Monthly Archives: March 2023

Managing Anger

Posted on by

By: Alejandra Malaga Walters, Francis College of Engineering Well-being Leader

Do you ever feel so angry that you can’t control yourself? Anger is a completely normal human emotion. But when it gets out of control and turns destructive, it can lead to problems—personal problems, problems at work, personal relationships, and overall quality of life.

Anger can be caused by both external and internal events. You could be angry at a specific person (such as a coworker or supervisor) or event (traffic, a canceled flight), or your anger could be caused by worrying about your personal problems.

People handle their anger in different ways, depending on the intensity of angry feelings. If you find yourself acting in ways that seem out of control and frightening, you might need help finding better ways to deal with this emotion.

There are three most common processes to deal with angry feelings: expressing, suppressing, and calming. Expressing your angry feelings in an assertive—not aggressive—way is the healthiest way to express anger. To do this, you have to learn how to make clear what you need, and how to tell people around you without hurting them. Being assertive means being respectful of yourself and others.

A great way to express your feelings in an assertive way is by changing the way you think. Angry people tend to curse, swear, or speak in terms that reflect their inner thoughts. When you’re angry, your thinking can get very exaggerated and overly dramatic. Try replacing these thoughts with more rational ones, and then, if you can, try to look for a solution to fix the problem. For instance, instead of telling yourself, “Oh, it’s awful, it’s terrible, everything’s ruined,” tell yourself, “It’s frustrating, and it’s understandable that I’m upset about it, but it’s not the end of the world and getting angry is not going to fix it anyhow.” Remind yourself that getting angry is not going to fix anything, that it won’t make you feel better, and it may actually make you feel worse.

Anger can be suppressed too. This happens when you hold in your anger, stop thinking about it, and focus on something positive. The aim is to inhibit or suppress your anger and convert it into more constructive behavior. However, in order to use this technique, you need to release your anger by expressing it in an assertive way when you are calmer because if you don’t express it, your anger can turn inward on you. 

Finally, you can calm down inside. This means not just controlling your outward behavior, but also controlling your internal responses. Simple relaxation tools, such as deep breathing and relaxing imagery, can help calm down angry feelings. Also, take steps to lower your heart rate, calm yourself down, and let the feelings subside. Sometimes it’s better to accept what happened and not pay any more attention to it. People who can remain calm inside don’t let small things ruin their day and their mood.

Feeling anger is completely normal, but it’s important to find healthy ways to express it. Knowing how to express anger in appropriate ways can help you manage your emotions and reach your goals.

Source: Control anger before it controls you (apa.org)

What exactly is Social Wellbeing?

Posted on by

By: Pre’Yelle Grinkley, Fine Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences Well-being Leader

The quality of our social connections and relationships, and our ability to interact with and contribute to our communities, are all indicators of our social wellbeing. It is a fundamental part of total well-being and has a great impact on our psychological health. Social well-being can refer to a variety of factors, including:

1. Relationships: The richness and quality of our personal relationships, which include family, friends, and romantic partners.

2. Social support: The availability and level of help we receive from our social network, particularly during stressful or crisis situations.

3. Community involvement: Our level of participation in and contribution to our local community, which includes volunteering, civic activities, and cultural events.

4. Communication: The quality of our interactions with others, including listening skills, conflict resolution, and the ability to effectively express ourselves.

5. Belonging: The sense of being related to and welcomed by our social network and the larger community

Figure 1

Preserving and improving social well-being involves effort and attention, such as actively seeking out social connections and opportunities for community involvement, practicing excellent communication skills, and prioritizing self-care to ensure that we can better connect with others. Social well-being is an important component of overall health and can help people find meaning and fulfillment in their lives.

Figure 2

From my personal experience, having positive and supportive relationships with family and friends can provide a sense of security and belonging and can help us cope with stress and challenges in our lives. Being a student at UMass Lowell, I am separated from my close friends and family, on whom I would normally rely for encouragement, support, and compassion. I must intentionally reach out to my loved ones to let them know that I need them because of our distance and time apart.

