By: Haiya Patel, Kennedy College of Sciences Well-being Leader
What is the first memory that comes to mind when someone says the word watermelon? Did you ever have watermelon by the beach or poolside as a child? When someone says watermelon, I usually imagine a warm sunny day on the beach. I have a very distinct memory of enjoying watermelon on the beach with my family. Because of that, watermelon is a nostalgic fruit for me.
Watermelon is one of the fruits that correlates closely to the warm weather of summer as it brings a vibrant color accompanied by fresh flavors, in addition to immaculate hydration. However, eating watermelon alone can be boring, so pairing it in dishes can allow for a variation in the summer. One of my personal favorites is watermelon and feta salad. The fresh flavor of watermelon cubes can be paired perfectly with the salty crumbled feta cheese, some finely chopped mint leaves, and a drizzle of lemon. The watermelon and feta salad can be consumed as a snack or appetizer as it is light in volume, but also is dense with fresh flavors from the mint and watermelon, with hints of sourness and saltiness from lemon and feta cheese. The watermelon cubes and feta crumbles can also be enjoyed by simply drizzling some balsamic glaze, or some honey on the skewers.
Another variation of watermelon that really tops the summer recipes is watermelon as a dessert. My personal favorite is watermelon sorbet. Scooping the watermelon sorbet out of a cone shaped container often brings back nostalgic emotions from my childhood. For me, enjoying watermelon sorbet is a fun summer treat that makes me feel like a child all over again. The recipe for the watermelon sorbet is simple, but versatile, as it can be customized based on preferences. I enjoy sweet and sour combinations for my sorbet, so I use watermelon, sugar, lemon juice, and strawberries. The volume of each ingredient can be curated based on your taste preferences. Then, you blend it all together and freeze it for a few hours. Honey or other sugar substitutes can also be used as a healthier alternative for sugar.
For times that I am in rush, my favorite way to utilize watermelon is to make a watermelon drink. Personally, I enjoy the combination of lemonade and watermelon together, so I often lean towards watermelon lemonade. The recipe for the watermelon lemonade calls for watermelon and lemon juice blended with few mint leaves and about a spoon full of sugar or any other sugar substitutes.
Regardless of how you consume it, watermelon is packed with hydration, versatile, and its flavor often brings back nostalgic memories. I hope these recipes help you enjoy more watermelon this summer!
From the young age of 8 until now, I have battled to overcome my hardest internal struggle of depression. After many years and therapy sessions, I can now feel like things have somewhat improved. However, I do find my depression often looming back to me in the same way as waves in the ocean often come out of nowhere and with great power. I sometimes find it hard to predict and difficult to stop these sensations before they emerge, but I am proud of how far I’ve come in this journey.
So, today, I decided to open my heart and soul and share my hardest failure with you- failing the MCAS. I hope that my experience will inspire you to move from the failures you’ve faced so that you become a stronger, resilient individual.
It feels inauthentic to me if I were to use my voice to only share stories of success – those in which I held positions and triumphed through. My journey wasn’t smooth. Instead, my life has been filled with plenty of downs, failures, and shortcomings. So, there’s really no better way to begin my story than by sharing one from the very beginning.
I was at a young professionals’ event a couple years ago, and I was trying to mingle with others. Even now, I can still feel the discomfort of just staying there, completely frozen, not being able to utter a single word. All the others spoke about their reasons for choosing the colleges they attended and the many extra activities they participated in. Some were talking about being chess club presidents, while others were boasting about their success as valedictorian.
Even though I am elected official and involved in student government , I never felt I belonged in those circles. . Then they began discussing their MCAS scores. They started talking about whether or not the MCAS was necessary and began comparing their scores. They turned to me, and asked what I got. To sayI was already not fitting in was understatement. I felt nervous sharing that I actually failed the MCAS. Out of nowhere, my mind began to flash past memories, and I was transported back to the day I found out I failed .
