As we approach the end of Fall term, a question a colleague asked has continued to ring in my ear. The question was posed during a phenomenal campus talk by Dr. Mays Imad, renowned neuroscientist who studies the impact of stress, self-awareness, and advocacy on learning. Dr. Imad’s research affirmed so much of what we hope to see at Dartmouth to promote wellbeing: the creation of an environment in which all members feel safe, have meaningful connections with one another, and have agency and support.

“What if every day was a day of caring?” my colleague posed as we reflected on Dartmouth’s Day of Caring in which community members were encouraged to “do what feels right for you on this day.” 

The question hung in the air amidst snaps and head nods.  

What would it look like if we  approached every day as a “Day of Caring?” What would it feel like? What decisions would we make? How would we spend our time? How would we treat ourselves and others? What would be the collective potential benefits?

I decided to challenge myself to this task, today, on this rainy day. And I’m learning that a small change in mentality can impact little decisions that can make a big difference.

I still needed to work, show up to meetings, tend to my family, and do all my other daily tasks. But instead of shoving a snack in my face as I raced from one thing to the next, during the one minute it took to peel my hard-boiled egg, I listened to the rain, felt the shell, and noticed my thoughts. Time slowed down and I felt cared for.

I managed to prioritize going to the gym for a bit instead of logging onto my email early.  I took two minutes to think about how I wanted to spend my time this weekend, and reached out to a friend to make plans rather than waiting until the last stressful minute to text them.

Based on my “n” of one, I encourage you to try the experiment too!  How can you make micro-differences today to make it a “day of caring” for yourself?

Maybe it’s taking a 5-minute mindful moment (Embrace, Let Go, Focus).

Maybe it’s taking time to move your body (Day of Caring Yoga Sequence).

Maybe it’s noticing the things you appreciate about life (Gratitude Journal)

Maybe it’s calling a loved one; stepping outside; studying differently; eating differently; doing something creative; just taking a moment to pause; changing your pace; taking a breath; being early; being late; wearing fun socks. Whatever it is…try it out!

If all of us at Dartmouth make these small decisions to care for ourselves and each other, every day, oh what a place we could be!

-Caitlin Barthelmes, SWC Director