Written by Denva Nesbeth, Jr. ’24

Love. Community. Service. These are some of the values I care about the most and during my time at Dartmouth, I was able to invest heavily in those things, particularly through my hobby of making music. In spring 2022, I created my instrumental song In The Stacks while I was in the East Reading Room with the goal of creating music that I could imagine my peers listening to while studying or completing their assignments. This eventually inspired the album of the same name and the subsequent albums I’ve released in the series: Back In The Stacks, Stacks Vol. 3, and, most recently, Stacks Vol. 4. Anytime someone has told me that they were able to complete tasks and assignments or study while listening to my music, it brings me joy because it means that the music is serving people and having the positive impact I intended. I find meaning and purpose in being of service to others with what I do. I’ve also been able to build community with others as a result of music. Some of the closest friendships I formed at Dartmouth originated from a common interest in songs or artists we like.

Additionally, even though my songs are all instrumental, the song titles serve as affirmations and reminders as one aligns themselves with their purpose. For instance, my latest project Stacks Vol. 4 contains song titles like Only Competition Is Me, In My Element, One Day At A Time, and Trust The Process. When you’re involved in activities that directly connect with values you hold dear or ideas you’re most passionate about, that’s the best place to be because you’re in your element and there’s no need to compare yourself to other people. You are your only competition since everyone’s respective journey is unique and everyone has a different purpose, so it’s important to take things day by day and trust the process as you walk with purpose. Stacks Vol. 3 has song titles like When You’re Going Through It and Give Yourself More Grace because having setbacks or stressful challenges is normal, but it’s important to give yourself more grace and embrace the beauty of imperfection, which is the opportunity for growth.

By putting my energy toward activities that align with the values I find most important, my mental health benefited greatly while at Dartmouth and beyond. I find joy in working on music that can uplift one’s well-being and provide a calming mood as one completes whatever important tasks are ahead of them.

-Denva Nesbeth, Jr. ’24

Denva Nesbeth Jr. ’24 is a recent Dartmouth College graduate who received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Mathematical Data Science with minors in FILM & Media Studies and African, African-American Studies. While at Dartmouth, he served as Vice President of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) and as the Educational Chair of the Men of Color Alliance (MoCA). He spent time as a research assistant at the Augmented Health Lab as well as pursuing his passion of music production by releasing instrumental albums on all streaming platforms, amassing over 20,000 streams. Notably, he’s released an instrumental album series called In The Stacks, which was inspired by Dartmouth Libraries. 

Post written by Armita Mirkarimi ’25

Hello everyone, 

Happy fall! It’s surreal to be back on campus, marveling at the changing leaves and autumnal festivities that await. On the morning of the first day of classes, my friends and I hiked Gile Mountain. The world was quiet as we climbed the metal tower to reach the top. A sea of yellow, orange, and red leaves greeted us. We were silent for a few moments as immense gratitude washed over us. 

I’ve been thinking a lot about this month’s theme, “Connecting to Purpose.” Purpose takes on different shapes during our time at Dartmouth. As a ‘28, you have just begun your journey of finding purpose on this campus. Sophomores or Juniors might be redefining their purpose on campus. To be honest, as a senior, I am still trying to figure out my purpose here. 

There is so much pressure to figure out what your purpose is on campus. On the surface, it can look like everyone knows where they’re going and the intentions they are pursuing; Classes planned, jobs secured, and a packed calendar to boot. 

Let’s focus on the word, “Connect” as we explore this theme. Purpose evolves as we connect to different ideas, people, and places. It is not something that can be defined in a word, sentences, or even paragraphs. We are all multitudes with different passions and pursuits. It can seem daunting to define your purpose as we are all still exploring who we are. However, finding small moments to connect every day can shape the tapestry of purpose. 

Here are a few ideas to find a connection with yourself and others this fall: 

1. Find a spot in Pine Park to just think or journal about these questions: What are the things that bring me joy? What do I want to be doing less of? What are the things I want to be doing more of? What does your ideal afternoon look like? 
   
   
2. Hop on DOC trailhead and sign up for an activity that looks fun to you! From O-Farm dinners to beginner hikes, there is something for everyone. 
   
   
3. Send the “Want to grab a meal?” text. After off and abroad terms, there may be friends who you haven’t seen or caught up with yet. Send the text! Be the one to reach out. People will always appreciate it. 
   