Overwhelmed with anxiety , I barely gathered enough strength to excuse myself and lock myself in the bathroom to cry. I thought to myself, do I even belong out there? I am nowhere as intelligent or sophisticated as them.I eventually collected myself by remembering what I learned from that experience and joined back in.
So, you must be wondering: how did I overcome this negative experience and turn it around?
I was often a victim of the typical school bullies – those I am sure many of you encountered as well. Being also a victim of physical abuse, I often used dissociation as an escape strategy. Let me paint a simple picture if you wonder how my dissociations worked: I created a world in my head where I was in the mountains, surrounded by a community of loving people and animals. It got me away from my current reality.
This all came with a cost, and as I got older, I struggled to take control of it, oftentimes trying to force myself to come back to reality and finish my schoolwork .With my learning disability on top of the dissociations, powering through was extremely challenging throughout school. Trying to control it at times often felt like i was aMatador taking hold of bull
Fast forward to the Math MCAS, what I thought was the biggest failure of my life. As I began the exam, the voice that had been quietly whispering to me all these years was now screaming loud inside my head. I struggled to focus. I felt panic slowly start to take over me, and I when I received the results, I couldn’t help but come face to face with my biggest fear: Failure.
From that point on, my healing journey began, and I slowly uncovered my own path to overcoming failure.
Step 1: Healing
I’ve learned that the very first step to changing your mindset is allowing yourself to heal. In order to do that, you need to let yourself feel every emotion – just as I did.
Although I was quite young then, I allowed myself to feel everything because I knew I had to in order to move on. Whether that emotion was anger, sadness or desperation, I allowed myself to drown in all of it.
I started writing in a journal and made sure that I put every feeling I felt down in words. I can assure you that once you start labelling your thoughts and emotions, no matter how devastating they are, you will be able to move past them. Hiding them won’t help – it will just push them down, and make it harder for you to overcome them.
I also recommended sharing your feelings with a close friend or circle of people. Sharing your concerns is better than keeping them concealed, as it’s the only way to experience revival.
Step 2: Self-compassion
This means that you need to be kind to yourself. Remember that we’re all human-not some kind of machine that isn’t supposed to make mistakes. Maybe you talk these things through with a friend. Or maybe you try writing letters to yourself regarding the failure you faced and the emotions that go along with it.Make sure that you write these to yourself as though you are writing to a friend.Think of how you would console your friend and what would you say to uplift them. This allows you to see the failure from a caring and nurturing perspective.
When I make mistakes, I often think back to the quote that helps me pick myself up : “If you trip, does it mean that you cannot walk?” Ask yourself the same question next time you come across some hardship in your life, and let the answer inspire you to pick yourself up and move forward.
Step 3: Learning
I get that it’s always easy to put the blame on others. I used to be filled with deep jealousy of the other kids whose parents could afford to send them to tutoring .
My parents weren’t really wealthy. In fact, they barely had money to make ends meet. My dad for the longest time had to work three jobs just so we could live in Bedford. Life unfortunately is unfair, and becoming bitter makes you unable to enjoy the privileges that you do have.
I decided to learn from this and changed the way I looked at school and life in general. I signed up for courses naturally, setting aside those in which I knew I would struggle. I also began researching and working with my therapist to work on tools to help combat my issues. You are never able to decide what happens to you, but you have the responsibility to take measures to help yourself, not just for yourself but for others around you as well.
Step 4: Acceptance
If you want to grow into a more resilient person, then you need to accept yourself as you are. People often fall into the trap of comparing themselves to others, wishing their lives looked more like theirs.. And this is probably the biggest mistake you can make. I used to belittle myself, feeling like I was not even close to the capacities of my friends who were successful students and entrepreneurs. But as I got older, I began to notice and accept my strengths, letting them guide my way through life. These are the things that make me authentic – for which I pride myself on today.
