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| Stressbuster Tip: Limit Social Comparisons
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Comparing ourselves to each other is a natural human behavior that has evolved to help us live together as a cohesive group, but this can also be a large source of stress for us at times. Habitual negative social comparisons can cause a person to experience greater stress, anxiety, depression, and make self-defeating choices. If you find yourself in the trap of social comparisons, remind yourself of your own triumphs and strengths. Your network makes a difference too, as surrounding yourself with supportive people and focusing on them can also help you get back into a positive mindset. Check out these other great tips for how to avoid comparing yourself to others in a way that can be destructive.
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| Uncommon Stress Relief: Create Art
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You don’t have to be an artist to reap the benefits of creating art. No matter your level of experience, creating art can help decrease stress and enable you to adjust better to stressors in your life, as art provides a positive way to process stress and manage both current and past emotions associated with stressful events. Giving your conscious mind a break from stressful thoughts as you focus on an art project can let your brain and body rest, acting as a form of mindfulness. Learn more and check out some great examples of art therapy here.
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Do you consider yourself a former thatre kid? Then this week's study break quiz should be a piece of cake!
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Click the icons below to follow the social media accounts of UChicago Student Wellness.
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~Third Week Programming & Updates~
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Wellness Coaching
An opportunity for students to examine their strengths with a wellness coach to navigate transitions and achieve desired changes they’d like to make in their lives. Students interested in individual coaching may sign up here. More details can be found on our website. To schedule an initial appointment, students should log into the my.WellnessPortal to schedule their initial session. They will then receive a confirmation email with further instructions. If you have any questions, contact Layla Matariyeh at laysheh@uchicago.edu.
Restorative Yoga
Join us for this accessible and approachable Restorative Yoga class that will help ease tension and melt your worries away. Using props like blocks, bolsters, and blankets, you will relax into several Restorative Yoga postures that are held for several minutes at time. We use mindful breathing and meditation techniques that are sure to leave you calmer and more grounded than when you walked in the door. Register here for our Spring Quarter classes.
Mental Health in Pop Culture
April 20th at 5:30pm in the McCormick Tribune Lounge
Join Mind Over Matter as we break down the good, the bad, and the ugly when it comes to mental health in popular culture. We’ll be discussing media ranging from Euphoria to Kanye songs to Inside Out, and everything in between. All are welcome! Seen a mental health portrayal lately you'd love to discuss? Bring it in for the group to examine! RSVP to our Facebook event.
BodyTalk Presents: Doodles and Donuts
South Lounge in Reynold’s Club, April 14th, 6-7 pm
Join the BodyTalk PHA’s for donuts, prompted doodles, and discussion about art and self-image. Come as you are, materials will be provided! RSVP to our Facebook event.
Let's Talk
Let’s Talk provides easy access to free, informal, and confidential consultations with therapists from UChicago Student Wellness. No appointment is necessary. In-person and virtual sessions will be held throughout Spring Quarter. Visit the Let's Talk page for more information.
A Conversation With Canel Miller: How to Reclaim Agency and Use Storytelling to Heal
April 19th at 6:00pm in Stuart 104 or Zoom
Chanel Miller was known under the alias of Emily Doe when she astonished the world with an unforgettable letter. Brock Turner had been sentenced to just six months in county jail after he was found sexually assaulting her on Stanford’s campus. Her response, a powerful victim impact statement she read in court, immediately went viral after it was posted on Buzzfeed. Within days it had been viewed by over eleven million people, translated globally, and read on the floor of Congress. Miller’s testimony ultimately inspired changes in California law and the recall of the judge who presided over her case. Thousands of assault survivors wrote that her letter had given them the courage to speak up about their own experiences. UChicago is so excited to be virtually hosting Chanel Miller! There will also be a Moderated Audience Q&A at the end so feel free to prepare questions for Chanel Miller! Register at this link.
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Mindfulness for Academic Success from the AcademicSkills Assessment Program (ASAP)
Thursday, April 21 from 3:00-4:00pm
This workshop will offer instruction on key mindfulness strategies that may be used to manage academic stress and improve focus and concentration. Participants will also have an opportunity to practice mindfulness techniques during the session and learn more about ways they can develop their own practice independently. Register here.
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Buddy Up
Part of the Better Together initiative, Buddy Up offers graduate and professional students the opportunity to join a network of peers wanting to meet and connect with students across campus. Every two weeks students will be paired with a new buddy. Students may register here or email Carolyn Banner at cbanner@uchicago.edu with questions.
Walking Buddies
If you ever want a buddy to walk or run with, or to meet new people and feel more connected to your community, you're not alone! Walking Buddies offers students the opportunity to connect with other students from their neighborhood who are interested in walking or running for fun, or walking with someone to and/or from campus. Open to all current undergraduate, graduate, and professional students, this program will bolster the UChicago community and will help you to meet your neighbors and connect you with a walking or running buddy who has similar goals. Complete this form to sign up, or contact Health Promotion Coordinator Carolyn Banner if you have questions.
Apply to Be a Peer Health Advocate (PHA)
Application Deadline is April 17, 2022
Are you passionate about improving the lives of UChicago students? Are you interested in putting on events and initiatives to support students’ health and wellbeing? If so, apply to be a Peer Health Advocate (PHA)! There are 3 PHA groups: Body Talk focuses on body perception, InTouch focuses on sexual health and healthy relationships, and Mind Over Matter focuses on mental health. Apply by completing this short application in its entirety by April 17, 2022. Questions about the program? Learn more here or contact Emily Schulze (eschulze@uchicago.edu).