   
4. Say something nice about yourself. Yes, it’s that simple! Sometimes, connecting with yourselves just takes a moment where we celebrate our strengths and reflect on ways we want to improve. 

And don’t forget the awesome resources on campus: 

1. Student Wellness Center – Set up 1:1 time with a trained, non-judgmental listener to deepen your self-awareness and embrace your path toward flourishing.
2. Counseling Center – Meet with a licensed mental health provider in a confidential setting to help you understand your emotions as you explore your identity and other challenges.
3. Tucker Center – Seek confidential spiritual guidance through Pastoral Counseling with a College Chaplain.

You deserve to feel good and take care of yourself this fall. Stop by the SWC for a cup of tea or just to say hi! 

Sending you ease,
Armita 

Armita Mirkarimi ’25 and Class of ’28 Photo Grid

Dear Class of 2028, 

Happy fall term! By now, you might’ve gone on your First-Year Trip, waited in line for stir-fry at Collis, or figured out your favorite place to study on campus. 

Your first couple of weeks at school can be a whirlwind. There’s so much pressure to figure it all out: What you want to study, who your friends are, what you like and don’t like. It can seem so daunting. 

During my first few weeks in Hanover, I felt like everyone else knew what they were doing and I didn’t. I kept asking myself: What if they all know I don’t deserve to be here? What if no one wants to be friends with me? My homesickness was not helping. I wanted to be both in Hanover and back home in Southern California. 

One fall morning, I found the Student Wellness Center (SWC), a small haven amidst the rush between class periods. It was a place I could go to when I was feeling stressed and wanted a cup of tea. I found a group of people invested in giving students the tools they need to cope with the stressors of life. Since then, it’s become one of the most consistent places on campus for me. If I’m having a good or bad day, I know I can go into the SWC suite and take some time for myself. 

As you’re embarking on your college experience, I hope you think about what well-being looks like in your life. What are some ways you can relax every week? Where can you build pockets of peace amidst your hectic schedule? This is going to look different for every single one of us. You might be into yoga or opt for scheduling time in your calendar to simply do nothing. 

You deserve to feel good. You deserve to take care of yourself. The Student Wellness Center is here for you throughout this journey. Whether you need a place in the library to unplug, sit in the massage chairs for 15 minutes, or do a wellness check-in with one of the amazing staff, the SWC is committed to your well-being. For a full list of Student Wellness Center resources, check out the website here: https://students.dartmouth.edu/wellness-center/ 

More importantly, you belong at Dartmouth. You’re not going to figure it all out in the first week, month, term, or maybe even a year. No one ever really does. But, the cool thing is that we get to make Dartmouth a home together. 

Stop by and say hi 🙂 The SWC is located on first floor of Berry Library, Suite 178-179. 

Sending you ease, 

Armita

“Let your worth be measured by the love you give, the kindness you share, and the positive impact you have on the world.” – Unknown

Welcome back to the Student Wellness Center’s Winter of Inspiring Intention! As we continue our journey into exploring intentional living (and how to inspire others to do the same), we want to turn our attention towards purposefully creating a kind and accepting relationship with our bodies.  

Embracing a body-neutral mindset is one way to shift the focus from unrealistic beauty standards to a more neutral and accepting attitude.  It’s a middle ground between body positivity and body negativity (see note) where instead of embracing full and complete body-love, we work towards a more appreciative and non-judgmental stance. “Body neutrality places an emphasis on what your body is capable of, not what it looks like.” – Viren Swami  

Embodying body neutrality is not only about how you perceive your own body but also about promoting a positive and neutral attitude towards bodies in general. Here are some ways to inspire body neutrality for yourself and others:

1. Practice gratitude for what your body can do – Take a moment each day to appreciate the strength, flexibility, and resilience your body provides. Whether it’s the ability to walk, dance, or even just breathe deeply, acknowledging and celebrating your body’s capabilities can shift your perspective towards a more positive and neutral relationship with your physical self.

• Try: Rather than engaging in exercise solely for the purpose of changing your body, focus on activities that bring you joy and make you feel good. Movement of any kind has benefits for our bodies and mind. The best movement is the one you will stick with! Try out our Yoga for EveryBODY class as one new way to embrace joyful movement.

