Are you a college student trying to juggle an uproar of last-minute papers, time-consuming discussion boards and finding a sliver of time to eat? If you can check any of these boxes, look no further than Suffolk University’s Self Care Club, a one-stop shop for students to recharge and rejuvenate their self-care habits.

Self Care Club was founded by the club’s President Rebecca Vicente Pomarolli, a junior business economics major, after she said she wanted to foster an environment where students could build new self-improvement habits that prioritize their emotional and physical health.

“As much as we think we’re invincible and only drink coffee until 3 p.m., by late afternoon your body pays the price and this is no different with our mental health,” said Pomarolli.

Pomarolli said that the club provides an outlet for students to leave their stress at the door and learn how to refine their daily routines by engaging in a variety of workshops and scheduled activities.

“It’s necessary to learn about you and your routines and how these affect your mood and production,” said Pomarolli. “This is why we’re always hosting meetings like ‘Digital Detox’ to highlight how these modern-day obstacles can impact our health.”

Lila Hall, Self Care Club’s event planner and a sophomore psychology major, said this was the first club she joined as a freshman at Suffolk.

After attending every meeting during her first semester, she said that the serene and calming atmosphere was something that she couldn’t get enough of, and didn’t hesitate to apply for a leadership position.

“When I saw they had open E-board positions in the spring I was so excited to apply to be a part of the club that I loved attending so much,” said Hall.

Hall said she feels the club provides students with a designated space where they can decompress and take a step back from the pressures of college to prevent burnout.

“Burnout will become more preventable, and in a different case, it will help you notice if it is already happening,” said Hall. “Oftentimes, college students don’t realize when they’re being stretched too thin.” 

According to U.S. News, over 66% of college students reported feeling overwhelming levels of stress and anxiety in 2023, and numbers have only increased since the coronavirus pandemic. 

More times than not, these feelings can lead to burnout in which students face symptoms such as fatigue, emotional exhaustion, difficulty sleeping and low levels of academic engagement. 

Both Pomarolli and Hall agree that by bringing the Self Care Club to campus, students will learn new skills, tips and tricks that will allow them to balance their personal and educational lives without sacrificing their health and energy.

“I’m hoping SCC can continue to be a safe space for students to attend in between classes to forget about everything else that’s causing stress or anxiety and do something hands-on for activities period that they could incorporate into their everyday lives,” said Hall. 

Pomarolli, Hall and the Self Care Club E-board want students to keep an eye out for new off-campus events taking place this semester, including yoga and pilates. Attendees will be able to try out new activities they are passionate about while keeping their happiness at the forefront.

Pomarolli encourages all students to attend weekly meetings and learn how to practice their own methods of mindfulness and indulge in their own self-love.

“Motivation is temporary and visions get dimmer, but with self-control and mindfulness I am able to create a routine that allows me to take a step back and be grateful throughout my day,” Pomarolli said.