Although I’ll probably never be able to play chess, do calculus, be sophisticated enough to cut a steak correctly,or identify cashmere, that is fine. My strengths come out in storytelling and my ability to connect with people.
I strongly believe in using darker experiences of bullying, abuse and failure and translating them into good. When I have taken my own experiences of abuse, bullying, or self loathing and turned them into a script, podcast episode or writing piece, I felt an element of release-A sense of being reborn and free .
I challenge you to accept your experiences and share them. Whether they are in tangible forms such as writing or using it to extend empathy to someone else.
I now know that the words written in this blog are the things that make me authentic..
Remember, failure is inevitable. What matters is how you look at it – as a setback or as an opportunity for improvement.
Writing this story of how to overcome failure wasn’t easy. Being an immigrant, I was taught to keep things to myself and be weary of what I tell others. But I decided to go for it- to help high school and college students like you learn that hardships are fleeting.
So, learn from my experience and push yourself to become a better version of who you are today.
If this spoke to you, take some time to read through the rest of our blog – you might discover another story that speaks to you.
By: Medi Woldemichael, Manning School of Business Well-being Leader
As finals week draws near, it’s natural for college students to feel overwhelmed by the pressure to perform well. While it’s essential to study and prepare for exams, it’s equally important to keep your stress levels in check. This blog will share some tips to help you manage stress and find balance during the last stretch of the semester. Remember, you’ve made it this far; you can conquer finals week too!
Plan & Break Down Material: Start by creating a study schedule that outlines your study sessions, breaks, and other commitments. Prioritize tasks based on deadlines and difficulty levels to maintain focus. Break down your study material into smaller, digestible chunks, focusing on understanding key concepts and making connections between topics. This approach will make your workload feel less daunting and help you track your progress effectively.
Seek Support & Collaborate: Don’t hesitate to ask for help from professors, tutors, or classmates and if you’re struggling with specific concepts. Forming a study group can be an effective way to share knowledge, clarify doubts, and provide mutual support during finals week. Collaborative learning not only reduces stress but also helps to reinforce your understanding of the material.
Maintain a Healthy Routine: Take care of your physical and mental well-being by eating nutritious meals, staying hydrated, and getting enough sleep each night. Exercise regularly to help you stay focused and alert. Establishing a healthy routine will keep you energized and prepared for the challenges of finals week.
Take Breaks & Practice Mindfulness: Schedule short breaks during your study sessions to prevent burnout. Engage in activities that help you relax and recharge, such as listening to music, reading a book, or taking a walk. Practice mindfulness exercises, like deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and meditation, to help you stay calm and focused during stressful times. Even just a few minutes of practice can make a significant difference in your stress levels.
Focus on the Process & Keep Perspective: Concentrate on the effort you’re putting into your studies and trust that you’re doing your best, rather than worrying about your final grades. Focusing on the process will help alleviate anxiety and lead to better outcomes. Remember, finals are just one aspect of your college experience and setbacks can be valuable learning opportunities. Keep things in perspective and use any challenges as motivation for growth and improvement.
While finals can be stressful, they don’t have to define your entire college experience. By implementing these tips, you’ll be better equipped to manage stress and stay focused during the most challenging times. Remember, it’s essential to find balance, stay organized, and maintain a positive attitude. Good luck and may the force of calm be with you!
By: Fajr Zahid, Zuckerberg College of Health Sciences Well-being Leader
It can be very difficult to watch a loved one, whether it be a family member, close friend, or romantic partner, go through a tough time in their life. Whether they are struggling with their mental health, physical health, or both, it is important to be able to recognize the warning signs and help the person work towards improving their health and well-being.
