Dear Dartmouth,

Summer term ’24 is finally here and, in the midst of this dizzying heat wave, it seems Mother Nature is the first to remind us that slowing down and laying back can offer essential benefits! In that spirit, we kick off our term reflecting on “pause” and the many ways we can exercise power and agency from something as simple as slowing down. Within pause lies the freedom to create space, to respond instead of react, and to reflect on the best directions for us going forward.

What we do in pause matters. Pause, or a simple break, can offer such benefits as:

• Noticing thoughts, emotions, and pathways for being present at any given moment.
• Identifying ours and others’ power and making the right choice in a challenging situation.
• Creating space for rest, relaxation, and play, which offers boosts to our cognitive performance.

Pause can look different based on how much time we can dedicate to it. Pause can show up in as little as a few seconds or minutes, or as long a day, a week, or more of intentional recess. Here are some ways to make the most of pause, no matter the length:

• Only have a few minutes? Try this simple STOP practice to focus on activating our body’s ‘relaxation response’ by pausing and breathing. Or meet up with one of our therapy dogs for some puppy-inspired downtime.
• Have 30 minutes to a few hours for dedicated rest? Check out our journaling prompts to guide your reflections on the past or ways to connect with longer-term goals. Or refresh by getting outside—take a walk around Occom Pond or visit nearby Pine Park.
• Do you have an upcoming vacation, sabbatical, volunteer service, or other form of prolonged pause? Use that time to practice engaging in play, restoration, and relaxation. Research shows that taking an extended break (1-5 weeks) in an environment that feels removed from daily activities has restorative benefits, including improving attention and cognitive performance.

However pause looks like for you this summer, know that we regain control of any moment or period when we stop to reflect and move forward in a manner more aligned with our hopes, dreams, and values. Stick with us this summer as we explore the many ways to apply pause and reflection in our daily lives.

Take it easy, Dartmouth 🙂

Your friends at the Student Wellness Center

Dear Dartmouth,

Welcome back from a much-deserved break! We hope the receding snow and greening landscape fills you with encouraging energy as we enter the warmer months.

This spring term, we invite our community to explore how we can continue to grow, make a substantial difference, and even change our own culture by recognizing that the small and seemingly unremarkable actions we take matter. ‘Everyday Action’ encourages steady growth and celebrates the tiny steps that lead to forward momentum. Through practice, patience, and persistence, we can look back on our greatest achievements not as a single triumph but as the culmination of everyday actions. 

Actions to try and consider as we embody what it means to take ‘Everyday Action’ this spring:

1. Find inspiration in the changing seasons. Our formerly frozen world is stirring and transforming into bright colors, aromas, and sounds around us. Consider that, like the seasons changing, a transition from barren snowscape to bustling, bursting spring does not happen overnight. Instead, what we notice when strolling across campus are snapshots of the small transformations taking place around us each day—pokes of green grass, buds on branches, tiny ‘cheeps’ from baby birds. These everyday changes eventually usher in a full-blown summer. Try a walk or hike through Pine Park to be inspired by nature’s “everyday action.”

2. Check in with your roots of wellbeing at the start of this term. Use this helpful guide to get an idea of your base wellness coming into Spring Term.

• Reflect: Which areas of your wellness are you feeling nourished in? Which areas of your wellness might be depleted? What are small consistent actions that contribute to your wellbeing?

3. Get in touch with vulnerability. It may feel physically and emotionally unpleasant to open ourselves to the possibilities of discomfort, uncertainty, and failure (trying something outside our comfort zones should be attempted when it is safe for us to do so). But accepting discomfort as a possible outcome of our efforts is one way we develop our ability to bounce back and endure. Noticing when we are judging ourselves, and releasing that judgment, helps us to silence our inner critics and kickstart the empowering process of loving ourselves unconditionally.

4. Practice self-compassion. Deepening our understanding, patience, and kindness for ourselves through this process helps us accept that “missteps” don’t define our self-worth. Try this 6-minute mindful self-compassion break to practice the three elements of self-compassion: mindfulness, common humanity, and gestures of kindness.

5. Recognize the beauty in imperfection. Applying the Japanese philosophy of “Wabi-Sabi” can help us interpret moments of change and transience in our own lives as beautiful. Seeing the beauty in what might be imperfect or incomplete gives us permission to understand that we all, always exist in states of change.

