BustMyStress Newsletter - Winter Quarter Week 9

The Importance of Setting Boundaries and How to Do So!

Most editions of this quarter's BustMyStress have explored how to meet new people and strengthen your existing connections. However, in this week's edition, we will explore why setting boundaries is incredibly beneficial to your overall wellbeing, especially your social wellbeing.

Setting boundaries is a form of self-care. They help create trust and build healthy relationships, keeping both parties safe. In fact, a healthy relationship required the space to be yourself and to maintain your personal integrity. According to Dr. Jo Nash, setting boundaries defines our expectations of ourselves and others in different kinds of relationships. Boundaries can be both emotional and physical, and can be based on time and space. Boundaries are beneficial in all types of relationships - a friendship, a romantic relationship, a roommate, your parents, and more.

So, how can you set boundaries? Here are some tips that may help when setting boundaries with someone in your life:

- Describe what's going on objectively.

- Use "I" statements to express how the situation is affecting you.

- State your boundaries confidently and assertively.

- Be mindful of both your own and the other person's feelings.

Here is an example of how you can deploy these tips when navigating how to set boundaries:

"We've been testing a lot recently, and I'm having trouble managing our conversations with my other work. I can't respond to your right away, but I love talking to you and will definitely respond within a few hours."

Another approach you can use when setting boundaries is thinking about what you want to do, what you will compromise on, and what you won't do. In other words, think about your wants, wills, and won'ts.

If you're struggling in setting boundaries or would like assistance navigating those conversations, there are multiple supports available to you through UChicago. UChicago Student Wellness offers both individual and couples therapy. The UChicago Center to Awareness, Resolution, Education, and Support (CARES) offers a variety of prevention education options and trainings and supports for students experiencing misconduct.

Tonight from 6:00-7:30pm, spend an evening sipping on an assortment of customizable beverages and creatively reflecting on your relationship with your body & self! Kick off the last week of the quarter on a creative note with us, hope to see you there! All levels of painting and artistic expertise are welcome.

RSVPs are not required, but are preferred to ensure we have enough supplies for all. Please RSVP here. In order to ensure that everyone get the most out of the evening, we ask that you plan to stay for the entire (or at least majority) of the event. We will begin promptly at 6:10, so please arrive on time! Stay up to date with event details by RSVPing to our Facebook event!

Join the InTouch PHAs for a workshop to explore and understand sexuality, debunk myths, and gain tips for enjoying your body and pleasure, whether alone or with a partner. The workshop will focus on vaginas and vulvas but all types of bodies and pleasure zones are covered. The workshop will be facilitated by experts from Early to Bed. RSVP to the Facebook event here.

For this week's study break, find out which famous rabbit you are 🐰

Mental Health First Aid Student Training registration is now open! Mental Health First Aid teaches students how to help someone developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. The training helps participants identify, understand, and respond to the signs of mental illness. Visit the website to learn more. The next student training is scheduled for Saturday, April 8 from 9:00am-3:00pm in the Student Wellness Center. Interested student may register here.

Take 10 is an initiative intended to encourage all members of the UChicago community to rest and connect with others. Join us to participate in Take 10 events from 12:30 PM - 2:30 PM across campus on odd-week Thursdays this quarter! We hope you drop by and take 10!

Restorative yoga classes at UChicago Student Wellness will help ease tension and melt your worries away. Using props like blocks, bolsters, and blankets, you will relax into postures that are held for several minutes at a 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. Join us at the Student Wellness Center on Tuesdays from 4-5 PM starting January 10.

20 Minute Still sessions allow you to take a moment to pause and join the Office of Spiritual Life for twenty minutes of facilitated meditation to still the mind. Twenty Minutes Still takes place on Mondays from 5:00-5:20pm in Ida Noyes Hall 034. Cookies and coffee/tea are provided.

Yoga Classes from Spiritual Life are offered in both a virtual and in-person modalities on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays during Winter Quarter. Check out the most updated yoga offerings here.

Wellness Coaching allows students to examine their strengths with a wellness coach to navigate transitions and achieve desired changes they’d like to make in their lives. Interested students may schedule a 90-minute session with a Student Wellness coach or a 30-minute session with a TimelyCare wellness coach. Visit this page for more information.

Let's Talk provides easy access to free, informal, and confidential consultations with therapists from UChicago Student Wellness. No appointment is necessary. In-person sessions are held throughout Winter Quarter on Mondays and Fridays. Let's Talk has more information.

Buddy Up offers graduate and professional students the opportunity to join a network of peers wanting to meet with students across campus. Students are paired up with a new buddy every two weeks. Students may register here or email Carolyn Banner at cbanner@uchicago.edu with questions.

Walking Buddies connects students with other students from their neighborhood who are interested in walking or running for fun. Open to all current graduate and professional students, you will connect with a walking or running buddy with similar goals. Sign up, or contact Carolyn Banner with any questions.

Food Security Resources provide short-term support for students experiencing difficulties with food access. Please reach out if you or someone you know is worried about running out of food, skipping meals, etc. Graduate and Professional Students can contact Student Support Service studentsupport@uchicago.edu, and Undergraduate Students can contact the Center for College Student Success ccss@uchicago.edu. You can also apply for grocery vouchers here.

FitChicago offers an array of fitness opportunities for you seven days a week. Everything from foam roller classes to Zumba! Check out the Winter Quarter class offerings and schedule here.

Manage your preferences | Opt Out using TrueRemove™
Got this as a forward? Sign up to receive our future emails.
View this email online.

840 E. 59th Street | Chicago, IL 60637 US

This email was sent to .
To continue receiving our emails, add us to your address book.

Subscribe to our email list.