For example, when midterm exams arrive, I am overwhelmed with pressure and worry, causing me to lose sight of the broader picture at times. All the tension causes me to panic and lose confidence. In these cases, I require the most support. It’s essential for us as students to maintain our social interactions because, in most situations, students have hectic schedules and can’t physically visit their families as frequently as they’d want, which can lead to feelings of loneliness or isolation. Living in a dorm with strangers or new faces might exacerbate feelings of loneliness since you may not be able to confide in your roommate on such a personal level. Because they don’t know who you are on that level, your roommate or classmates won’t be able to discern when you’re in need of compassion. This is another reason why it is critical to retain close ties while simultaneously making new strong connections to have diverse sources of support. The more love and support students receive, the better we do at our universities.

The negative effects of social isolation and lack of connection are great reasons why it is important to prioritize social well-being and try to maintain and strengthen our relationships and connections with others. Humans are social beings, and we need social connections to thrive. When we isolate ourselves from others, we can experience a range of negative outcomes like feelings of sadness, anxiety, and depression.

Participating in social activities and events, for example, helps maintain social bonds. Even small social interactions, such as a friendly chat with a classmate or a quick catch-up call with a friend, can have a positive impact on our health and well-being. Being involved in our community, whether through volunteer work, club sports, student government, or other forms of

engagement, can help us feel connected and valued, and can contribute to a sense of purpose and meaning. Therefore, the next time you’re feeling isolated or seclusive reach out to a classmate for lunch, initiate a study time with your new connection, or make time for an event on campus to recharge your social battery.

Sources:

Figure 1: https://www.wellzesta.com/products/connect/

Figure 2: https://www.tajbank.com/

Info: What Is Social Wellbeing? 12+ Activities for Social Wellness (positivepsychology.com)

Info: What is Social Wellbeing | Student Wellbeing (bu.edu)

The Significance of Fitness

Posted on by

By: Pre’Yelle Grinkley, Fine Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences Well-being Leader 

Fitness is an important part of overall well-being. Integrating regular physical activity and exercise into your daily routine may have a wide range of positive effects on your health and well-being, as well as help you live a better life. Whether it’s going for a daily walk, taking a fitness class, or engaging in a team sport, finding ways to be physically active every day can have a positive impact on your physical, mental, and emotional health. When we talk about wellness, we refer to the state of being in good health, both physically and mentally. Fitness, on the other hand, refers to the ability to perform physical activity or exercise. Regular exercise and physical activity have been shown to have numerous health benefits, including:  

1. Improved cardiovascular health: Exercise helps to strengthen the heart and improve blood flow throughout the body.  

2. Better respiratory function: Regular physical activity can increase lung capacity and improve respiratory function.  

3. Increased strength and endurance: Exercise can improve muscle strength and endurance, making it easier to perform daily activities.  

4. Improved mental health: Exercise has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, improve mood, and boost cognitive function.  

5. Better sleep: Regular physical activity can help to improve the quality and duration of sleep.  

Incorporating fitness into your daily routine can help you to maintain and improve your overall wellness. By staying physically active, you can reduce your risk of developing chronic conditions such as obesity, heart disease, and diabetes, and improve your overall quality of life.  

Beginners should start with low-impact, non-strengthening activities before progressing to more rigorous workouts. Walking and yoga are two low-impact activities that may be done anywhere. Both burn calories, decrease stress, and enhance cardiovascular health. Additional forms of exercise include cycling, swimming, and bodyweight workouts such as push-ups, squats, and lunges. If you don’t think you can do it alone, you can always join forces with a supportive buddy or consult with a skilled personal trainer or exercise specialist who can help build a program that is safe and effective for your specific goals and fitness level. The idea is to pick an activity that you love and that fits into your schedule so that it becomes a habit that you can stick with. If you are new to exercising or have any health problems, it is important to begin carefully and gradually increase the intensity and duration of your physical activity for a better experience at life. Whether you are on campus or not, you can take advantage of the activities and services offered at the Campus Recreation Center for physical health.  