‘Everyday Action’ reminds us that small actions, taken consistently, can lead to powerful and sustainable change. As we kick off a new term, challenge yourself to see the inevitable failures, imperfections, slipups, and slow growth as progress along your unique path. When we frame growth in this manner, we are empowered to recognize that our smallest actions add up and matter. Consequently, each step we take has the potential to make a substantial difference in our own lives and in our community and culture.

The end of term can feel like we are juggling so many things: grinding to meet deadlines, catching up on notes and assignments, maintaining the time and energy to study for exams, and finding moments for ourselves to reenergize too. While it might not seem it, this can also be an important time to reconnect to our intentions for ourselves. In the midst of busyness, we may wonder if we are staying true to our guiding principles. As we proceed along the lines of Inspiring Intention this winter term, let’s explore some of the ways we can remain focused on our intentions during busy times and even inspire others to do the same.

Try these ideas to remain focused on your intentions during Finals:

• Pause and empower. How can you feel as though you are in an organized and prepared position going into finals week? You might reflect on ways to ground yourself, which can even be as simple as taking three gentle breaths. Or perhaps checking in with each of your Roots of Wellness. Another intentional approach can be to apply specific labels to our feelings and address those feelings strategically. Maybe you are experiencing a sense of loss of control and consider prioritizing your most critical tasks to help you regain focus again. Set healthy boundaries for yourself like sticking to a reasonable sleep schedule. Ask yourself: what do I need in this moment?

• Acknowledging overwhelm (and asking for help). Consider connecting to campus resources when you need, including wellness check ins (one-on-one sessions with trained listeners) when you feel talking to someone could be a helpful place to begin. The Academic Skills Center offers finals programming to help you keep on track with your studying and assignments. Finally, the Counseling Center can support with crisis counseling and additional mental health resources. Be real with yourself about how you are feeling and consider opening up to friends and family. Help is here, you need only ask.

• Try an accountability buddy. Pair up with a friend or classmate to serve as an accountability partner or partners. Check in regularly with them to discuss progress, offer support and feedback, and encourage each other with affirmations. This can be a powerful way to inspire intention amongst friends and peers too.

• Celebrate the small victories. Take a moment to appreciate how far you have made it in the term already. Acknowledge not only your efforts to maintain your intentions into the finals week, but recognize your friends’ and classmates’ efforts too. Creating a positive and focused atmosphere can be beneficial to all in our immediate circles and beyond.

Living an intentional life means, to the best of our ability, inching closer with purpose each day towards our long-term vision. In moments when we feel direction paralysis (or lost or distracted from our intended destination altogether) we recognize that this is normal and temporary. By pausing to connect with our immediate needs, asking for help, encouraging others to do the same, and celebrating the little achievements, we can be well on our way again. Best of luck during finals, Dartmouth!    

Proceeding with intentionality this winter term, we are doing the inner work of finding space to connect with our core values and identifying intentions for where and how we want to grow. We may have even inspired intentionality in others through this pursuit. But like on any journey, there will be times when we are faced with challenges too. We might follow our path and take a wrong turn. Or lose sight of the trail or of our goal all together. Or be overwhelmed by a series of decisions. It’s important in these moments to not panic, and instead, rely on the simple wisdom of tree hugging to help get us back on track.

Who remembers being told as a child: “if you find yourself lost in a forest, hug a tree”? No worries if you haven’t heard this one before. The basic gist is that advising a small child to stay put when they are lost on a hike (and to take comfort in the company an old tree) helps the chances of them being reunited with loved ones. Importantly, this safety tip helps keep the child in one place, offers the child a reliable, soothing landmark to wait with, and makes it easier for the search party to retrace their steps back to the last known location. The same advice can be applied to moments when we feel lost on our inner journeys.

Hug A Tree to Reunite with Your Intentions:

1. Don’t panic. Staying calm in a moment of difficulty can mark the difference between reacting impulsively or responding with clarity. Hug a metaphorical tree by trying a quick STOP practice, which helps create breathing room between you and a challenging moment. Try getting outside to clear your mind (and perhaps hugging a literal tree). Or reconnecting with an activity you have an uncomplicated relationship with (ie. playing music, hanging out with friends, dancing, yoga, etc.). The goal is to help settle the nervous system. As the great meditation teacher Thich Nhat Hanh wrote: “Breath is the bridge which connects life to consciousness, which unites your body to your thoughts.” 

2. Observe your surroundings. Settling your mind and allowing it to observe a grounded sense of reality for a few moments can help us connect to a range of complicated thoughts and emotions we may be feeling. Perhaps you notice the direction you are heading in is causing you to feel confused or misaligned. Or to feel anxious or fatigued. Label the thoughts and emotions that are arising in you. Try this RAIN meditation to strengthen your self-awareness.

