences Campus) and at in-person events
  • Color-Me-Calm Kit, 12 p.m.-2 p.m. Campus Center West GO Desk, the Graduate Student Office in the George Education Center (Health Sciences Campus)  and at in-person events
  • Fill-It Forward (with free re-usable water bottle), 1 p.m.-2 p.m. Campus Center room 361 

For more information on events and the full schedule, visit the website.