In comparison to physical illness, which usually has distinct, visible symptoms and changes in the body, mental illness is often harder to recognize and treat. It also holds a greater stigma around it, which can discourage those who are affected from finding and receiving help. Although every individual demonstrates their struggles in a different way, there are specific signs that may indicate if someone in your life is experiencing mental illness and needs help. Some of these signs include:
Extreme mood changes (highs and lows)
Excessive feelings of worry or fear
Low energy and tiredness
Changes in sleep pattern/difficulty sleeping
Withdrawal from loved ones and engaging in isolating behaviors
Inability to cope with stress or daily hassles
Changes in eating habits
Misusing or abusing substances such as alcohol, marijuana, or pills
Excessively angry, violent, or hostile behavior
Suicidal thoughts and/or actions
If you suspect that your loved one is struggling with their mental health and well-being, or if their mental illness seems to be getting worse, understand that there are many ways in which you can offer them assistance and resources to help them better cope with these struggles.
Try to educate yourself on the hardships that the person you are concerned about is experiencing. If they have shared with you their past struggles with mental illness, it can help to educate yourself on the specific disorder(s) they are dealing with and act according to what you have learned. Do not be afraid to start a conversation with them and address the concerns you have about their wellness. Although the idea of doing this can be intimidating, and you may be worried about how they will react to it, understand that you are doing it out of a loving and caring place. When speaking to them, make sure to be patient, understanding, non-judgmental, and a good listener. Also, try to encourage them to meet with a professional. This could be a counselor, therapist, psychiatrist, or their primary care physician – whichever they are most comfortable with. Experts such as these can provide resources for the person you are concerned about, and assist in creating a plan to help them overcome their mental struggles.
UMass Lowell’s Office of Student Life & Well-being provides a variety of resources for students who are struggling with their health and well-being. If the person you are worried about is a student at UMass Lowell, here are some mental health resources that could be beneficial to them: ● Counseling Services: https://www.uml.edu/student-services/counseling/ ● Well-being Leaders: https://www.uml.edu/wellbeing/well-being-leaders.aspx ● Mental Health Crisis Hotline: 855-890-2879
While it can be really saddening and challenging to watch someone you love and care for go through a mentally tough time, remember that there are many ways in which they can be helped. Try to remain positive and hopeful during difficult times such as these, and be sure to remind your loved one that their presence is valuable. Also, while it is very important to be there for someone when they are struggling, do not forget to also look out for your own health and well-being in the midst of trying to help another person improve theirs.
By: Alejandra Malaga Walters, Francis College of Engineering Well-being Leader
The relationship between parents and a child is among the most significant in a person’s life. It affects the way you view people and relationships. The parental relationship is one of the earliest connections a child has, and it definitely sets the bar for every relationship thereafter. Some people think we are born with specific genes identifying our personality, but let’s not forget that different environmental factors also have an impact on personal development. Parenting is probably the most fundamental one because it shapes the child’s temperament and character. There are many ways to explain your relationship with your parents, but we’ll describe the two more common ones.
The more attentive and expressive your parents are, the more open & sociable you might be in the future. It’s clear that one of the most important things you need from your parents is love. When you are loved by your parents in childhood, you know what love is and how it can be shown. In this case, you won’t be afraid to show your love to other people who will come into your life over time. Parent-child communication influences how open you are in future relationships. There is a golden rule: better parent-child communication means fewer psychological and behavioral problems for the child in adulthood.
The more neglectful your parents are, the more attention you will seek & demand in adulthood. If you are lacking sufficient attention from one or both of your parents at an early age, you may often find yourself struggling for a romantic interest’s attention and often have trouble in your love life. Some psychologists claim that inattentive and emotionally dramatic parents tend to raise children with lower self-esteem, children who need more attention and feel more alienated, hostile, or even anti-social. In other words, children who were feeling neglected can very often grow up to be needy adults.
The relationship you had with your parents growing up may have had an impact on the way you see and treat others in adulthood. It can be helpful to identify what kind of relationship you had with your parents and look for patterns of how that is influencing your adult life. You can’t change the past, but you can work to heal your inner child and build a better future. You can build the best version of yourself.