3. Check in with your heart’s compass. Once we have created some breathing room for ourselves and identified the emotions underlying our disorientation, proceeding with clarity and intentionality can be more attainable. This allows us the time and space to connect back to our deeper purpose. Establish a journaling practice to root yourself again in your highest aspirations. Perhaps you realize you are taking a burdensome class that doesn’t support your long-term vision. Or perhaps you notice that you are veering away from a lifestyle more aligned with who you want to be. These observations can be powerful signposts that let us know that we are heading the wrong direction. Allow your intentions to show you the way back to your path.

To live with intentionality and purpose is an inherently profound and trailblazing act. Therefore, it is only normal that we will question our path and direction at times. By creating a moment for pause to connect more accurately with how we are feeling and staying true to our heart’s compass, we can be reunited again with the values that inform our long-term vision.

Welcome back to Inspiring Intention! This week, we hold up a magnifying glass to “screen time” to examine how we can build intentions around our devices. In this digital age, we will undoubtedly encounter screens in our day-to-day routine. Whether it’s checking an email from a professor, completing an assignment online, or connecting with friends from home through social media, it is increasingly necessary to rack up screen time in our culture, especially as a student. However, by being mindful about our intentions with technology, we can maximize the time we have pursuing the things that matter most to us in (non-virtual) reality.

1. See the small picture: Each time you reach for your device, pause, and ask yourself why. Are you reaching for the phone because you’re bored or restless? Are you seeking a distraction from a challenging task or assignment? Are you managing your stress, panic, or worries by scrolling through social media? Or perhaps you are feeling inspired and want to investigate a topic or idea further. We check our phones on average 144 times a day. Before picking up your device, see if you can pause, take and breath, and ask yourself why. Try the ‘Name It to Tame It’ practice if you identify any of these emotions as falling on the low-pleasantness end of the emotions spectrum.

2. See the big picture: Why might you want to be intentional around screen time? Maybe you’re experiencing eye strain or headaches. Perhaps you’re noticing that you default to scrolling in times of boredom or difficulty. Perhaps you’re having trouble falling and staying asleep. Whatever the reason, check in with the habits you’ve developed around device usage and ensure they are still serving your immediate and long-term needs. Be brave, get curious, and check your screen time stats (stored on your phone or device). This data can give you a sense of how much time you may be spending looking at screens each day.

3. Bring an attitude of non-judgment to your screen usage and recognize that you are not alone. Gen Z’ers average 9 hours a day on screens. Much that time consists of classwork, messaging, social media, and internet roaming. Many websites and platforms’ business models thrive on your eyes wandering from flashy content to flashy advertisements. These sites design algorithms that tailor content for us based on our interests. But these systems are designed to capture our attention and to hold it for as long as possible, often at the expense of our own wellbeing. Recognizing that you are not the only one to have “fallen down the rabbit hole” at one time or another can help us understand that our habits around devices might be bigger than us. Awareness and acceptance of this fact empowers us to make healthier choices that benefit us all.  

4. Focus on what matters most to you. Our time and attention may be our most precious resources. Begin by imagining the life you want to be living and create boundaries with your time that keep you focused on the things that matter most to you. Discover your wildest dreams through a journaling practice like this one (bonus: no screens required!). Write out your intentions using positive and specific language to define clearly what it is that you want to attract (rather than want to avoid). For example, instead of writing “I want to reduce screen time,” try saying “I want to create a No-Phone Zone in my bed so that I can benefit from a full night’s rest.” Check out these suggestions from the Jed Foundation for reducing unhelpful scrolling or device usage.

Devices and technology help us connect to new ideas and each other like never before. Increasingly, though, we find ourselves in the territory of excessive use. We can show ourselves grace by realizing we are at an unprecedented stage of interacting with these tools and seeking out ways to spend our time in a way that is more aligned with our hopes and dreams. Recognize the emotions that lead us to excessive online activity and identify the reasons why we might want to consider reducing our time on our devices. By understanding our own present habits, we can set specific, actionable, and positive intentions around our device usage that inspire flourishing on our personal journeys at Dartmouth.

Reflection Question: How can I align my screen time with meaningful purposes, ensuring that my usage is enriching and serves my hopes and dreams?

“Every journey begins with the first step of articulating the intention, and then becoming the intention.” ― Bryant McGill

“Inspiring Intention” is grounded in the idea that when we embody our greatest hopes and dreams, we “plant the seeds for change” in our communities. Showing ourselves self-compassion and acceptance enables us to set clear and positive intentions that lead us closer towards the life we want to be living. Let’s normalize leading purposeful and intentional lives and inspire others to do the same.

