Seven Wellness Tips
Simple practices to support your mind, body, and wellbeing.
Practice self-compassion
Pay attention to your self-talk and speak to yourself the way you would to someone you love. We tend to blame ourselves when bad things happen. Remember that bumps in the road are a normal, and necessary, part of our life journey.
Enjoy time outside
"Nature bathing" is a great way to shift our perspective and improve our mood. Step outside and name what you smell, see, and hear. Often times it will be a beautiful day outside but we are too busy to appreciate it.
Keep a gratitude journal
It is easy to lose sight of positivity, especially during stressful times. Make it a habit to write down (or create a list in your head) what you are grateful for that day. It could be as simple as the sandwich you had for lunch!
Meditate or practice mindfulness
Spend five minutes a day in a quiet space counting your breath or going for a mindful walk. Or download the free Calm app on your phone. A quick meditation can be a great "pick me up" during hectic days.
Nourish your body
View food as fuel to nourish your mind and body. Carry a refillable water bottle and keep nutrient-dense snacks on hand — such as fruit or nuts — to stay energized throughout the day.
Learn to say no
One powerful way to practice self-care is honoring your boundaries. We tend to over-commit and people-please. When we respect our own boundaries, others will respect them too.
Get enough sleep
Create a relaxing ritual and practice it before bed every night. Aim for 6–8 hours of consistent sleep a night to boost your mood, working memory, digestive system, and overall wellbeing.
Rest & Relaxation Map
Do you find yourself looking for a comfortable place to rest on campus? If so, check out this UC Merced relaxation map — specially curated for Bobcats like you.
- ✦ Access over 20 places on campus specially picked for Bobcats
- ✦ Includes pictures and descriptions to help you find your ideal spot
- ✦ Find comfort, quiet, and restoration between classes
Access the map onlineNo app required — available directly in your browser.
Mental Health Resources
Crisis Support
If you or someone you know is in crisis, please reach out immediately.
UC Merced CAPS
Health and Athletic Center, Second Floor
Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
(209) 228-4266
CAPS After Hours Crisis Line
Available outside of office hours.
(209) 228-4266, option 1
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Free, confidential support 24/7.
Call or text 988
Mental Health Support
Black Girl Doctor
Culturally affirming mental health resources and community support.
LiveHealth Psychology
Online psychology services.
Free for UC SHIP
UC Davis Aggies for Recovery
Recovery community meetings open to UC students.
UCSB Gauchos for Recovery
12-step recovery meetings for UC students.
NAMI
National Alliance on Mental Illness — education, advocacy, and support groups.
SAMHSA
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration — treatment locator and resources.
Groups & Workshops
CAPS Groups & Workshops
- ◆ Arts and Crafts
- ◆ LGBTQ+
- ◆ Mindfulness and Yoga
- ◆ Trauma Psychoeducation
- ◆ First Gen
- ◆ Executive Functioning Skills
- ◆ Sleep
- ◆ Anxiety
Health Promotion Workshops
- ◆ Stress Management
- ◆ How to Help a Friend
Workshops are available by request.
Apps for Student
Soluna App
- Create an account using your UC Merced email
- Access coaching and journaling tools
Alcohol & Other Drugs
T-Break: Take a Cannabis Tolerance Break
A guide to help you consider a tolerance break from cannabis use. Resources and strategies are available through UC Merced Health Promotion. View guide here.
Get in Touch
Merced County Behavioral Health & Recovery Services
301 E 13th Street, Ste. A, Merced, CA 95340
(209) 381-8880
Recovery Assistance for Teens (RAFT)
2275 N Street, Merced, CA 95340
(209) 381-8880
BHRS 24/7 Crisis Line
Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — free 24/7 support for mental health, substance abuse, and more
Recovery Programs
YOR California — Youth & Young Adult Program
A free, confidential substance use treatment program for youth and young adults supported by the State of California.
YOR California
California Youth Crisis Helpline
1-800-843-4357
Stimulant Opioid Awareness & Recovery
Recovery Assistance for Teens (RAFT) — Merced County
1275 B Street, Merced, CA 95341
(209) 381-8880
About the YOR Program
What is YOR?
YOR (Youth Opioid Response) helps young people get support for opioid and stimulant use. Services are free and easy to access.
- ◆ Ages 12–25 (Transitional Age Youth)
- ◆ Youth involved in the juvenile justice system
- ◆ Seeking opioid or stimulant use support
Our Values
- ◆ Integrity
- ◆ Compassion
- ◆ Trust
- ◆ Customer Service
- ◆ Inclusion
- ◆ Excellence
- ◆ Access & Openness
- ◆ Empowerment
Supported By
Supported by a grant from the State of California, funded by the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Prevention and Early Intervention initiative.
Cost of Services
YOR services are free of cost to all clients regardless of ability to pay. If a client has health insurance, it will be billed to help fund program costs.
What We Offer
Out-Patient Services
YOR provides out-patient services to better assist clients in their own communities.
Relapse Prevention
Helps clients understand their triggers and build a personalized relapse prevention plan.
Family Therapy
Provided by a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT).
Addiction Counseling
Addiction counselors work with each client to create a personalized care plan.
Case Management
Specialists work with clients and support systems to ensure all services are connected.
Outreach
Outreach specialists go into communities to create awareness and connect people to local and state services.
Signs of Drug Misuse
If you notice these signs in yourself or someone you know, reach out for support.
Campus Maps
Find places to rest, recharge, and access wellness support across the UC Merced campus.
