Hey Dartmouth!
Spring is (kind of) here! It’s so refreshing to see campus come back to life as we trade in our parkas for slow moments on the green. And as Dartmouth terms usually go, the time is passing us by oh-so-quickly.
That’s where the Student Wellness Center’s theme for this term, Spring into Action, comes in. No matter where we are in the term or how you have spent your time thus far, you (that’s right, you!) have the ability to set an intention, and take action!
First off, be gentle with yourself. If you feel like you haven’t been able to do the things you wanted to this term yet, that’s OK! Acknowledge those feelings and know that you still have time to act.
Next, pull up the “notes” app on your phone or take out pen and paper because it’s time to do some reflecting and intention setting. If a soundtrack would help for this activity, fire up our May Wellbeing Playlist (you can also just listen to it anytime you need a lift)!
Once you’re ready, answer the following questions however you want. Sentences, words, pictures – anything works!:
- What has been your favorite moment of this term so far? What were you doing? Who were you with? What were you feeling? What about this moment made it your favorite? Be specific!
- How can you create time in your day to have more moments like the one you just described above? Here are some suggestions: blocking out “non-negotiable” time in your calendar where you do one thing that makes you feel happy, reaching out to one friend you haven’t talked to in a while, or plan one small or large thing every week to look forward to.
Lastly….DO IT!!!
This can often be the hardest step. You’ve reflected, you’ve set a plan, and now it’s time to do it. Sometimes you need a nudge or a push to actually carry out a plan you made. If that sounds like you, take this as your sign! You are in control of when and how you take action or engage in activities that make you a happy human.
Your action doesn’t have to be a big one. It can be as small as going on a walk around Occom Pond or facetiming with a friend. The action that you take is your action alone, not anybody else’s. Take a deep breath and do something nice for yourself today.
Happy Spring!