Let your heart’s compass guide you through these suggested steps:

1. Carve out time for quiet introspection. Setting aside time for quiet introspection turns our attention away from what’s being asked of us and instead provides us the space to ask what we need for ourselves in the present moment. What is one way that you can find space from the expectations and pressures that we internalize as noisy thoughts and emotions? Is it on a walk? In meditation? Doing art?

2. Have a clear focus on what you want. Once you are in a space where you can focus, tune into yourself, and check in with your core values, examine what matters most to you and what kind of life you want to be living. What direction do you want to be heading from here? 

3. Set specific intentions for where you want to grow. Bring to mind the 7 Roots of Wellness: Intellectual, Financial, Spiritual, Social, Emotional, Environmental, Physical. Identify if there are specific areas you want to grow in or presently address. Which next steps best get you to where you want to go? 

4. Embody intentionality. Carefully examine your identified next steps and notice what external or internal support, if any, is needed. What additional tools, resources, or help do you need to make your journey possible? 

5. Strengthen your self-awareness for times you feel lost. Practices like journaling, meditation, and building self-compassion help us pay close attention to thoughts, feelings, and actions in the present moment. By checking in regularly with our intentions, we are sure to stay the course. What routines and practices support you reaching your long-term goals?

6. Inspire intention: Recognize the stages others are at on their journey, and encourage them to keep moving forward with self-awareness and purpose at the helm. What deliberate action(s) can you take as an individual to help others live more according to their values?

Chart your course with your heart as your compass and your dreams as waypoints. Through deliberate and clear intentions, we not only take care of ourselves and reach our goals, but encourage others in our lives to do the same. Consequently, we can lead a life that is not only intentional, but also inspiring. Together, we can commit to a culture of care that leads to a fuller sense of wellbeing and purpose for all.

“I like you as you are

Exactly and precisely

I think you turned out nicely

And I like you as you are”

– Fred Rogers ’50

In our last week examining Brave Connections, we will explore self-acceptance as an act of courage. Fred Rogers ’50 wrote the song “I Like You As You Are” (1968) and many others to help the child in each of us grasp just how worthy and lovable we are for doing nothing sensational other than being ourselves. But a lesser-known fact is that even the amazing Mister Rogers himself wrestled with self-acceptance, and it is believed that the songs he wrote about self-respect were indeed personal mantras. As we stride bravely into the unfamiliar territory of self-acceptance, know that this undertaking will require us to face and embrace our true selves—all the strengths and vulnerabilities that come with— without judgment or criticism. Herein lies our true challenge.

There are many ways to practice self-acceptance. Here are just a few to get you started:

1. Face vulnerabilities and practice non-judgement. It takes courage to acknowledge our shortfalls. But it takes even more to face them with curiosity and open-mindedness. Practicing non-judgment ultimately means we are refraining from labeling thoughts or experiences as “good” or “bad” and are instead approaching them with an acceptance and a willingness to explore. Try this Headspace suggestion for exploring and overcoming Doubt. Or this one for Manifesting Compassion. Use a SWC guided meditation practice to Label Thoughts as they arise. By using the language of non-judgement, we can silence our inner critics and kickstart the empowering process of loving ourselves unconditionally.

2. Challenge societal expectations. Recognize how societal expectations (i.e. gender roles, educational achievement, career success, physical appearance, etc.) can be imposed on us by our loved ones and the larger spheres of influence around us. These standards can be internalized and pose as damaging to our feelings of self-worth as they are often unrealistic and force upon us unrealistic ideals of perfection. Defying conformity is not only brave but an essential way for us to honor ourselves authentically. Release comparison. Present yourself honestly to others. Cherish your unique journey.

3. Choose love over fear. Ultimately, self-acceptance is a choice we make. And while everyone’s journey to self-acceptance is different, one thing remains true: the decision to love ourselves is a harder one to make than succumbing to fear and self-criticism. Though choosing to embrace self-love and humanity is a difficult endeavor, Fred conveyed its significance in his address to Dartmouth graduates: “I’m talking about that part of you that knows that life is far more than anything you can ever see, or hear, or touch. That deep part of you, that allows you to stand for those things, without which humankind cannot survive. Love that conquers hate. Peace that rises triumphant over war. And justice that proves more powerful than greed.”

