By Abby Schlach, Social Work Intern with WSUPD

Faculty, staff and students alike feel it around this time of the year: the pull of final projects and exams along with all the holiday activities. It is an exciting time of the year but can also be very taxing physically and mentally. The very time performance needs to be peak, it is quite the opposite. Day trips can be effective in helping you refresh, recharge and rejuvenate.

Signs you may be out of balance and need a day trip:

Can't concentrate or think clearly

Having trouble managing your emotions

Treating loved ones differently than you normally do

Feeling strong anxiety or overwhelming stress

Can't seem to keep yourself physically healthy

Feeling depressed or isolated

Not getting as much pleasure from things you used to love

Isolating yourself

Planning for a day trip needs to be done strategically so that you are not compromising work and school obligations.

A few tips for planning:

1. Choose a day that will work best in your schedule - it doesn't have to be on the weekend
2. Schedule out the week prior to the day trip
3. Make sure most of your pressing assignments are completed so that you can fully relax
4. Find a friend or two who will enjoy the day trip with you
5. Map your route and make necessary reservations and arrangements

Although it may feel that you are unable to fit a day trip in at this time of the year, remember that this is going to rejuvenate your mind and body so that you can successfully accomplish everything on your plate.

Some nearby destinations to consider:

Explore Kensington Metropark or Island Lake Recreation Area

Relax at the Salt Room and Wellness Spa in Saginaw

Stroll along the Blue Water River Walk in Port Huron

Shop and eat in downtown Ann Arbor

Enjoy the Paint Creek Trail and Cider Mill in Rochester

Discover the Hidden Lake Gardens in Lenawee County

Hike along a Great Lakes shoreline

Take your camera to downtown Rochester's Big, Bright Light Show

Be a hometown tourist - lace up your skates at the downtown Detroit ice rink or head to Noel Night, taking place this Saturday, Dec. 1, from 5-10 p.m. right here in Midtown

Additional resources:

How Travel Can Benefit Our Mental Health

5 Forgotten Benefits of Traveling for Your Mental Health

World Mental Health Day: How travel has helped my mental health

15 Best Day Trips from Detroit

CAPS is here for you!

You can reach out directly to Embedded Counselor Patti Dixon at 313-577-3243 or PatriciaDixon@wayne.edu. If you need help after hours or on the weekend, call CAPS at 313-577-9982.

WSU Applebaum offers dedicated Counseling and Psychological Services support to students on a group or individual basis. To get started, visit caps.wayne.edu and complete the initial consultation form, making sure to note that you are an EACPHS student.