2. Practice self-compassion – When you catch yourself making critical comments about your body, pause and reframe those thoughts with kindness. Treat yourself as you would a friend, offering words of encouragement and understanding. Developing a more compassionate inner dialogue can contribute to a healthier and more neutral relationship with your body

• Try: Let yourself be guided through a Mini Self-Compassion Break when you need help with a reframe.

3. Offer Compliments Beyond Appearance: When complimenting others, focus on qualities and actions that go beyond physical appearance. Acknowledge acts of kindness, creativity, and other non-appearance-related strengths to reinforce the idea that worth is not solely determined by looks.

4. Challenge Diet Culture Language: Be mindful of the language you use when talking about bodies and diets, both your own and others’. Notice the tendency to discuss the latest fad diet, how many calories are in something, or the notion that eating less is somehow better. 

• Try: Shift the conversation to the importance of nourishing the body with yummy foods, engaging in movement that feels good, and prioritizing self-compassion for mental health.

5. Celebrate Diversity: Embrace and celebrate the diversity of body shapes, sizes, and abilities. Recognize that there is no one “ideal” body, and beauty comes in many forms. By appreciating and acknowledging the uniqueness of all bodies, you contribute to a more inclusive and accepting environment.

• Try: Dust off your Dartmouth Bystander Initiative (DBI) skills and take action when you hear/see hurtful language or actions that contribute to body shaming. 

Everyday we have the opportunity to embrace self-acceptance and inspire a community of kindness and acceptance for all bodies. We invite you to embark on this revolutionary journey towards greater body freedom, and know that you don’t have to do it alone: 

Resources to support your relationship with body image and food:
1. Nutrition and Eating Well at Dartmouth
2. Nutritional Wellness Team
3. SWC Wellness Check-Ins

Note: While body positivity and body neutrality each has its own value, the article Body Positivity vs. Body Neutrality, from VeryWell Mind, posits how taking a dual approach to our bodies may be best.

“The heart knows the way. Run in that direction.”

Rumi

Dear Dartmouth,

Happy New Year!  We hope this message finds you well and filled with hopeful energy. As you navigate through winter term (and beyond), it can be essential to take a moment to reflect on the power of intention and how it can shape your experiences.

Different from New Year’s resolutions, intention is often more about the broader, underlying purpose or direction you want to set for yourself. It is a guiding force, based on the way you want to live, that influences your actions and decisions.  When you set clear and positive intentions, you are essentially setting the “compass of the heart” to guide you toward your highest aspirations and living a life more aligned with who you want to be.  

This winter term, we ask not only what it means to create your own intentions, but what it means to Inspire Intention in others as well. The best way to inspire intention in others is to demonstrate intentionality in your own actions and decisions. When others see you living with purpose and commitment, it can inspire them to do the same.  

To get started, we invite you to reflect on the following questions and actions to help set the stage for your own journey towards Inspiring Intention:

1. What are my greatest hopes and aspirations for myself? (think beyond outcome-based goals and more towards guiding principles)
   
   *Make a one-on-one wellness check-in to talk through these big questions with another.  
   
   
2. What do I want to see more of in my life?
   
   *Join us every Monday for our Mindfulness Drop Ins to reflect on this with others.
   
   
3. What type of mindset do I want to embrace?
   
   *Relax in the SWC Tranquility Room as you mull this over.
   
   
4. How do I want to cultivate meaningful relationships?
   
   *Revisit (or stay up to date) with our Sexual Violence Prevention Project (SVPP) trainings.
   
   
5. What type of relationship with alcohol or other substances do I want to have?
   *Make a Brief Alcohol Screening and Intervention for College Students (BASICS) session to gain  more clarity around this.
   
   
6. What are the deliberate actions I can take as an individual to help others also live more according to their values?
   
   *Set a dedication for others in our free, all-levels yoga classes each week.
   

In times of challenge, let intention be your anchor, grounding you in your purpose and reminding you of the possibilities that lie ahead. When faced with choices, let intention be your guide, helping you make decisions that align with your values and long-term vision.

Wishing you a winter infused with intention, possibility, and inspiration,

Your Friends at the Student Wellness Center

CONTENT WARNING: This post contains language and ideas around race and racism.  People who have been racialized may feel uneasy or even angry when engaging in this work.  Please recognize and allow yourself to take a step away when needed.  For those who have greater privilege, we encourage the practice of “courageous self-examination.” 

