May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and the Library is joining in by providing this guide with a range of events, helpful resources, and cozy library spaces to support your well-being. Whether you’re looking to move, breathe, create, cuddle a pup or Palm Pals, or simply get lost in a good book, the Library has you covered.
Psst… UC San Diego’s Student Health and Well-Being is also offering events and resources — be sure to check them out!
Attend an Event
Stretch, breathe, and take a break from the stress of the quarter with vinyasa in Geisel.
- Every Thursday in May, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
- Free class; weekly registration required
Take a paws and recharge with some four-legged friends!
- Wednesday, April 30, 2:30-4 p.m. (Okay, it’s technically not May — but we’re getting a head start!)
- Wednesday, June 4, 2:30-4 p.m. (We know—it’s not May, again — but the pups don’t mind!)
- Free, drop-in event; no registration required
Pop-up Peer Listening Space with Triton2Triton
Come for the crafts, stay for the conversation — peer support that gets you.
- Wednesday, April 30, May 7, May 14 and May 21
- 4-6 p.m.
- Free, drop-in event; no registration required
Create your own mail-art masterpiece. We’ll provide the supplies — you bring the creativity.
- Monday, May 12, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
- Free, drop-in event; no registration required
Journal Decorating with the Stationery Club
Decorate your own journal while listening to chill beats.
- Tuesday, May 27,1-3 p.m.
- Free, drop-in event; no registration required
Explore Helpful Resources
De-stress LibGuide
Need a quick mental reset between classes? Our De-Stress LibGuide offers printable coloring pages, a virtual jigsaw puzzle, feel-good recipes, book recommendations and more.
Find Your Next Read
Taking care of your mind sometimes starts with a really good book. Browse our wellness-inspired recommendations below, or explore the Library’s new Popular Reading Collection near Audrey’s Café in Geisel for something light, gripping, or inspiring.
Wellness Picks (Via Interlibrary Loan)
- Mindful Self-Compassion for Burnout Tools to Help You Heal and Recharge When You’re Wrung Out by Stress by Kristin Neff and Christopher Germer
- Unwinding Anxiety: New Science Shows How to Break the Cycles of Worry and Fear to Heal Your Mind by Judson Brewer
- The Stress Prescription – Seven Days to More Joy & Ease by Elissa Epel
- The Highly Sensitive Person: How to Thrive When the World Overwhelms You by Elaine N. Aron (Geisel Library, 5th Floor)
- The Art of Showing Up: How to be There for Yourself and Your People by Rachel Wilkerson Miller
- Set Boundaries, Find Peace: A Guide to Reclaiming Yourself by Nedra Glover Tawwab
- The Gifts We Receive from Animals: Stories to Warm the Heart by Lori Kogan
- Rising Strong by Brené Brown
You can also revisit Controlling Mental Chaos: Harnessing the Power of the Creative Mind by Professor Emeritus Jaime Pineda. Read the book (SSO required) or watch the talk.
Pro Tip: Sign in to UC Library Search (search-library.ucsd.edu) to access full-text results, request items, and save favorites. Off campus? Make sure you’re connected to the VPN!
On-Site Amenities
WalkStations
Get your steps in while you study! WalkStations with low-speed treadmills and adjustable desks are available in Geisel 1 Southwest and 2 Southeast. Bookstands and wrist supports are also available for checkout at the Front Desk.
Foam Rollers
Quick stretch fix? Foam rollers are ready to roll at:
- Geisel 2 East
- Geisel 1 Southwest
- WongAvery Floor 1 South
Puzzles and Coloring Pages
Unwind your mind—puzzle it out or color your stress away.
- Chessboard: Geisel 2 East near the windows
- Shared jigsaw puzzles: Geisel 1 Southwest, Geisel 2 West, WongAvery Floor 2
- Printed coloring pages, puzzles, and mazes: Leisure Lounge (Geisel 1 Southwest)
- Color & Share board: Geisel 2 East (near the restrooms) and WongAvery Floor 2
- Borrow a Coloring Supply Kit from the Front Desks at Geisel and WongAvery
Take a Break Space
Meditation Spaces (Geisel Floor 6, Room 621 and 628)
The Calm Cave and Zen Den offer quiet, welcoming spaces to rest your mind with comfortable seating, meditation props, and mindful reading.
Leisure Lounge Art/Game Room (Geisel 1 West)
Drop in to play a board or card game, color, make origami, or de-stress with printable puzzles.
Take Care, Tritons
We hope these resources give you a boost this Mental Health Awareness Month—and beyond. Whether you’re escaping for a quiet moment, joining a yoga class, or diving into a good book, the Library is here to support well-being and academic journey.