Self-acceptance is a transformative journey that empowers you to live fully and authentically. Along the way, you may bolster your emotional wellbeing, resilience, and your ability to connect more genuinely with those around you. As we dive into finals week, you may find yourself under greater pressure than normal. Now is as good a time as any to practice accepting yourself fully, no matter what happens externally. And if it helps, try repeating the wise and centering words of Mister Rogers: “I like you as you are.”

As we travel further into the unfamiliar territory of ‘Brave Connections,’ we will introduce a tool that helps us to differentiate between knowing whether the new ideas we encounter are challenging and exciting to us or draining and worrisome. This week, we are zooming in on our “Stretch Zone,”* a term for the space beyond our “Comfort Zone,” in which learning, growth, and transformation can occur. When we connect courageously with new ideas, new people, and new perspectives, we are actively engaged. We might feel anxious, uneasy, inspired, or exhilarated, all the while remaining in a grounding and present state. But these strong emotions can walk a fine line. They may even tip us into the “Overwhelm Zone,” or into a place of panic and disconnectedness. Follow these tips for engaging in brave connections in a manner that maintains our ability to be engaged and challenged, while also confident and grounded.

The Dartmouth community is full of opportunities for each of us to slide into our stretch zones. In fact, our campus is teeming with possibilities for encountering diverse people, cultures, and perspectives! By knowing our comfort zone, recognizing when we are in an appropriate place to stretch and learn, and courageously stepping into the unfamiliar, we are setting ourselves up for continued growth and personal enrichment.

Reflection Question:

What are some ways I have stepped outside my comfort zone this term? What do I notice about my emotions or my physical state of being when I am being “stretched”?

*Inspired by terminology developed by the Mindfulness Institute for Emerging Adults

Written by Alleah Schweitzer

Welcome back to the Summer of Reflection with the Student Wellness Center! Summer term is winding to a close soon and with it, our journey guiding you to reflect on your roots of wellness. As we forge ahead in self-exploration, we pause to gently turn our attention to our Spiritual Root of Wellness, examining the ways in which we may cultivate a sense of purpose, inner peace, and connect to that which is greater than ourselves.

Here are just a few ideas to try in our efforts to nourish our spiritual wellbeing as students:

1. Practicing Self Awareness & Gratitude – Dedicate time towards the practice of introspection. Try breath awareness as a means of practicing self-reflection in a non-judgmental manner. Try yoga to help you remain in the present moment and to develop a deeper sense of inner awareness. Engage gratitude to develop a sense of appreciation for the blessings you do have in your life.

Reflect on your spiritual wellness: What are the values and beliefs you hold closely and how do they contribute to the deeper aspects of your life’s purpose?

2. Through our Connections with Nature – The time we spend in nature can spark a sense of wonder and interconnectedness. Whether we are heading to class, hiking through Pine Park, or simply appreciating the natural beauty in the sensations around us every day, connecting with nature can provide space for spiritual nourishment. And even if you can’t get outside, check out Headspace for a nature inspired getaway.

Reflect on your spiritual wellness: How might you already be connecting with nature in your day-to-day routine?

3. Through Meaningful and Brave Connections with Others – Connecting with those around you who share similar values and beliefs can help you engage in conversations that investigate and further define your spiritual identity. Consider joining a campus community or group that aligns with your spiritual traditions or interests. Attend an Interfaith Dinner for widening your exposure to different worldviews and carving out space for deepening your self-awareness and interfaith understanding. Seek confidential pastoral counseling for questions of faith, life issues, the loss of a loved one, and more.

Reflect on your spiritual wellness: What is one step I can take today to connect with others?

4. Engaging in Service and Giving – Participate in acts of kindness in your immediate Dartmouth community and beyond. Service to others, or causes greater than ourselves, can help us better define our sense of purpose and find fulfillment. Check out the Center for Social Impact on ways to get involved in a wide range of service-oriented engagements.

Reflect on your spiritual wellness: What can you do, in your own way, to give back to your community?

Reflecting on spiritual wellness is a personal journey only YOU can take—what resonates and is meaningful to you will differ from the needs of others. We invite you to regularly, and kindly, check in on all the ways you can continue deepening your connection to your beliefs and values. Our spiritual selves are ever evolving with time and new experiences. But the more habitually we can turn our attention to fostering spiritual wellness, the better equipped we can be to contribute, positively, to our personal and collective wellbeing.

