Graduate school can be stressful! At UMB, we are committed to spreading awareness about stress and anxiety, creating supportive programming, and providing resources designed to help students achieve academic success. A little bit of stress is good to motivate us to perform, and to pursue our personal and professional desires. However, the way that we respond to stress can make a big difference to our overall well-being. Learning how to cope with stress is important for mental and physical wellbeing. 

Stress Management Programs

Stress Busters is a nationwide college health program that helps students rediscover relaxation. You've been go-go-going and we want you to take a breather. Sooth the stress away with a variety of simple and creative ways to feel relief during finals season. Check back for Fall 2023 Stress Busters Events. 

UMB Cooks Cookbook  Love to cook? Have an idea for food preparation to help fellow students nourish themselves during busy times? Please submit your favorite recipes and ideas to URecFit and Wellness to be featured in our UMB Cooks Cookbook. Submissions will be entered into a raffle for five people to receive their choice of an air fryer, instapot, or blender. Submit your recipes and ideas here.

Upcoming Events

Stress Busters, December 4-8, 2023

"Time to Unwind" Seated Chair Massage USGA and URecFit and Wellness are sponsoring free seated chair massage for students during stress busters week. Sign up for a spot to bust your stress during finals week. Sign ups will be in person and will be posted 1 hour prior to the event. First come, first serve. Students only.

• December 4, 12 p.m. - 4 p.m., SMC Campus Center Room 223
• December 6, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., SMC Campus Center Room 115
• December 7, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. SMC Campus Center Room 223
• December 8, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., SMC Campus Center Room 115

"Stress Busting Lunch Break" Wednesday, December 6, 11:30 am.- 1 p.m., SMC Campus Center Lobby. USGA will be providing boxed lunches for the first 150 students. Please bring your one card to scan in. 

"Stress Busting Sweet Treat" Hot Chocolate and Cookies, December 6, 3-4 p.m., SMC Campus Center Lobby Treat yourself to hot chocolate and a cookie provided by USGA. 

"Stress Busting Early Dinner Break" Wednesday, December 6, 4:30-6 p.m., SMC Campus Center Lobby. USGA will be providing boxed dinners for UMB students who are on campus for evening classes and exams. Please bring your one card to scan in. 

"Stress Busters Care Package Give-Away" Thursday, December 7, 11:30-2 p.m. SMC Campus Center Lobby. Register here to receive a stress busters care package from the USGA during stress busters week.  We will distribute care packages to the first 100 students who sign up. This is for students only. 

Take a "Paws" Pet Therpay, September 13, October 10, November 14, December 12, 11:30-1 p.m. Please join us to take a “paws” and enjoy some pet therapy in the SMC Campus Center Lobby. Pet Therapy will take place at our Fall Kick Off Event "Wellness Wednesday," and the second Tuesday of each month throughout the fall semester. Pet therapy dogs Maddie, Marcel, and Pippin will be there to bring a little joy and hopefully brighten your day. 

Past Stress Management Events

Stress Busters:

• Coffee and Pastries 
• Pet Therapy Tuesday, Take a “Paws” 
• Lunch and Lawn Games 
• Free Seated Chair Massage 
• Ice Cream Study Break 
• Movie night 

Workshops and Other Events:

• "Stress Less Workshop"
• Nourish Your Body, Nourish Your Mind
• Pet Therapy Tuesday: Take a "Paws"
• Stay Ahead of Your Stress: Build a Wellness Toolbox
• UMB Sleeps Well