Welcome back to the Student Wellness Center’s Fall of Brave Connections! In this week’s reflection, we will focus on the courage it takes to embark on the inner work of racial justice. 

In the SWC Reflections post Who Are You Really? A 3-Step Process to Know Who You Are and What You Want, we encouraged those of us with greater privilege to take the necessary steps that contribute to a community where there is equity and opportunity for all – even if it’s uncomfortable at times.  But what are those “necessary steps”? For those of us that want to take action but are not quite sure where to start, it’s often helpful to start with…you guessed it… ourselves (and no, this is not selfish work, but an imperative step in unraveling the deep history of racial injustices). 

By taking time to identify our own relationship to inequity, race, and racism we can begin to “recognize and accept where we are and to investigate what must be changed to minimize the harm that our own views and blindspots cause others” and that this step, according to law professor, social activist, and mindfulness teacher, Rhonda McGee, is essential to the work of racial justice.

When it comes to exploring your own views (hidden and otherwise) related to race and racism, try this 4-step process* as a way to begin to examine your beliefs, conditionings, and behaviors. You may learn something about yourself you didn’t know was lying just beneath the surface.  And it might be uncomfortable. That’s where bravery comes into play. If we are to actively engage with social justice, we must be willing to see our own biases and racist tendencies and aim to unlearn them. Acts of bravery are rarely the easy way, but they are often the actions, words, and thoughts that create a better world for all.

As you consider race and racism in your life, gently and boldly move through these steps:  

1. The first step is grounding, or pausing – allow yourself the time and space for silent contemplation; to sit in awareness. Try our 5-minute Breath Awareness meditation to ground yourself and strengthen your attention.
   

2. The second step is seeing – with courageous self-examination, think of a time when you were interacting with someone of another race, a time when the fact of racial difference became apparent to you somehow. Ask yourself:
   
   What were some of the thoughts running through my mind?
   What notions of race do I recall being a part of this experience?
   

3. The next step is being —recognize and acknowledge that there is race and racism in your life, in your community, and in you. It’s not just something that exists elsewhere.  This part is key as it unlocks the ignorance that leads to complacency and inaction. You may notice a level of discomfort arising as some of what you will encounter doing this work will be unpleasant. 
   
   As a tool (even the most brave souls use tools!) to work with challenging feelings and thoughts, try out the evidence-based RAIN practice to help bring mindfulness and compassion to difficult emotions.
   

4. The final step is doing – be willing to engage in discussions about race, utilizing deep listening, non-violent communication, and taking risks to speak about race and other forms of social identity bias.
   
   Connect with the Office of Pluralism and Leadership for additional ways to advocate for social justice and/or for further education for communicating across differences, recognizing bias, and intervening in moments of harm.
    

*Inspired from the book The Inner Work of Racial Justice: Healing Ourselves and Transforming Our Communities Through Mindfulness by law professor and mindfulness teacher Rhonda Magee.

This is hard and challenging work, but now is the opportune time to lean into discomfort, and discover all the ways we can contribute to a world where every being is welcomed.  By knowing ourselves deeper, we can let go of unintentional harmful behavior and move towards greater equity and acceptance for all. 

If you are interested in exploring this topic in greater depth with your community, reach out to Laura.Beth.White@Dartmouth.edu for more information on our Waking Up to Racism In & Around Us workshop.

 “What makes any act brave isn’t that it’s easy, but that it is done even amidst uncertainty and discomfort.” -Excerpt from SWC Reflections Who are you really? A 3-step Process to Know Who You Are and What You Want.

Welcome back to the Student Wellness Center’s Fall of Brave Connections! As we explore ‘Brave Connections’, we will continue to dedicate time and space to bringing  greater awareness to what bravery really looks (and feels) like and explore the ways we can activate this strength more intentionally into our lives.  Along the way we’ll reflect on many of the ways courage can be expressed with either ourselves, with others, or with the community.

In this week’s reflection, we will focus on the courage it takes to know and be our authentic selves. 