Until next week,

Alleah Schweitzer
Student Wellness Center Wellbeing Program Coordinator

Post written by Alleah Schweitzer

Welcome back to the Student Wellness Center’s Summer of Reflection! As we explore our Roots of Wellbeing, we dedicate time and space to bringing awareness to each of the dimensions of our wellness, paying attention to the areas that deplete or fortify us. Along the way, we will pause and reflect, and equip ourselves with attitudes of kindness, patience, and curiosity. In this week’s reflection, we will explore our Environmental Root of Wellbeing and our capacity to feel renewed, balanced, and awakened by engaging with our natural surroundings.

It was only a few months ago that I was sitting on a snowbank alongside the roaring Big Wood River, less than a mile from my old home in Idaho. May was here and yet, the typical signs of spring were not. The past winter had been one for the record books. In fact, over five feet of snow still blanketed much of the region. Summer being around the corner felt as improbable as the notion of ever wearing a t-shirt again.

Despite the snow, I resolved to sit by the river that day— it was, in theory, spring. After post-holing a taxing quarter mile to the riverbank, I laid down a picnic blanket atop the snow crust. My mind was far away, spinning with worries about the things I still needed to do, and I could feel my pulse quicken as I bemoaned another cold, lifeless day. Every fiber of my being longed for the days of flip flops, bonfires, and juicy watermelon. 

Noticing that my worries weren’t serving me at that moment, I slowed my breath and directed my attention, instead, to my surroundings. My eyes caught the sunshine and the shadows of dancing, bare tree branches, which were projected like a filmstrip onto the white screen of snow at my feet. This movie played to the soundtrack of a raging torrent, thundering off the mountains and snaking past me into the valley below. Beneath the river’s song was the delicate rhythm of snow itself, clicking and dripping, as it melted. My nose detected sweet, earthy wafts of thawing leaves and pinecones. The numbing chill of the frozen landscape crept through my sweater and I, at last, tasted the light crispness of clean spring air. 

“Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts. There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature– the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after winter.” – Rachel Carson

The relationship I developed with my own backyard in that moment is something we can all try. We don’t even need a riverbank to do it! Here are some ways we can work towards becoming more rooted in our relationships with the environment: 

1. Practice land acknowledgement— Long before Dartmouth College was established, Indigenous nations like the Abenaki have been in relationship with the land. Land acknowledgements help us to recognize the longstanding history that has brought us all to reside on and learn on this land, including recognizing the enslaved and disenfranchised Black and Indigenous peoples who helped build Hanover, Dartmouth, and surrounding infrastructure. Bring mindfulness to our present participation in colonization and acknowledge the privilege we have in occupying this space.
   
   
2. Find nature wherever you are— Whether we are observing a ladybug on a blade of grass, a robin flitting past our window, or the warmth of sunshine on our skin heading to class, nature surrounds us and is always ready to be discovered. Dartmouth’s campus has ample spaces for the enjoyment of nature. Find a quiet place in nature and revisit it many times of year, at different times of day, alone and with others.
   
   
3. Use all of your senses and engage your curiosity in natural settings– Forest bathing, or “shinrin-yoku,” involves immersing yourself fully in a natural environment. This practice can provide many health benefits, including reducing stress and even lead to higher feelings of body appreciation. Find a quiet spot and try these tips for Forest Bathing.
   
   
4. Learn to recognize and manage eco-anxiety– As our relationships with nature deepen, we can experience feelings of grief, guilt, and despair at the recognition of environmental degradation and climate change. Use a mindfulness practice with Headspace to regulate your nervous system. Process feelings in a non-judgmental space by connecting with a counselor or setting up a Wellness Check In.
   
   
5. Take bold action– Mitigate feelings of eco-anxiety by making our voices and opinions known. Take this poll to help generate ideas and energy for student-led intersectional climate action on campus. Looking for other ways to take action on campus? Check out Dartlist or visit the Free Market thrift store (basement of North Mass) instead of buying new. Embrace sustainable bike culture. Volunteer at the O-farm.
   

Spring did eventually arrive. In fact, it was unfolding right before me on that riverbank (even if I was *sigh* wearing a turtleneck). I will never forget the understanding that came when I realized spring was something that I could participate in, rather than waiting for it to happen to me. My time on the riverbank, while only a few minutes long, provided me a sense of surety and renewal I never thought possible from noticing something as simple as the change of seasons. As I fell deeper into appreciating what many outdoor enthusiasts refer to as “shoulder season” or “off-season,” I found myself connected to an unlikely time of year, and with it, this planet and the natural beauty that is all around us every day.

Until next week,

Alleah Schweitzer
Student Wellness Center Wellbeing Program Coordinator