Welcome to the Feel Your Best Campaign webpage! This campaign promotes nine key behaviors that are scientifically proven to help us feel our best, both physically and mentally. The best part? Most of these habits cost little to nothing. Your biggest investment is simply making time to practice them regularly.
Explore each behavior to discover helpful resources, learn about the benefits, and reflect on your current habits.
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Human Connection
Human connection fosters a sense of belonging and emotional well-being. Relationships with others provide support, understanding, and empathy.
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Learn More
- Learn skills to connect better in TAO
- UAB Engage: Get involved and connect with the Blazer community!
- Learn about the Surgeon General’s 5-for-5 Connection Challenge
- Download Social Connection Fact Cards
- Read a one-page summary of the Surgeon General’s Advisory: The Healing Effects of Social Connection
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Nature
Engaging with nature and getting sunlight can reduce stress. Simple acts like being mindful outdoors, caring for houseplants, or viewing nature through a window help us connect with the natural world and promotes well-being.
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Learn More
- Jefferson County Greenways Commission: Check out the 3 Greenspaces with 3,000 acres of nature.
- City of Birmingham Parks and Recreation
- All Trails Jefferson County list of trails
- Birmingham Botanical Gardens
- Alabama State Parks
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Sleep
Sleep is crucial for health and well-being. During sleep, the body repairs itself, consolidates memories, and regulates hormones.
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Gratitude
Gratitude is a powerful practice that helps balance out negative thoughts and builds resilience. Appreciating the positive aspects of life cultivates a more optimistic look.
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Learn More
- Practice activities for gratitude and affirmations in TAO
- Grateful Living global nonprofit organization
- Positive Psychology: Education and Activities for Gratitude
- Mindful: Guided meditations and education for gratitude and affirmations
- ThinkUp Affirmations
- Participate in the American Heart Association’s 21 Day Gratitude Challenge
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Movement
Movement is any activity that incorporates stretching, gets your heart rate up, and/or builds muscle. Regular physical activity is essential for physical and mental health.
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Learn More
- Learn about the impact movement has on wellbeing in TAO
- UAB University Recreation
- UAB Walking Trails Map
- AllTrails best walking trails in Birmingham
- CDC Moving Matters for My Health
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: Move Your Way
- Search Youtube for any kind of guided movement activities you enjoy and find someone you love to move with!
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Nutritious Food
Eating nutritious food includes eating fruit and vegetables, healthy fats, whole grains, and proteins. Whole foods are more nutritious than highly processed foods.
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Learn More
- Blazer Market Route - No car? No problem. Get fresh groceries using this campus resource.
- Live Health Smart Mobile Market – Find at-cost fresh produce, pantry stables, proteins, and dairy on campus. See calendar for dates/locations.
- Blazer Kitchen – Campus food pantry with healthy and fresh food.
- USDA MyPlate - Take the MyPlate quiz, Meal plan, learn
- Eatright.org - Meal planning, education, recipes
- Budget Bytes - Simple, healthy, affordable recipes
- Practice mindful eating and learn how nutrition can affect focus in TAO
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Arts
All forms of art have the ability to soothe the soul, offering emotional and cognitive benefits. They inspire creativity, reduce stress, and make us feel better.
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Learn More
- UAB Arts - See all events and activities at AEIVA, Art Play, Alys Stephens Center, Student Orgs and other campus/local art activities.
- Google Arts & Culture – Virtual museum tours, interactive art activities, and creative tools.
- The Poetry Foundation – Poetry readings and writing exercises.
- Search Youtube for tutorials on painting, drawing, sculpture, dance, and more!
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Service
Volunteering strengthens communities by providing support to those in need while fostering a sense of connection and empathy among individuals.
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Learn More
- Learn about recurring UAB service events that you can sign up for.
- Find volunteer opportunities through BlazerPulse.
- Explore the College of Arts and Sciences list of local opportunities to volunteer and the Office of Service Learning and Undergraduate Research list of volunteer opportunities.
- Volunteer and earn experience with UAB Medicine’s volunteer services program.
- Read about the benefits of volunteering!
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Rest & Relax
Rest and relaxation are essential for academic success and overall resilience. Taking time to unwind allows the brain and body to recharge, reduces stress, boosts mood, and can enhance productivity.
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Learn More
- Learn more and engage in relaxation activities in TAO.
- View relaxation videos on the Student Affairs YouTube channel
- Find the best relaxation strategy for you
- Why downtime matters.
- Time management for busy/working students that includes downtime