By: Angel Molekunnel, Manning School of Business Well-being Leader
Summer is an excellent time to prioritize your well-being and focus on self-care.
Here are 4 ways to practice self-care over the summer:
Make the most of the nice weather by spending time outside. Take a stroll, a hike, a bike ride, or a swim. Physical activity on a regular basis can help avoid chronic illnesses such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. It can also aid in the maintenance of a healthy weight, the strengthening of muscles and bones, and the improvement of general physical fitness. Summer offers several options for outdoor activities such as swimming, hiking, bicycling, and sports. Participating in these activities can enhance physical exercise while also providing mental and emotional advantages. Here are some suggestions for exercising self-care throughout the summer. To keep hydrated in the heat, drink plenty of water and consume meals high in water content, such as fruits and vegetables.
To avoid sunburn and skin damage, use sunscreen, hats, and protective clothes. Wearing sunscreen throughout the summer is essential for protecting your skin from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Overexposure to UV radiation can result in sunburn, accelerated aging, and an increased risk of skin cancer. Sunscreen works by absorbing or deflecting UV radiation from the sun, preventing them from accessing the skin.
Take pauses and give yourself time to rest and recharge whether you’re working or studying throughout the summer. To alleviate stress and promote mental health, try meditation, yoga, or other mindfulness techniques. Practicing meditation throughout the summer can offer several health and wellness advantages. Summer may be a stressful and anxious season, and meditation might help you handle it. Regular meditation practice has been demonstrated to lessen cortisol levels, which is a stress hormone. In the summer, long days and high temperatures might make it difficult to obtain a decent night’s sleep. However, studies have shown that meditation can assist improve sleep quality and reduce insomnia.
Spending time with friends and family, as well as joining a social group or club, is vital for mental health. Socializing can help you feel better and lessen stress and anxiety. Time spent with friends and family may create a sense of belonging and support, which is especially crucial during difficult times. Summer is a season for discovery and adventure, and connecting with others can provide fresh opportunity to do new activities. Whether it’s attempting a new sport, visiting a new location, or learning a new skill, connecting with people may enhance these experiences.
Take a trip or arrange a staycation if feasible to get away from your routine and discover new locations or activities. Remember that self-care is taking care of your physical, emotional, and mental health, so prioritize what works best for you and have a wonderful summer!
Citations- ● Santi, J. (2022, April 29). Make this the summer of you: How to upgrade your self-care routine for Summer. The Everygirl. Retrieved April 17, 2023, from https://theeverygirl.com/summer-self-care-routine/ ● Edick, E. (2022, October 4). 7 ways to practice self-care during summer break. Active Minds. Retrieved April 17, 2023, from https://www.activeminds.org/blog/7-ways-to-practice-self-care-during-summer-break/ ● Fishel, S. (2022, October 1). Prioritizing your mental health with Summer Self-care. Learning Technology Center. Retrieved April 17, 2023, from https://www.ltcillinois.org/self-care-summer/ ● SoundMind Wellness. (2021, June 18). 5 tips for practicing summer self-care. SoundMind Wellness. Retrieved April 17, 2023, from https://www.soundmindwellness.com/post/5-tips-for-practicing-summer-self-care
By: Doa Jamal, Francis College of Engineering Well-being Leader
Summer is supposed to be about fun right? For a lot of us, that’s not entirely true. Many of us feel the need to be productive during the summer. We view summer as the time to be able to get new experiences without worrying about classes and the additional stresses that come with the academic year. However, when summer starts to crawl near, the summer anxiety starts to hit. What am I doing this summer? How can I get the most out of it? I have so much I need to do, how can I do it all?
