Autumn Quarter, Week 6

11/3/2025

Make a wearable reminder of strength by turning your affirmations into a keychain, pin, or bracelet. Supplies are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

As a university student navigating academic pressures, social transitions, and identity development, using positive affirmations can be a meaningful tool to support confidence, resilience, and wellbeing. Research on self-affirmation interventions (where individuals reflect on values or positive statements about the self) shows that such practices can bolster self-esteem, reduce stress responses, and improve coping in academic settings.

This means that taking just a few minutes each day to repeat kind, meaningful statements, such as “I am capable of learning and growing,” or “I deserve support and success”—can help shift internal dialogue from doubt to possibility. By reinforcing that you are more than your test scores or setbacks, affirmations can help you face academic challenges with a growth-mindset, reduce rumination, and ground yourself in your values and strengths.

This month, our Care Corner highlights Carolyn Banner, Health Promotion Coordinator at UChicago Student Wellness. Carolyn brings warmth and intentionality to her work, helping students slow down, tune in, and nurture self-compassion through mindfulness and positive affirmations.

As the facilitator of our two Mindfulness Meditation courses and Restorative Yoga, Carolyn integrates loving-kindness affirmations, positive self-talk, and restorative yoga principles—such as Sankalpa, or heartfelt intention—into each session. She also introduces participants to Yoga Nidra, a guided meditation technique often described as “yogic sleep,” which supports deep relaxation and enhances mind–body awareness. Through these evidence-based mindfulness and movement practices, Carolyn helps students cultivate presence, reduce stress, and strengthen their overall well-being.

With a background in Dietetics and Nutrition from Fontbonne University, Carolyn is passionate about making mindfulness and rest accessible to everyone. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time in nature, strength training, gardening, and connecting with family and friends in Argentina.

Interested in learning more? Join one of Carolyn’s Restorative Yoga and Mindfulness Meditation offerings to practice grounding techniques, positive affirmations, and restorative approaches that help strengthen both mind and body.

Education: B.S. in Dietetics/Nutrition from Fontbonne University and Dietetic Internship completed at Yale New Haven Hospital.