Before we can be brave in being (or staying) who we want to be, we first need to recognize who it is we actually want to be.  What values are guiding us towards that vision and what gets in our way from consistently being that person? Here are three ways to help you get started today:

• Know yourself better with this 12 minute Headspace meditation that guides you to “Connect you with your Core Self” and reminds you of the “beautiful things that make you unique.”

• Get clear on your values by identifying what is most important to you and what fills you with a sense of purpose.  Free journal on your own or check out the Living Into Our Values worksheet exercise created by research professor, Brene Brown, to help you gain greater clarity around this.

• Deepen self-awareness and kindly notice the times your actions, thoughts, words and intentions are counter to who you really are.  Mindfulness-based practices are one way to help you strengthen your attention and shine light on the moments that are not “you”. 

For some of us, what keeps us from being “who we want to be” has nothing to do with what is outlined above, but rather has everything to do with the systems and structures that are in place that can stifle our ability to speak up, to be our full selves, and to feel a sense of safety and trust to do so.  

With “Brave Connections,” we ask you to take a moment to consider areas of your life where you are more privileged or hold more power than others. Consider the systems you benefit from and how you can use your own power to courageously contribute to a community where there is equity and opportunity for all – even if it’s uncomfortable at times.  What makes any act brave isn’t that it’s easy, but that it is done even amidst uncertainty and discomfort.  

Stay tuned for the rest of fall term as we outline specific ways to support you in stepping more into the discomfort and vulnerability that ‘Brave Connections’ require.

Reflection Question:

What does it feel like when you are living into your values? What does it look like?

“What we need is not just to create safe spaces, but to create brave ones, where people are encouraged to challenge each other…to establish a culture of belonging where all people feel they can be at the table.”

– Sian Beilock, President of Dartmouth

Hey Dartmouth, 

As we turn the corner towards a new academic year we want to warmly welcome all of the recent new arrivals to Dartmouth (including our new President Beilock!) and give an enthusiastic “welcome back”(!) to all of those that have rejoined our shared community 

Our team at the Student Wellness Center (SWC) wholeheartedly wants to help create a community where everyone feels supported in being who they want to be, while living a life they want to be living, and empowered to help others do the same. And we recognize that it can be a tall order (and more than a little scary) to express who we truly are without fear of judgment, let alone creating spaces for others to do so. 

With that in mind, we will be exploring ‘Brave Connections’ this fall and how we can tap into our strength of bravery to collectively build a culture of belonging and authenticity. 

To kick-start this theme, let’s start at the very top.  What do we really mean when we say bravery?  The VIA Institute on Character says that to be brave is to act on your deepest convictions, and to face threats, challenges, difficulties, and pains, despite any doubts and fears.

Beyond the physical acts of courage we normally think of (eg. fire fighter running into burning building), bravery can also encompass acts of:

1. EMPATHY – the ability to sense others emotions and imagine what someone else might be thinking or feeling
2. VULNERABILITY – the ability to face uncertainty, risk, and emotional exposure. 
3. COMPASSION – our ability to take the perspective of and feel the emotions of another person, and includes the desire to help.
4. GENEROSITY – virtue of giving good things to others freely and abundantly.
5. NON-JUDGMENTAL – letting go of the automatic judgments that arise in your mind with every experience you have. 
6. SELF-ACCEPTANCE – the ability to unconditionally accept both your strengths and your challenges (or areas of growth).
   

With those qualities in mind, our theme of ‘Brave Connections’ is all about recognizing that bravery is much more than exhibiting signs of power and strength. That it is equally, if not more, about tapping into the courage it takes to be vulnerable; to step into emotional uncertainty and let yourself be seen.  Whether it is through exploring our own inner worlds, connecting with others we typically wouldn’t connect with, exploring new and innovative ways of thinking, or creating spaces where all individuals feel encouraged to speak up and share their perspectives, ‘Brave Connections’ creates a culture that encourages authenticity and builds a sense of true belonging for everyone.

Each week this fall we will explore different aspects of ‘Brave Connections’ to  bring greater awareness to how bravery looks and feels and explore the ways we can activate this strength more intentionally into our lives within ourselves, with others, and in community. 

Our team at the Student Wellness Center (SWC) is grateful to have you as part of our community and can’t wait to get to know you better, 

Your friends at the Student Wellness Center

PS…
Remember the SWC is here for you – If you need someone to talk to we provide one-on-one wellness check-ins.  If taking time for yourself in a group experience would be best,  join in with others during our mindfulness meditations or  yoga classes. 