Summer anxiety often stems from a change in routine and a new lack of structure. There is also the pressure to have fun. When people think they are not having enough fun in the summer or are constantly comparing themselves to others, it can lead to depression. Summer anxiety is also a form of Seasonal Affective Disorder. Experts suggest that this is due to the increased sunlight throwing off our circadian rhythm, which often results in individuals sleeping less. Additionally, dealing with higher temperatures, humidity, sweating, etc affects people’s mental mindset, sometimes making people more irritable and negative.
Here are some tips on how to deal with Summer Anxiety:
Have a plan beforehand.
I know we may not want to think about it, but it is definitely better to have a plan beforehand rather than start planning late or go with the flow. When summer hits and you have no idea what you’re doing, you’re likely to be more anxious. Pre-planning your summer will help to reduce anxiety.
Take action steps to prepare for your summer experience(s).
If you’re planning on having an internship or summer job, start applying during the spring. If you’re planning on shadowing a Doctor, reach out to their clinic beforehand. If you’re planning on taking a trip, book the flight earlier for cheaper tickets and plan your trip. If you’re planning on taking a summer course, make sure you enroll early before the class fills up.
Try not to stress about having fun.
There is societal pressure, pushed forward by social media, to have a “gram-worthy” summer fun experience. People post on social media photos of being on yachts, being at the beach, etc. While it is not necessarily bad to post on social media, it is also not necessary for you to do so to have the same type of experience. There are countless experiences that you can do that you will find enjoyable. It does not have to be large. It may just be spending some time with family or friends every once in a while. Movie marathon anyone?
Avoid the heat but still make sure to enjoy the nice weather
Be sure to avoid the heat and humidity, especially if you’re more sensitive to higher temperatures. But be sure to go outside every now and then to get some fresh air. The weather tends to be nicer in the early morning or in the evening. Some people enjoy taking walks at night in the summer. There is much research (see sources 1 and 2) that shows that engaging with nature helps with emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being.
Don’t be afraid to get help!
This can include speaking to a friend about your anxiety. Just talking to someone often helps a lot. You can always come talk to me or other Well-Being leaders during our office hours (see link below). If your anxiety is more severe or you would rather speak to a professional, you can reach out to your therapist or explore the options that UML offers. Lastly, you may consider speaking with your doctor or a psychiatrist about medication to treat anxiety and/or depression.
By: Fahad Alden, College of Fine Arts, Humanities, & Social Sciences Well-being Leader
While many people see students as pajama-wearing party-goers, coders in hoodies, cheerleading squads, and cliques, the reality, in many cases, couldn’t be farther from the truth. College is tough, and students’ mental health is declining. In recent years, college campuses have placed a higher focus on student well-being, recognizing the importance of a holistic approach to support student’s academic, emotional, and mental health needs.
While getting a gold-standard education is one piece of the jigsaw, supporting student well-being is key to ensuring students get the best out of their college experience and academic endeavors, setting them up as best as possible for their futures. UMass Lowell recently created the Office of Student Life & Well-being and its mission to “advance the Division of Academic and Student Affairs’ holistic concept for student success by infusing health-promoting actions and collaborations into campus culture.” The University’s Chancellor has prioritized student well-being, demonstrating the institution’s commitment to the cause. Chancellor Julie Chen, as of last year, signed the Okanagan charter, officially making UMass Lowell a Health Promoting Campus. According to the Health Promoting Campuses Network Website , the Charter was designed to call on post-secondary schools to embed health into all aspects of campus culture; and to lead health promotion action and collaboration, locally and globally.
The Dean of Student Affairs and Wellness, Brenda Evans, when asked regarding the reason behind the department’s new department said “many students are in need of different approaches”…While, in an ideal world, there would be a one-size-fits-all approach, in reality, that’s just not possible.”
UMass’s new Office of Student Life and Well-being is focused on a holistic approach to dealing with students’ struggles. The well-being part of the title sounds similar to a different department at UMass Lowell called the Wellness Center. The Director of Student Life & Well-being, Ruben Sança said the Wellness Center supports one specific issue. He said, “if a student is dealing with an injury or needs a vaccine or access, the wellness center is the place to go.” But when explaining the differences, Sança said student well-being leaders look at more of the whole picture. He said students often see well-being leaders to help with issues such as finance or their location. He said, “even the events hosted are more focused on holistic approaches, like aromatherapy and meditation.”