Sources:  

Benefits of Physical Activity | Physical Activity | CDC  

Exercise: 7 benefits of regular physical activity – Mayo Clinic 

Ramadan and the Benefits of Fasting

Posted on by

by: Doa Jamal, Francis College of Engineering Well-being Leader

Ramadan is the holy month for Muslims (the 9th month of the Islamic lunar calendar) where Muslims fast, no eating or drinking (no, no even water!), each day from sunrise to sunset. This year, Ramadan starts on March 22nd with the first day of fasting being March 23rd. Muslims fast during the month of Ramadan as a major act of worship. It is one of the five foundational pillars of Islam (the religion). By restricting the body’s appetites during daylight hours, Muslims renew their spirituality, repair their religious conscience, and improve their devotion to God. Another reason Muslims fast is to practice mindfulness and be grateful to Allah (SWT) (Also known as God, the same God as the other two Abrahamic religions) for all that they have. Fasting all day makes people grateful for all that they have, especially food and water, which many people in other countries do not have. Ramadan, the holy month of worship, also encourages Muslims to make changes for the better by switching their habits for a month. They are more likely to keep the good habits after the holy month is done. For example, lying and backbiting are sins but they are still commonly done. By practicing not to do these during the holy month, good behavior is encouraged to not be done at all.  

Fasting is not just a religious thing only limited to Islam. Many people fast for other reasons such as for their religion, health-related reasons, to increase their spirituality, and more.

Fasting has both physical and spiritual benefits. When fasting, by denying the body of its physical basic need for food, the individual instead focuses not on their body but their faith and spirituality. Spiritual benefits include: purifying the soul, inspiring self-reflection, increasing empathy and good deeds, and being better attuned to the world around you. 

There is growing research that supports fasting being healthy and having many health benefits:

1. Fasting promotes blood sugar control by decreasing blood sugar levels and reducing insulin resistance. 

2. Fasting promotes better health by fighting inflammation. Some studies have found that fasting may reduce multiple markers of inflammation and be useful in treating inflammatory conditions.

3. Fasting is associated with a lower risk of coronary heart disease and could help lower blood pressure, triglycerides, and cholesterol levels.  

4. Fasting could boost brain function and prevent neurodegenerative disorders. Animal studies have shown that fasting could improve brain function, increase nerve cell synthesis, and protect against neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s. 

5. Fasting can help weight loss by limiting calorie intake and increasing metabolism. 

6. Fasting increases growth hormone secretion, which is important for growth, metabolism, weight loss, and muscle strength. 

7. Fasting may extend longevity. Animal studies have found that fasting could delay aging and increase longevity, however, there is a lack of human research on this topic so far.

8. Fasting could help in cancer prevention and treatment. Some animal and test-tube studies reveal that fasting may block tumor development and increase the effectiveness of chemotherapy.

Other health benefits can include: increasing cognitive performance, protecting from obesity and associated chronic diseases, improving overall fitness, and decreasing the risk of metabolic diseases.

Since fasting has a major impact on an individual’s health, certain populations should avoid fasting. Individuals who are underweight, struggling with weight gain, at risk for an eating disorder, pregnant, or breastfeeding should avoid fasting. People, especially the elderly, with health conditions such as diabetes, kidney problems, or heart disease are not recommended to fast. It is not recommended to fast if you have necessary medication to take. If you’re considering fasting, talk with your health care provider first. 

In Islam, all healthy, able-bodied, and of-age Muslims must observe the holy month and fast the entire month of Ramadan. Children who haven’t reached puberty, pregnant women, nursing mothers, women experiencing their menstruation cycle, individuals who are traveling, and people with health conditions are exempt from fasting during the month but must make it later if they are able to. 

Now that you know a little about Ramadan, you can celebrate and exchange greetings with your Muslim friends by saying “Ramadan Kareem,” which translates into “Have a generous Ramadan,” or “Ramadan Mubarak,” which roughly translates into “Happy Ramadan.” After the holy month is done, the next day is the Islamic holiday, Eid-al-Fitr. The greeting changes to “Eid Mubarak!” to celebrate the efforts made throughout the holy month.

Ramadan Mubarak everyone!

