Becoming the Best Blazer You Can Be!

At Elms College, we believe the ability to thrive is rooted in an active commitment and holistic approach to health and wellness. Our aim is to support students by promoting health and wellness so our Blazers can be successful at Elms and beyond.

Healthy Mind

Practicing regular self-care is a way manage stressors and stay mentally healthy. Some self-care tips include:

Tips and Resources for Students

Psychological Self-Care

  • Take day trips, mini-vacations, go to the store, little things just to get off campus.
  • Make time away from telephones, email, and social media.
  • Write in a journal.
  • Read books that are unrelated to school.
  • Do something at which you are not expert or in charge.
  • Do something new (go to an art show, sports event, movies, a new hobby).
  • Learn to say “no” to extra responsibilities sometimes and practice setting boundaries.

Emotional Self-Care

  • Spend time with others whose company you enjoy.
  • Stay in contact with important people in your life.
  • Give yourself affirmations, praise, Love, and BE KIND to yourself.
  • Re-read favorite books, re-watch favorite movies.
  • Identify comforting activities, objects, people, places, and seek them out.
  • Find things that make you laugh (watch a funny movie, listen to uplifting music, etc.)

Relationship Self-Care

  • Schedule regular dates with your partner and/or friends.
  • Call, check on, or spend time with relatives.
  • Spend time with pets (or keep photos of pets close by).
  • Stay in contact with faraway friends.
  • Send holiday cards.
  • Allow others to do things for you/do something nice ‘just because’ for someone else.
  • Ask for help when you need it.
  • Share a fear, hope, or secret with someone you trust.

Workplace or Professional Self-Care

  • Take a break during the workday/internship (e.g., lunch).
  • Take time to chat with co-workers.
  • Make quiet time to complete tasks.
  • Identify projects or tasks that are exciting and rewarding.
  • Arrange work space so it is comfortable and comforting.
  • Negotiate for my needs (benefits, pay raise).
  • Have a peer support group.

Lastly, always be sure to strive for balance between work, family, relationships, play, and rest! Don’t hesitate to contact the Counseling Center Director, Nicole Sacco, with any questions at 413-265-2275 or at saccon@elms.edu. Please visit the Counseling Center page for more info.


Healthy Body

Practicing good hygiene is one way to stay physically healthy. Some tips from the Health Center include:

Tips and Resources for Students

Practice Good Hygiene

  • Wash your hands, especially after touching any frequently used item or surface, for at least 20 seconds.
  • Avoid touching your face.
  • Sneeze or cough into a tissue, or the inside of your elbow. Throw out the tissue and immediately wash your hands.
  • Disinfect frequently used items and surfaces as much as possible.
  • Get a flu shot.
  • Eat a healthy diet.
  • Drink at least 2 liters of water every day.
  • Consider multivitamins.
  • Sleep hygiene.

If You’re Sick Stay at Home

  • Contact your physician or the Elms Health Center for phone triage. Always call beforehand!
  • Contact the Health Center to keep them informed of illnesses for tracking and reporting purposes.

Please do not hesitate to contact the Health Center with questions or concerns as it medically relates to yourself or your family. You may reach the Health Center at 413-265-2288 or email at healthcenter@elms.edu. Visit our Health Center page for more info.


Healthy Community

Whether you’re a commuter or a resident, there are a number of ways to be part of the community at Elms College. Some tips from Residence Life include:

Tips and Resources for Students

  • Get involved! You can join a club or just attend the events on campus. Keep an eye out for flyers around campus to know what is going on.
  • Check your email! Knowing what is happening on campus is very important, it can help you feel included on campus and learn about new things.
  • Try new things! Join that club you’re interested in, sit with new people at lunch, or attend an event you normally wouldn’t.
  • Meet new people! This doesn’t just include students, meeting faculty and staff is just as important. Stop by different offices on campus to say hi.

Ask questions! It never hurts to ask. Resident Advisors (RAs) live on each floor of our residence halls and foster a positive and inclusive community among their residents. You can ask your RA just about anything, and they can always point you in the right direction.

For more information, please contact the Director of Residence Life, Ryan Failing, at failingr@elms.edu. Visit our Residence Life page for more info.


Healthy Engagement

Getting involved on campus is one of the many ways in which students can enhance their experience at Elms! The office of student engagement has quite a bit to offer:

Tips and Resources for Students

The Office of Student Engagement and Leadership is here to provide students with a variety of co-curricular programs to enrich their college experience while creating a sense of belonging and community among those on campus. We encourage all students to actively participate in the programs offered and to truly get involved. Student involvement is all what you make it! We have opportunities for all and if you can’t find what you are interested in you can always create your own club!

For more information, please contact the Director of Student Engagement and Leadership Programming, Claire Wright, at wrightc@elms.edu. Visit our Student Life page for more info.


Healthy Spirituality

Campus Ministry offers the following websites and apps that you may find helpful in your prayer life, in connecting with God, living mindfully, and increasing one’s inner strength and resilience:

Tips and Resources for Students

For additional information, please contact Campus Ministry at campusministry@elms.edu. Visit our Spiritual Life page for more info.


Healthy Study Habits

Time management is vital to your success as a student. Some tips from Tutoring Services include:

Tips and Resources for Students

Make a Plan

It is best to set time aside to study and focus on your work. This means having a consistent study time and workspace. Plan out time for readings, assignments, and online discussions. Set up your assignments on Google Calendar to help you stay organized! 

Setup Your Workspace

Whether you are working at a desk in your room or at the dining room table at home, set yourself up for success! Make sure you are in a comfortable space with the right lighting, sound, and background for you. Sit in a comfortable chair, make sure the lighting is right and if you prefer, put on your headphones. Make sure to put your phone away and let those around you know that you are doing your homework.

Block Out Distractions

Try to avoid surfing the web.

Don’t Multitask

Focus on one task at a time. Multitasking actually takes a toll on productivity and researchers suggested that the brain was not designed for this type of “juggling”. Tackle one assignment at a time and reward yourself, take a break! 

Reward Yourself

Time to reward yourself! Cook your favorite recipe with your family or binge watch the television show you’ve been waiting to see. Whatever you do make sure it is something that you enjoy!   Tutoring Services offers Time Management and Study Skill Support! For more information about Tutoring Services, please email tutoringservices@elms.edu.   If you want to make an appointment to see a peer tutor, please log onto TutorTrac.