Butterfly Support Group
Biweekly meetings
This in-person drop-in group is a confidential space for students who would like support and insight on dealing with stressors surrounding immigration policy and changes that may impact them or their families. There will be interactive and reflection activities to generate conversations, connection, and learning. Contact knghiem@uchicago.edu for location and information on how to join.
GenderQ
Wednesdays, 7:00pm CT
GenderQ is a student-led group out of LGBTQ+ Student life designed to hold space for transgender, non-binary, gender non-conforming, and gender-questioning students at UChicago. Open to both grads and undergrads, we meet weekly to discuss the joys and challenges of being trans, both on campus and in our communities at large. More than that, though, GenderQ exists as a means of strengthening the trans+ community at UChicago and creating a space where people can discover and be themselves. Meeting attendance is optional and not at all binding. Contact gender_q@lists.uchicago.edu to learn more.
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Field Trip to the Leather Archives and Museum
Saturday, May 7th | Meet at 10:30am at the Corner of 55th and University
Join the InTouch Peer Health Advocates for a field trip to the Leather Archives and Museum. On this trip, we will explore the history of kink and alternative sex practices. The collection contains pieces from all over the world and is inclusive of all sexual orientations and genders. Attendees will go on a guided tour led by an archivist. Museum admission will be provided by the InTouch PHAs, UChicago Student Wellness, and the Center for the Study of Gender and Sexuality. The field trip is limited to 30 folks. Reserve your spot here. We will take the CTA to the museum, so a current Ventra card is required for all attendees. Questions? Contact Emma Reilly (ejreilly1@uchicago.edu).
Brief Alcohol Screening and Intervention for College (and Graduate) Students (BASICS)
A program for students who want to examine their substance use behaviors in a non-judgmental environment. Interested students may schedule a virtual appointment here. Questions? Please contact Elizabeth Webb at mewebb@uchicago.edu.
Student Recovery Group
The mission of the University of Chicago Student Recovery Group is to provide fellowship and support for University of Chicago students who are in recovery or exploring sobriety. Spring Quarter meetings will be held on Mondays from 5:30 - 6:30pm CT and Fridays from 12:30 - 1:30 pm CT in the UChicago Student Wellness Center. You can also subscribe to our Recovery Listserv. If you have any questions or want more information, please reach out to Elizabeth Webb at mewebb@uchicago.edu or Joseph Asbury at joseph.asbury@uchospitals.edu.
Spring 2022 FitChicago Class Offerings
Classes will be posted on our website and online on the FitChicago Facebook page in one of three formats - Facebook Live, Pre-recorded Video and Written Content from January 10th through March 19th. Zumba classes can be accessed via Zin Studio. See the Spring 2022 Schedule and class offerings here.
Food Security Resources
We provide short-term support for students experiencing difficulties with food access. We encourage you to contact us if you or a student you know is worried about running out of food, skipping meals, etc. These resources are available to students in all schools/divisions. Learn more and apply here.
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20 Minutes Still Meditation
Mondays and Wednesdays 8:00-8:20am CT
Still the mind and body, open the heart, join us in Bond Chapel a few minutes before 8am/2pm. No experience necessary, open to those of all spiritual backgrounds. Click here to view the full list of Spiritual Life events.
Gentle Yoga
Tuesdays, 5:30-6:30pm CT in Bond Chapel
A slow, meditative yoga class for all, whether you have experience with yoga or want to try it out for the first time. This class is designed for unwinding at the end of the day, with special attention to moving the body in ways that combat the negative effects of long periods of sitting and computer use. Wear any comfortable clothing that you can move in. A yoga mat is recommended. Click here to view the full list of Spiritual Life events.
Morning Yoga
Wednesdays 8:00-8:25am CT, virtual living room at spirit.uchicago.edu
Wake up and start the day with this short yoga practice for all levels. Wear any comfortable clothing that you can move in. A yoga mat is recommended. Click here to view the full list of Spiritual Life events.
Yin Yoga
Thursdays, 5:30-6:30pm CT, virtual living room at spirit.uchicago.edu
A slow and restorative yoga class in which each pose is held for 3-5 minutes, with the aim of relaxing mind and body. People of all levels of experience with yoga are welcome. Wear any comfortable clothing that you can move in. If you don't have a yoga mat, a rug or folded blanket on the floor are good substitutes. Bring any pillows or blankets you have on hand to help make your poses more comfortable.
sit.breathe.talk
Mindfulness Ambassador Program
A 30-minute practice and conversation for those who wish to begin or deepen their meditation practice and share learned skills with others. Through being present and connecting through conversation, we learn to bring gentleness, mindfulness and openness into daily life. Sessions can be offered upon request at flexible time options. Email spirit@uchicago.edu for more information or to schedule a time.
Share With the Healing Archive
In the midst of the pandemic, and any stress, isolation, loneliness, grief, and much more that you may be experiencing, what do you find most healing right now? Acknowledging and sharing our experience of pain and healing can help us to feel the beauty, tenderness and freedom of our heart, and to know that we are not alone. Healing Archive is a virtual space to connect and share our experience of pain and healing. You can send us a video, or an image and a caption that represents your experience to spirit@uchicago.edu. We will compile all submissions to share as a virtual archive on our webpage and social media outlets. Curious about what we already have? View the Healing Archive HERE.
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