Sources:

  1. https://yaqeeninstitute.org/what-islam-says-about/ramadan 
  2. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/fasting-benefits 
  3. https://www.bouldermedicalcenter.com/intermittent-fasting-and-health/ 
  4. https://www.healthyhildegard.com/spiritual-fasting/#:~:text=The%20practice%20of%20spiritual%20fasting%20builds%20focus%20and%20awareness.,want%20or%20think%20you%20need. 
  5. https://centerfordiscovery.com/blog/the-dangers-of-intermittent-fasting/#:~:text=Individuals%20who%20are%20underweight%2C%20struggling,daily%20basis%20for%20proper%20development. 
  6. https://zerolongevity.com/blog/should-you-avoid-fasting/#:~:text=Fasting%20is%20not%20recommended%20in,properly%20taking%20their%20medication%3B%20who

Stress & How to Effectively Manage It

Posted on by

By: Fajr Zahid, Zuckerberg College of Health Sciences Well-being Leader

Stress, which is defined as a state of mental strain due to adverse or demanding
circumstances, is an important health topic that affects the daily lives of many people.
We all experience feelings of stress at some point in our lives, so it is crucial to learn
how to manage symptoms of stress before they become detrimental to our health and
well-being. At this point in the academic year, it is understandable that a lot of us are
beginning to feel high levels of stress or anxiety due to the workload that is beginning
to pile up as we approach the end of Spring semester. In addition to school and
academics, stress can also be brought on by a magnitude of other factors, such as
social relationships (family, friends, romantic partner, etc.), insufficient income, and
other day-to-day responsibilities that one must carry out. It is important to remember,
however, that there are a variety of activities, behaviors, and attitudes that can be
engaged in in order to help alleviate symptoms of stress before they become more
difficult to manage. Below I have listed some important facts, reminders and strategies
in order to help combat stress and bring a sense of peace during this demanding
period of time for many.


Stress may look different for each individual, but there are certain symptoms
associated with this state of health. Some physical symptoms of stress include
exhaustion or trouble sleeping, chest pain, high blood pressure, digestive problems,
and a weakened immune system. Emotional symptoms can include feelings of anxiety
or irritability, depression, panic attacks, and sadness. Stress levels may vary
depending on the severity of the circumstances one is experiencing, as well as one’s
ability to manage symptoms of stress.
Oftentimes, people engage in unhealthy coping mechanisms in order to overcome
symptoms of stress, whether it be intentional or unintentional. Examples of this include
turning to substances such as alcohol or marijuana in order to suppress one’s feelings,
compulsive behavior (such as overspending), or overeating/developing an eating
disorder as a method of stress relief. Although in the moment it may feel as though you
are reducing your stress by engaging in behaviors such as these, it is very important to
remember their negative impacts on physical and emotional health. In fact, they may
ultimately worsen feelings of stress and further overwhelm your mind and your body.
There are many stress-relieving activities that can be practiced to help combat stress
symptoms and calm yourself physically and mentally during an overwhelming period of
time. Some of these activities include:


● Engaging in physical activity/exercise (this increases the amount of endorphins
in your body, boosting feelings of well-being!)
● Eating a healthy and sufficient diet – aim to incorporate fruits and vegetables into
your meals when you can
● Meditating – this is a great way to relax yourself and take your mind off of things
that are bringing you stress
● Socializing – surround yourself with uplifting people who will support you during
stressful times; social contact can be a great stress reliever and it helps to
distract yourself from worrying thoughts
● Getting enough sleep – this has a great impact on mood, levels of energy, and
ability to concentrate, all of which are very important factors in combating
stress, especially if it is related to academics
● Listening to music – this can help to relieve feelings of stress by reducing tension
in your muscles and decreasing stress hormones
● Seeking counseling/therapy – if you find yourself really struggling to cope with
stress that you are experiencing, and if other self-care methods are not proving
to be helpful, consider seeking a counselor or therapist; they can help you
identify the source(s) of stress in your life and provide different techniques or
therapeutic methods in order to bring about a sense of balance and stress-relief
within your life

UMass Lowell offers free counseling services in order to help students
who are struggling with issues such as stress. Visit this website in order
to learn more about the UML Counseling Center, and to book an
appointment: https://www.uml.edu/student-services/counseling/


For those of you who find yourselves feeling stressed or overwhelmed, remember that
you are more than capable of overcoming these feelings. I hope you found this blog
post helpful, and that you learned some useful stress-relieving strategies that can be
implemented into your life to improve your overall health and well-being! 🙂


https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/11874-stress
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress-relievers/art-20047257

A Bittersweet End

Posted on by

By: Casey Tiernan, Zuckerberg College of Health Sciences Well-being Leader

If I can describe my time in college with one word, it would be bittersweet. I have never been so ready to graduate but also nervous for what the future holds for me. I have had quite the journey over the past five years in college.