We’ll also continue to offer our Brief Alcohol Screening and Intervention for College Students (BASICS) sessions to students who want to take a deeper dive into their wellbeing, our Sexual Violence Prevention Project (SVPP) trainings and offer other SWC resources and services.

Reflection: 

When have you felt the strongest sense that ‘you belong’?  What were the qualities of that time, space and of the people around you that contributed to that sense of belonging?

Written by Michael Burns Jr ’26

Welcome back to the Summer of Reflection with the Student Wellness Center! If you’re joining us for the first time, get ready to embark on a journey of self-discovery and exploration as we dive into the different aspects that make up who you are. Just like the earth takes root, thrives, and provides nourishment, it’s time for us to reflect on the areas of our lives that contribute to vitality, balance, and joy. This week, we’re shining the spotlight on Physical Wellbeing, because taking care of our bodies is crucial for our minds and overall well-being.

Aspects of Physical Wellbeing include being active in a balanced way, getting enough sleep, and nourishing your body. For today’s purposes, we are honing in on the specific aspect of physical activity.

When we engage in physical activity* we cultivate the capacity to tap into the energy that fuels our mind, body, and spirit, aligning them in perfect harmony. It’s not just about toning up or training for a marathon; it’s also a natural mood booster and stress reliever. Activities that get our hearts pumping and our bodies moving release endorphins, those wonderful feel-good chemicals that leave us with a sense of euphoria and satisfaction.

A recent study conducted from CDC data analyzing responses from 1.2 million adults found that regular exercise reduced the number of poor mental health days a month by more than 40 percent! Reading this study further reaffirmed that exercise can have the amazing ability to change the way the brain functions, leading to a decrease in depression and anxiety in many individuals.

We know that engaging in physical activity may come more naturally for some*, while for others, it’s a big task and can feel like one more thing to add to the to-do list. If you tend to fall into the latter category and would like to bring greater intention to this aspect of physical wellbeing, here are some ways to help you get and STAY moving:

1. Do one small thing differently – When we want to bring a change into our lives, we often go too big, too soon. We aim for something that might not be realistic nor sustainable, and before we know it, we feel like we have failed and give up. Instead of vowing to hit the gym everyday, start with something you feel completely confident in that you can stick with. Maybe it’s taking a longer route to class, taking the steps instead of the elevator, or having a dance party in your dorm room with friends. When we commit to taking small, doable steps towards the change we want, we build our confidence and enthusiasm for the next small step.
   
   
2. Do something you like – It’s much easier to stick with something you enjoy doing rather than something that feels like complete drudgery! When it comes to creating a sustainable movement regimen, consider what types of movement-based activities bring you joy. Maybe it’s going for a walk, ride, or a roll along the scenic paths of the Upper Valley, or joining a dance group like RAAZ, taking a swim down at the river, or practicing yoga with the Wellness Center outside! These activities not only promote mental clarity, reduce anxiety and depression, but also enhance our emotional well-being.
   
   
3. Try out a mind-body practice – Engaging in physical activity can help you access a beautiful synergy between the mind and body. It’s a sacred space where we become more attuned to our bodies, honoring their strength, flexibility, and resilience. Through mindful movement practices like yoga or qigong, we cultivate a deeper connection with ourselves, fostering self-awareness and promoting a sense of inner peace. This mind-body connection becomes a gateway to holistic well-being, allowing us to tap into our inner wisdom and nourish our souls.
   

*We want to take a moment and recognize that there are folks among us that struggle with disordered relationships with exercise and movement.  For those of us who find it challenging to find balance with exercise and movement, nourishing your Physical Root may look very different from what we offered above.  Instead of thinking about how to get MORE movement in, we invite you to consider the following instead: 

1. Consider what would be nourishing for you physically – we often think doing more is always better, but if you tend to be the kind of person who pushes yourself to the limit, doing less is actually what you may need more to feel at your best.
   
   
2. Talk to a trained counselor/listener – if you are feeling stuck in a harmful and unhealthy pattern with exercise/movement, it can be helpful to talk to someone who can help you make a plan towards a healthier relationship with your body.  Folks at the Counseling Center can be a great start, or schedule a Wellness Check In for a non-judgmental space to talk through your options. 

