Welcome to Redbirds Keep Thriving, the easiest way to keep track of what is happening with well-being at Illinois State. Whether you are on campus, off-campus, or across the world, you will be able to find events and access virtual programs and services. Redbirds Keep Thriving has been designed for students and faculty/staff to find resources to help them manage their personal wellness and stay connected to the campus community, no matter their location.
Expand any of the dimensions of wellness below to find out more information and learn how you can improve your wellness in that area.
Redbirds Keep Thriving is a partnership through the four departments that comprise the Health and Wellness Community of Practice. Click the department below to check out some of their featured programs and services.
For many of us, this is such a different way to live. No large gatherings. No face-to-face contact. Maintain six feet of space between you and other people. But physical distancing does not have to mean social isolation. Here are multiple resources and tips on how to stay connected while physical distancing.
Explore the Redbird Life portal, where involvement at Illinois State begins. Join and manage registered student organizations and find out about campus events, all in one place.
Contact the Student Activities Office if you're struggling to find your place on campus. Learn more about how to personally navigate campus involvement based on your major, interests, and identities.
No doubt, this is a strange and stressful time. Life has been upended; normal activities are not possible or at the very least, more complicated. Despite all the challenges we can still maintain our emotional well-being. Here are just a few resources to help you stay emotionally healthy.
Redbirds Reach Out is a new initiative which lets students request virtual letters of support from other students. If you have been feeling down, lonely, overwhelmed, worried about a relationship or finding your place on campus, request a letter of support. Your request (minus any identifying information) will be sent to a volunteer student letter writer, who will write back to you with some encouragement or advice. Your identity, and the identity of the letter writer, will remain private. Only first names will be shared.
Download Illinois State's free WellTrack app that provides evidence-based strategies for learning how to manage anxiety. You can use it anytime, anywhere. It is easy to use and effective. Specific tools include educational videos, relaxation exercises, and mood tracking tools.
Make an appointment with Student Counseling Services to set up an initial consultation.
Attend a Virtual Workshop, Discussion Group, or Mindfulness Class. Student Counseling Services will be offering virtual workshops and discussion groups beginning in September and through fall break. Check Redbird Life for more information.
Sign up for a 4-week free class to learn more about mindfulness. Mindfulness has amazing benefits for all areas of life such as our emotional health, ability to concentrate, and relationships.
Reach out to your professor or GA for help if you're struggling academically. The Visor Center can also help setup tutoring and connect you with additional resources on campus.
Listen to a podcast:
Read an article:
Watch a video:
Reach out to someone:
Need more immediate help?
Listen to a podcast:
Read an article, book, or blog:
Watch a video:
Download an app:
Listen to a podcast:
Read an article or blog:
Watch the video, How Black People Can Process Collective Trauma and Grief
The COVID-19 pandemic can pose a substantial challenge for remaining physically active, eating well, and getting proper amounts of sleep. We invite you to check out the resources below that will help you maintain, or even begin healthy practices to manage your physical health.
Watch this overview of Student Health Services and schedule an appointment to see a medical provider on campus.
Join virtual Group Fitness classes with Campus Recreation.
Schedule an appointment with a campus dietitian for one-on-one nutrition guidance:
Join the registered student organization, Sober Redbirds, which meets weekly on Wednesday and Friday evenings on campus. Check their page in Redbird Life for further information and details.
COVID-19 has created significant financial stress for many of us. We recognize that there won't always be a solution to financial stress, but learning about what's available is extremely empowering. Here are some resources to help manage financial stress and improve your financial wellness.
Contact the Office of Financial Aid with your questions specific to financial aid.
Find out more information about this student response fund and the CARES Act application.
Gain access to food and other supplies through the School Street Food Pantry, an organization dedicated to providing local college and trade school students with food, supplies, and knowledge about other resources in the community.
View the status of your financial aid and online billing statement at My.IllinoisState.edu under the Finances tab.
Check out CashCourse, a free, online financial education resource designed specifically for college and university students. The budgeting tools help you manage your resources and identify areas for improvement.
View your total outstanding loan balance and review different payment plan options following graduation through the federal aid website. You can also choose to complete or view a demo version of Financial Awareness Counseling, which provides information about managing your college finances.
Check the weekly schedule and join via Zoom
Or follow along on YouTube
Thursdays, Noon Thursday Zoom Session
Fridays, Noon Friday Zoom Session
Tuesday, January 26 from 5:30 to 8pm
Thursdays, February 4, 11 from 4 to 6:30pm
Register for Voices of Discovery on Redbird Life
Tuesday, February 2 from 5:30 to 8:30pm
Thursday, February 18 from 5:30 to 8:30pm
Register for Disarming Racial Microaggressions on Redbird Life
Tuesday, February 19 from 5:30 to 8:30pm
Thursday, February 25 from 5:30 to 8:30pm
Register for the Anti-Racism Workshop on Redbird Life
Thursday, February 4 from 3:30 to 4:45pm
Friday, February 26 from 12 to 1pm
Register for Koru Basic Mindfulness on Redbird Life
Wednesdays, February 3, 10 from 6 to 8pm
Register for The Body Project: Implementation #1 on Redbird Life
Mondays, February 15, 22 from 6 to 8pm
Register for The Body Project: Implementation #2 on Redbird Life
Tuesday, February 16 from 4 to 5:30pm
Register for the Native American Film Series on Redbird Life
Monday-Friday, 9am-4pm at Printing Services in the Bone Student Center
Learn more about the Face Covering Distribution on Redbird Life