I started my journey in 2018 at Merrimack College as a rehabilitation major with a dream to pursue physical therapy. I did well in classes and loved shadowing physical therapists. However, by early sophomore year, I had a tough time mentally as I found out my mom had cancer and my parents separated soon after. I moved home to commute to school and take care of my mom because she was and still is my best friend. I realized I did not have many friends and wasn’t in love with the major as much as I thought I was. By mid-sophomore year, Covid-19 hit and I realized over my quarantine I was not happy there and wanted to transfer to UMass Lowell. I applied and got in as an exercise science major. I soon discovered once I started here, I had a hard time with the science courses over Zoom. I started to really struggle and got super defeated within myself. I decided to take a leap and switch my major to nutrition, and instantly found it was not for me. As a junior, I switched into Public Health and realized this was the path for me. I started on the health sciences pathway but switched to the community health pathway. After this, I found out I would not graduate in 2022 like expected which really got to my head. This was due various factors such as covid, transferring schools, and switching majors numerous times. I had to tell myself, “I am where I am meant to be.” I decided to focus hard on my studies and not worry about my graduation year. I was happy with my major and I knew I would get to the end goal.

Fast forward to today. I am currently a month away from my bachelor’s graduation, FINALLY. I honestly always loved going to school since I was a kid, but it is a bittersweet feeling to say I finally did it. But I wouldn’t be where I am today without my mom. Throughout my entire college journey from all my struggles and successes, she was there. She attended every award ceremony, every choir concert, and every sports game. She pushed me to always try my hardest (without pushing myself too hard). I cannot wait to walk the stage next month and have my mom see how far I have come.

Although I am graduating, this fall, I will be starting my Master’s in public health to expand my knowledge and skills. I look forward to this next chapter in my life!

If I can give any advice for students: remember, it is okay to change your major and not be on the same path as you were when you started college. Everyone is destined for their own path, and you can achieve anything you put your mind to! Don’t get discouraged if you struggle, it’s how you take that struggle and overcome it that matters most.

Hair care- Is your hair damaged? This is how you can repair it.

Posted on by

By: Angel Molekunnel, Manning School of Business Well-being Leader

Many people dream of having beautiful, flowy hair. However, for many of us, that is not the case. According to the Head & Shoulders poll, more than half (57%) of women in the United States feel their hair is damaged.

There are several reasons why your hair may be damaged. Chemical treatments such as hair color, relaxers, and perms can weaken the hair and make it brittle. Sunlight, wind and pollution may harm all hair over time. Excessive hair washing or the use of strong shampoos can strip the hair of its natural oils, causing dryness and damage. A diet deficient in key elements such as protein, vitamins, and minerals can result in weak and damaged hair. Some people are inclined to have weaker or more brittle hair due to genetics. Hair can become brittle and fragile due to medical problems such as hypothyroidism.

The best part of haircare is that hair damage can always be reversed.: To do this, select products that are appropriate for your hair type and needs. Look for shampoos, conditioners, and styling products that are free of harsh chemicals and sulfates, as these can strip your hair of its natural oils.

Split ends can be removed to protect the hair and encourage healthy development. Seek products designed particularly for damaged hair and avoid ones that include harsh chemicals such as sulfates and parabens. Heat may make damaged hair worse. Use a heat protectant spray if you must use heat-styling instruments such as flat irons or curling wands. A weekly deep conditioning treatment can assist in the repair and restoration of damaged hair. To protect your hair from UV rays, wear a hat or use a UV-protected leave-in conditioner. To avoid tangling or breaking hair, use a wide-tooth comb or a brush with soft bristles. Consider seeing a hair stylist for a professional treatment or trim if your hair is severely damaged.

Here are some hair care products I recommend for bleached, oily hair (my hair type) that I incorporate into my hair care routine.