In a busy world filled with demands, physical activity can act as a sanctuary of self-care for some, allowing the space to prioritize ourselves and nurture our bodies. These moments can help to recharge our energy, restore balance, and remind us of the importance of self-love. Engaging in a moderate level of physical activities builds resilience, confidence, and self-belief as we challenge ourselves, overcome obstacles, and discover our inner strength. It serves as a catalyst for personal growth that translates into all aspects of our lives. Additionally, physical activity fosters a sense of community and social connection, bringing like-minded individuals together and providing a shared sense of purpose. By embracing the transformative power of movement, we create a balanced and vibrant life that nurtures our overall well-being. 

So go out there, ignite your passion, and let physical activity propel you towards a life of boundless joy and well-being. You’ve got this!

Wishing you wellness,

The SWC Team

Image Credit: Headspace Budget Basics guidance

Post written by Michael Burn Jr. ‘26

Welcome back to the Summer of Reflection with the Student Wellness Center! For our first time readers, this summer, we are inviting you to embark on a journey of self-discovery and exploration as we delve into the different aspects that make up who you are. Just as the earth takes root, thrives, and provides nourishment, it’s time for us to reflect on the areas of our lives that can contribute to vitality, balance, and joy. This week, we turn our focus to Financial Wellness, a crucial aspect of our overall well being.

Financial wellness isn’t just about having enough cash to splurge on some late-night Domino’s or snag the latest iPhone (although that’s nice too!). It’s about building a solid foundation for your life and feeling secure and stress-free about your finances.  

Imagine this: you’re in control of your money, you’ve got a budget that suits your lifestyle, and you’ve even managed to put away some savings for those unpredictable moments (like when your phone suddenly sinks to the bottom of the Connecticut—been there, done that!). How would that make you feel? Pretty incredible, right?

Along with just feeling good, financial wellness can provide you greater freedom and flexibility to make choices that align with your values and aspirations. Whether it’s pursuing a study abroad, starting a side hustle, or taking that spontaneous road trip with friends, being financially stable means you don’t have to pass up on these opportunities and are able to maintain some peace of mind at the same time.

So, how can you nourish your financial roots while rocking your Dartmouth experience? Here are some action steps just for you:

1. Approach money challenges with patience and kindness – Paying attention to your spending, budgeting, and saving can be stressful! When you approach it with a sense of compassion and a growth-oriented mindset, managing your finances can actually feel encouraging and positive.
   
   Try This! Take the Headspace* free Mindful Spending: Managing Financial Stress course or listen to the Budgeting Basics 5-minute talk to explore how to bring compassion into your finances and tips for mindful spending.
   
   
2. Tap into the Financial Aid Office – Get to know the resources they offer. They’re here to guide you through your options and help you make sense of your financial aid package. Don’t be shy—reach out and get the support you need.
   
   
3. Create a Budget and Track Spending – Develop a budgeting habit and keep tabs on your spending. This way, you’ll know exactly where your money is going and be able to make informed decisions about how to spend, save, and prioritize your financial goals. Online tools like Mint or You Need a Budget can assist you in organizing your finances effectively.
   
   
4. Find tools to help manage financial anxiety – whether that’s through meditation (like one of our Micro Mindfulness Guided Audio practices), scheduling a wellness check-in to talk through what a financial plan might look like, or reminding yourself that your still learning; it’s important to give yourself space so that you can gain greater clarity around the best next step forward.

*All active Dartmouth College faculty, staff, students, including undergraduate, graduate, and professional school students are eligible for free premium access to Headspace.

As we wrap this week’s theme up, we invite you to make time to regularly reflect on your financial habits. When you make this a priority you might just feel more inspired to cultivate those money skills, explore the resources available to you, and/or to lay the groundwork for a secure and fulfilling future. Remember, financial wellness isn’t just a buzzword—it’s an essential part of your well-being!

Stay tuned for our next reflection, where we’ll dive into another vital root of well-being: Physical! Embrace this summer of self-discovery, and may it bring you closer to a life lived with vitality, balance, and joy.

Wishing you financial wellness and fulfillment,

Michael Burns Jr. ‘26
Student Wellness Center Wellbeing Intern