🌻Weekly Wellness Newsletter - Spring Quarter - Week 3💚

Healthy Minds Study and Mental Health

Spring Quarter, Week 3

Transform your wardrobe while clearing your mind! Engaging in the creative process is a powerful way to reduce stress, enhance your mood, and process emotions in a supportive environment. 👕

Whether you’re looking to lower anxiety or simply find a "mental reset," AOS offers a relaxing, collaborative atmosphere to build community and find your flow.

No art experience is required to take part in AOS. All supplies are available on a first-come, first-served basis!

We want to hear from you. The Healthy Minds Study (HMS) will be live on April 7th until April 21st and your feedback is the key to building a more supportive, healthier campus for everyone. By taking the HMS, you will help shape our understanding of help-seeking behavior, examining stigma, knowledge, and other potential barriers to mental health service utilization.

Taking ~25 minutes to reflect on your well-being doesn't just help the community, it puts you in the running for some serious rewards!

What's In It For You?
- National Prizes: One of four $250 gift cards or ten $100 gift cards.
- UChicago-Only Prizes: One of two $100 Visa gift cards or one of six $50 Visa gift cards
Mark Your Calendar: April 7th 🗓️
- Check your inbox this Tuesday, April 7th to see if you were sent an official invitation to participate.
- Don’t miss your chance to win while making a difference!

Megan serves as Student Wellness’ clinical case manager. She started this past September and really loves how her role allows her to connect with and meet students who bring their own unique ideologies and backgrounds. She enjoys supporting students in their mental health journeys and is always excited to hear about their progress. Megan reminds us that within these journeys, small wins are just as important as big ones, and the importance of acknowledging and being present with those wins.

As a clinical case manager, she focuses on several areas, including identity development and adjustment to college life, which can come with its own set of challenges, such as academic stress and the building of new relationships. She supports her clients by focusing on personal growth and fostering resilience. Her advice to students is to stay grounded, live in the moment, and give themselves grace. She is a strong proponent of self-care and understands that taking time for ourselves to feel joy and recharge can positively impact us in the long run.

Outside of work, she loves going to the movies and always enjoys hearing about what others have been watching!

What Do You Need in This Moment? Find a Self-Care Routine That Works For You!

The term self-care is often used in many different contexts, but there is a real connection between engaging in self-care and improved mental health. While it’s easy to recognize that self-care is important, it can be much more difficult to actually put it into practice.

As students, it’s especially important to take time for ourselves, time away from the stress of daily life, and really lean into what makes us feel alive and brings us joy. This quiz challenges you to think more deeply about what you need in this moment and how to incorporate self-care into your daily routine

Caught in the Scroll: Why we "Doomscroll" and How to Find Balance

Back in 2021, Simone Biles, three-time Olympian and 11-time Olympic medalist, stepped back from the Olympics due to mental health struggles. She reminded us all that no matter who you are, mental health challenges can affect anyone. This video discusses how she is just one of many athletes who have spoken openly about mental health on a national stage.

While the Washington Journal focuses on athletes, it also reminds us that, at the end of the day, we are all human first. As students, we put ourselves through a lot, and that doesn’t even include any struggles we may be facing in our personal lives. We all deserve a break and a system that acknowledges mental health.
Click below to learn more about Simone’s journey and discovery, and why we should all prioritize ourselves, no matter the scale!