Shampoo- Redken Bonding Shampoo (Damaged hair with split ends)

Fanola No-Yellow Purple Shampoo (To tone brassy blonde hair)

Conditioner– Paul Mitchell Condition (makes hair so soft)

Hair serum– Moroccanoil Treatment, Olaplex No.7 Bonding Oil]

Hair oil– Amla Indian Hair oil, Castor oil, Rosemary oil

Heat protector- Fantasia High Potency IC Heat Protector Straightening Serum

Citations-

● Damaged hair epidemic: Head & shoulders® answers the S.O.S. call. Damaged Hair Epidemic: Head& Shoulders® Answers the S.O.S. Call | Procter & Gamble News. (n.d.). Retrieved March 15, 2023 from https://news.pg.com/news-releases/news-details/2013/Damaged-Hair-Epidemic-Head–Shoulders-Answers-the-S.O.S.-Call/default.aspx#:~:text=The%20Head%20%26%20Shoulders%20survey%20found,into%20a%20ponytail%20(45%25)

● Ferreira, M. (2019, March 8). How to repair damaged hair: Common causes and treatments. Healthline. Retrieved March 15, 2023, from https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/how-to-repair-damaged-hair#hair-dye

● Tips for healthy hair. American Academy of Dermatology. (n.d.). Retrieved March 15, 2023

Spring Cleaning

Posted on by

By: Casey Tiernan, Zuckerberg College of Health Sciences Well-being Leader

Are you ready for the warm spring weather? Me too! One thing I love about the upcoming Spring season is doing a clean out to start fresh. Spring cleaning is important and can positively impact your well-being!

Spring cleaning can help reduce stress, increase productivity, and lead to better focus. Cluttered areas tend to spike stress levels which I can definitely say I’ve dealt with. When my room is messy, I feel overwhelmed and push off my tasks. It also puts me in an agitated, depressed mood. According to an article, “the process of sorting through items, reorganizing, and getting rid of excess items can be mentally refreshing and liberating” (Akers). I feel so refreshed after going through all my clothes because I don’t wear half of them and they just pile in my closet making me feel very stressed every morning. Clutter has significant effects on your ability to focus and be productive. When you are less distracted by chaos surrounding your area, you can free up mental space that can allow for greater concentration on tasks. A tidy, fresh smelling environment can naturally boost endorphins in the brain and improve energy levels (Berzin). I have seen improvements in my productivity once I cleaned up my room where I tend to do most of my schoolwork.

You can also do a spring cleaning of your mind. For me, this looks like a break from social media and spending time with myself and my well-being. I like to do self care such as my skin care, reading, and taking walks in the newly Spring weather. This can look different for everyone but it is important to ‘clean your mind’ of any winter blues.

A clean environment also leads to a number of health benefits as it can strengthen your immune system and help avoid illnesses. Nobody wants to be sick when the warm weather comes! Clean homes can help you breathe better by preventing respiratory issues and supporting a healthy immune system. My nose is prone to get stuffy often from dust, so I make sure to do a deep spring-cleaning wiping down every area in my room followed by vacuuming the floor. “Dust, mold, mildew, pet fur, etc. can trigger people who are prone to allergies” (Akers). Another way I clean my area is by washing all my sheets and bedding because I love sleeping on fresh sheets. It feels amazing when you put on fresh, warm sheets that smell good, it’s rejuvenating and can promote a good night’s sleep.

Spring cleaning has the power to motivate us to reset or try out a healthier lifestyle. Studies have shown there is a correlation between keeping a clean environment and being active and choosing healthier food options (Akers). When the warm weather comes, I love to open my windows to take in some fresh air, which then leads me to want to go outside and walk. Taking a brisk walk outside is great for your physical health and allows you to be active. Exercise lowers the risk for development of many chronic diseases. Cleaning your home just by 30 minutes of vacuuming can burn up to 111 calories for men and 94 for women (Berzin). Being active and eating right help reduce the risk of injury as well. A clean environment can help prevent injuries such as tripping over cluttered spaces as well as preventing a fire hazard.

I have started my countdown for Spring because I am ready to declutter my space and improve my well-being. Overall, cleaning encourages a healthier lifestyle. Will you join for a spring cleaning?

https://www.healthline.com/health-news/5-health-benefits-of-spring-cleaning

https://www.parsleyhealth.com/blog/health-benefits-spring-cleaning/

Profile Of Neal Klein 

Posted on by

By: Fahad Alden, Fine Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences Well-being Leader

Neal Klein smiling sitting in a rocking chair with a window behind him.

