As the month of Spring 2020 approaches, I would like to congratulate you all for making that commitment to better “you”.  Making a “2020 Plan” for yourself does not have to be hard, but it does require that you invest in yourself. You have already shown a great desire to invest in your best interest by pursuing your education. Now it is time to continue that promise of being the best version of you, by creating a holistic investment plan. Four great areas to invest include: professionally, mentally, spiritually, and physically. Taking this holistic approach can help bring about balance and clarity to your life. Choose investments that are affordable and maximize your time wisely. Here are a few suggestions that I have used personally, or have heard about from friends, mentors, and professors.

Professional

• Make an investment of time by researching your profession to determine what credentials, certifications, and licensures are needed for you to one day become a subject matter expert.
• Invest in yourself and take developmental courses online like those offered by Udemy.
• Attend professional conferences or any of IU’s many academic conferences.
• Subscribe to podcasts, YouTube vloggers, or blogs that speak to your career interests.
• Seek out a professional mentor who is working in the capacity that you aspire to do, working in your ideal field, or has experience in your future career sector. IUPUI’s Preparing Future Faculty and Professionals-PFFP offers several opportunities to engage in mentoring and career option programing.

Spiritual

• Make a commitment to invest some time in you by studying more about your spiritual self regularly.
• Consult with a trusted spiritual advisor, meditate, or take a nature walk to determine where you stand spiritually.
• Think about the things you are thankful for and make a list that you add to daily.
• Discover your inner creator. Our ability to be creative helps us to unearth our highest potential. Take the time to express yourself creatively this year.

Mental

• Investing in mental health is priceless. Mental health includes emotional, psychological, and social well-being. Our lives as students are stressful enough without taking into consideration our daily life struggles. Expand your mental health by getting help to develop coping skills to process stress.
• Consult a therapist, psychologist, or psychiatrist to help process grief, trauma, or mental health concerns.
• Invest some time in researching self-esteem building exercises.
• Invest your time in writing in a journal about your life experiences, thoughts, dreams, and aspirations daily.
• Practice mindfulness each day and be intentional in your thoughts, behavior, and feelings.
• Counseling and Psychological Services: https://studentaffairs.iupui.edu/health/counseling-psychological/index.html

If you need help in a crisis call 911.

For a Helpline

National Alliance on Mental Illness Text NAMI to 741-741

National Suicide Prevention Hotline 1-800-273-8255

National Domestic Violence Hotline 1−800−799−7233

Or dial “211” for more resources.

Physical

 Invest time each day to engage in some physical activity for at least 15 minutes a day. Being active can decrease the likelihood of serious illnesses that can be lessened, including heart and lung disease, cancer, diabetes, and obesity.  (For example, walking, running, exercising, yoga, swimming, play at the park with your kids, going for a walk with your dog).

• Pay attention to what you eat and make healthier food choices.
• Drink more water.
• Invest in an exercise routine online, or a gym, or with a fitness coach.
• Join a club sport, exercise group, or class to become to feel more connected to others.
• Download a workout app.

You can also check out THE R.O.A.R (Registry of Options and Resources) website which is a one-stop shop of information with campus and local community resources within a five-mile radius of IUPUI.

Like all plans, it may take some time to see the result you are looking for, but don’t be afraid to keep trying different strategies. Investing in you is an ongoing process. Be open minded and challenge yourself to be creative. Ultimately, holistic investment in you can lead to a richer inner life.