STUDENT EXPERIENCE
A student co-designed mental health campaign.
The Good Vibes Experiment explores how small, evidence-based actions can help build positive mental health. Co-designed by students, staff, designers and mental health professionals, it transforms wellbeing research into practical activities that are easy to try in everyday life—while also providing clear pathways to support when it's needed.
The Good Vibes Experiment is built around key principles that make positive mental health practical, evidence-based and accessible.
The Activity Book brings the campaign to life with short reflective exercises, playful prompts, and simple wellbeing activities. Some pages help you slow down and notice. Others help you reflect, connect, plan, or seek help.
It works best as a taste-tester: try something, see what resonates, and use that insight to shape your own mental health toolkit.
You can pick up free Activity Books at places like Oasis and Health, Counselling and Disability Services. You can also view it online and request that a copy be sent out to you if you are not on campus.
If the Activity Book is the starting point, these are the ideas behind it.
Good Vibes is built around a diverse set of 20 evidence-informed wellbeing tactics. The point is not to do all of them. The point is to explore, notice, and build a version of mental health care that feels workable for you.
Pick something slightly uncomfortable, not overwhelming, and take one small step toward it today. Send the email, ask the question, or start the task. Growth happens just outside your comfort zone.
Write down or tell someone one thing you genuinely appreciate about them or your day. Make this a daily habit to train your attention toward what's going well.
Spend a few minutes reflecting on what you enjoy, what drains you, and what you're good at. Use those insights to make one small decision that better fits who you are.
Do one activity today purely because it's enjoyable. No productivity angle required. Fun is not a reward, it is part of staying mentally healthy.
Notice one negative or unhelpful thought and ask, "Is there another way to look at this?" Try replacing it with a more balanced or realistic perspective.
If something has been weighing on you, reach out. Send a message, book an appointment, or talk to someone you trust. You do not have to figure everything out on your own.
Write freely for 5 to 10 minutes about something that has been on your mind. Do not edit, just get it out. This helps process emotions and make sense of experiences.
Think of a situation where you are holding onto resentment and consider what it might look like to loosen your grip on it. Forgiveness is about freeing yourself, not excusing the other person.
Pick one important task and work on it with full focus for a short, defined period such as 25 to 30 minutes. Aim to work smarter by removing distractions and being intentional.
Ask yourself what matters to you and how you want to contribute to the world. Take one small action today that aligns with that direction.
Do one thing that supports your body and mind. This could be sleep, movement, nutrition, or a break. Small, consistent habits build a strong foundation over time.
Pause and take in something bigger than you, such as a sunset, music, nature, or a powerful idea. Let yourself fully experience that sense of wonder for a moment.
Do something kind for someone today. Send a message, help out, or offer encouragement. Small acts of kindness benefit both you and the other person.
Imagine the kind of life or person you want to become, then identify one step you can take today toward that future. Big visions are built through small actions.
Choose a skill you want to improve and practice a specific part of it with focus and feedback. Improvement comes from targeted effort, not just repetition.
Spend at least 10 to 20 minutes outside. Walk, sit, or study in a natural environment. Even short bursts of nature can reset your mood and stress levels.
Reach out to someone. Have a conversation, check in, or spend time together. Strong relationships are one of the most powerful supports for mental health.
When things go wrong, talk to yourself the way you would talk to a friend. Acknowledge the difficulty and respond with kindness instead of criticism.
Share something you have learned with someone else. Explain a concept, give advice, or show a skill. Teaching reinforces your own understanding and builds connection.
Take a minute to focus your attention. This could be your breath, your surroundings, or what you are doing. When your mind wanders, gently bring it back.
Small actions count. Mental health often grows through repeated, everyday choices rather than one dramatic breakthrough.
Take one minute to notice your breathing and let your attention settle.
Pause and breathe.
Text or message someone who makes your life better and tell them why.
Imagine a version of you in a few years from now doing well. What helped you get there?
Spend 10-15 minutes in nature or somewhere that gives your mind room.
Step outside.
Good Vibes is designed to help you build knowledge, skills, and healthier habits for your mental health. When you’re ready to go further, there are dedicated wellbeing options available—whether you’re looking for clinical support through HCDS, a welcoming community space on campus like Oasis, or a broader range of services through the full student support directory.
The Good Vibes Experiment is designed to be shared, adapted and used in different ways. Whether you’re looking for campaign resources, have an idea to share, or are interested in bringing GVE into your teaching, we’d love to hear from you.
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