As a young college student, Neal Klein was confused about what to do. He had failed two classes and knew his major was not for him. Looking at his transcript, Klein noticed he had one B, which was in psychology. At that point, Klein began his journey in that field. 

Holistic psychology is what Neal Klein researches, teaches, and lives. He describes it as “life philosophy.” Holistic psychology focuses on different areas of a person and how they are interconnected. For example, a holistic counselor will examine their clients’ spiritual, environmental, psychological, and physical characteristics. Also, Klein has authored two books centered around holistic psychology. Recently Klein has been trying to reach new audiences with his YouTube channel Trance- Ending Times, with over 200 subscribers. 

What drew him into psychology was his deep curiosity to understand human behavior. However, he was rejected from six different graduate schools before he decided to take a break. He decided to take a gap year and work as a freelance photographer. 

Boston University graduate school accepted him. Part of his graduate program was working as an assistant teacher, where he found his calling to be a professor. He became an assistant professor of holistic psychology at Lesley University in Cambridge, Massachusetts. As a professor, Klein focused on counseling, holistic health, and cross-cultural psychology. He would later work as a full-time professor and have his own private counseling practice for over 30 years.

While working as a professor, Klein has formed great bonds with his students. David Roos, a graduate of Lesley University and Klein’s former student, credited Klein for being the most impactful professor he has had. Roos said, “Klein is a professor who truly cares about building relationships with students, and it comes through in how he speaks with them and not at them.” Roos said Klein often tells his students to call him Neal instead of Dr. Klein, creating a comfortable and open class environment. 

Cacky Mellor was just a senior in high school when she met Klein during orientation day at Lesley University while he was presenting the holistic psychology program. He left a great impression on Mellor and became her mentor, so much so that she said that Klein inspired her work now as a professor at Lesley University and as the person she is today. 

One of the things Mellor enjoyed most was class discussion. She said, “In class, he always wanted students to take what they learned and apply those tools to their lives.” Mellor noted that Klein wanted to see what impassioned his students. He wanted to embolden them with tools of holistic psychology rather than lecturing in class concerning what he believed.

Klein incorporates experiential learning into the courses he instructs. He described one assignment where students teach concepts from his self-authored textbook,  Me, Myself and Mindfulness, to their friends and family. This assignment aims to take the ideas the students learn inside the classroom and helps them share the knowledge with other people.   

Besides his work as a holistic psychology professor, Klein is also well-known for teaching West Coast Swing dance courses. The course is offered to Lesley University students of any major to take. Many of Klein’s students who were not psychology majors met Klein through his swing dance class. Klein acknowledges that the course structure is unique because it has a wide range of different materials incorporated together. These elements include physiology, anatomy, and mindfulness studies. The course size ranges from 30-40 students. In 2011 Klein also co-founded a swing dance group called The Dancing Fools, which occurs every Wednesday night and averages 125 students per night. 

“On the surface,” Klein’s former student David Roos said, “West Coast Swing dance seems easy, but the dance is filled with spins and  fun movements. It is a high-intensity dance, and people often ‘sweat bullets’ after finishing it.” Nevertheless, Klein often outdoes the 20-year-olds at dance venues despite his age. 

When Klein is asked what he enjoyed the most about swing dancing, he says it is the beauty of two strangers dancing together for the first time. Neal said, “Not a single word is often said, just them using their senses of sound, touch, and sight.” He compared seeing people light up while dancing to being the equivalent of magic and that no words compared to witnessing it firsthand. 

Klein even does this with his hobby, his YouTube channel. He believes society needs to feel a sense of connection. His videos have a wide range of topics from “how to pick the right therapy and right therapist”. Klein saw his students feeling alone and isolated and thoughts his videos could be a great sense of bonding among his students. He also shared that his favorite videos are his newer ones and that he is always working on and refining his videos. Klein refuses to delete any of his older videos because he wants his students to see his journey through his educational struggles, which was not easy. 

As for what the future holds, Klein sees himself continuing his work of meeting with his dance students and working as an Assistant Professor. Klein said that the capacity of how much he does might change, but everything he does, he believes, is within his “alignment.”