Climate Anxiety Resilience Hub

Climate anxiety is worry, anxiety, depression, hopelessness, or distress related to state of the world and the climate. Climate anxiety is a legitimate response to the impacts of climate change, as well as the lack of action of leaders. As the impacts of climate change continue to increase in severity and frequency it is crucial to find tools and methods to manage climate anxiety. This page's purpose is to share on-campus and online resources to help. It is important to acknowledge our anxieties but also create space where we can envision a better future, and actively participate in creating a more sustainable world. 

Resources

Nature Rx at UMB ▾

Research conducted for the book “Nature Rx: Improving College-Student Mental Health” revealed that a number of colleges and universities have recently turned to an ancient source — time in nature — to contribute to their students’ health and well-being. UMB encourages students, staff, and faculty to spend time outside to reduce stress and anxiety, increase energy, and boost their mood!

To see UMB’s green spaces, Baltimore City Parks, and Maryland State Parks, visit UMB’s Green Spaces Map.

First page of nature rx

To access a PDF version of a double-sided NatureRx card, click the button below.

NatureRx Card

For PNG versions of each side of a NatureRx card, click on the links below

NatureRx_FrontNatureRx_Back

Breathing Techniques ▾

Performing a short breathing exercise with elongated exhales can activate your vagus nerve and parasympathetic nervous system (PNS). Your PNS is responsible for your "rest-and-digest" response and allows your mind and body to calm itself. Even just being mindful of your breath can help you feel a little more present and at ease.

Try out these three different types of breathing techniques (Box Breathing, 2:1 Breathing, and Belly Breathing), to help you calm your nerves. Click on the image to see the back page. 

To access a PDF version of a double-sided Breathing Techniques card, click the button below.

Box Breathing

For JPG versions of each side of the Breathing Techniques card, click on the links below.

Box Breathing Page 1

Box Breathing Page 2

Mood Boosting Recipe ▾

Studies have found that the scent of lemon oil can enhance positive mood and boost norepinephrine release. Additionally, citrus fruits have compounds found in their peels and juices that are linked to higher levels of healthy gut bacteria, which may correlate to lower rates of depression.

Click on the recipe to flip to the back.

For PNG versions of each side of the recipe cards, click on the links below.

Lemon Orzo FrontLemon Orzo Back

 

Reduce Stress Recipe ▾

Miso and other fermented foods contain probiotic microbes that can decrease anxiety, diminish perceptions of stress, and improve mental outlook. They also contain higher levels of gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that plays a role in reducing anxiety, stress, and fear (and can improve sleep).

Click on the recipe to flip to the back.

For PNG versions of each side of the recipe cards, click on the links below.

 Creamy Miso Salad FrontCreamy Miso Salad Back

Get Better Sleep Recipe ▾

Tart cherries contain high amounts of melatonin, a naturally occuring sleep hormone. Tart cherry's enzymes can help keep tryptophan in your system longer, helping you to get to sleep faster and stay asleep longer. An added bonus: tart cherries are a good source of magnesium, which not only helps aid in relaxation and sleep, but is also beneficial for muscle recovery.

Click on the recipe to flip to the back.

For PNG versions of each side of the recipe cards, click on the links below.

Cherry Chamomile Smoothie FrontCherry Chamomile Smoothie Back

Other Tips ▾

  • Limit news consumption related to triggering topics
  • Find practical ways to take action (our Get Involved webpage is a good place to start)
  • Check out the Cleveland Clinic website to learn more and find additional resources
Other On-Campus Resources

URecFit and Wellness

URecFit and Wellness supports UMB students in pursuing self-awareness, professional and personal development, and academic-life balance through a variety of interdisciplinary workshops and lectures. We aim to meet the unique needs of graduate and professional students through tailored programs and services with a focus on holistic health within the dimensions of physical, emotional, social, cultural, ethical, intellectual, environmental, and financial wellness.  

Launch Your Life 

Launch Your Life promotes the well-being of UMB employees by increasing awareness, offering supporting activities, and providing resources to help employees achieve a better quality of life at home and at work.

Student Counseling Center

The Student Counseling Center provides short-term, professional counseling and psychiatric services for currently enrolled full-time and part-time UMB students. Their mission is to help promote and maintain the emotional well-being of UMB students and serve as a resource to the entire university community.

Employee Assistance Program

The Employee Assistance Program is available to UMB faculty and staff and offers many resources, including confidential emotional support.