Sança said that their department uses a concept called the wellness wheel. The wellness wheel is a wellness visual wheel that displays eight different premises of wellness such as emotional, physical, financial, intellectual, spiritual, occupational, social, and environmental. He said that the wheel helps the office look at the root cause of students’ issues and see more of the whole picture. He said, “When one aspect of your physical or mental health is suffering, this can have a domino effect on other parts of your life.” The office partially emerged as a response to the growing mental health crisis on college campuses, a problem exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which left many students feeling isolated and experiencing higher rates of anxiety. Dean of Student Affairs and Wellness, Brenda, also thinks social media could have something to do with increasing mental health difficulties among students.
Brenda spoke about how increased social media usage has made students compare their lives to others, creating unrealistic expectations. “The perception out there that life is great for everyone else, and might not be great for you, is just false.” It’s about creating a healthy environment, said Ruben Sança, that can allow healthy habits “happen more organically.” The office’s development was informed by research and collaboration with other institutions leading the way in student well-being.
During the early stages of the office’s creation, new staff leadership was trying to identify the root cause of wellness issues commonly experienced by students.
Brenda and Ruben visited Wake Forest University to learn more about their program’s design.
The team even undertook research with NASPA by visiting their strategies conference and meeting with the University of Alabama Birmingham to better understand the issues college students are coming up against. This in-depth research helped structure the office’s strategy to this day.
At the outreach aspect of the Office of Student Life & Well-being, Well-being Leaders are students who serve as leaders for well-being initiatives within their respective colleges Hannah Monbleauo, the Assistant Director of Student Life & Well-being, explains that students are more likely to open up to their peers than faculty or staff. She said these leaders not only increase people voicing the value of taking care of one’s well-being but also open the opportunity for students to have peer support that does not feel formal, so they can get the tailored support they need.
As Hannah Monbleau, the Assistant Director of Student Life & Well-being shares, “Engineering students enjoyed a competitive cup stacking event to relieve stress, while fine arts & humanities students came together to make vision boards, which was more of a creative outlet.” She continues, stating a wide range of events are given from each school’s interests to cater to each school, from health sciences to humanities.
She shared how different majors contrast in their skills and creativity in their courseworkso some well-being leaders write articles pertaining to stress and course management, while other wellbeing leaders will do creative pieces on wellness documentaries reviews or music therapy. The blog is designed to cater to a wide demographic of students.
According to the UML Student Life & Well-being Website, “The Well-being Leaders play a crucial role in connecting with their peers, fostering a sense of community, and promoting mental health resources on campus. Student leaders are vital in initiating conversations about well-being and breaking down mental health stigma.” They also collaborate with various campus departments to organize events and initiatives that support students’ well-being. The aim is that students won’t have to go to a particular space to seek out well-being activities. Instead, mental health and well-being support will be combined into every college life aspect.
The Office of Student Life & Well-being has faced its share of challenges as a new department.
One of the most significant obstacles has been raising awareness about its services and encouraging students to seek help. Director Sança confirmed that one of their biggest challenges is “for students to initiate conversations.” The office has tried to navigate their concern through social media campaigns, event collaborations, and partnerships with other campus departments to raise awareness.As Ruben shares in his interview, in addition to prioritizing raising awareness of their services, senior campus leaders involved in the program have recognized the need for additional funding and resources to achieve their goals. As a result, they’re actively pursuing grants and external support to grow and develop the Office of Student Life & Well-being.
UMass Lowell’s well-being initiatives have generated interest from other institutions, leading to the sharing of best practices and the potential for collaboration to further advance the well-being of college students nationwide. As more institutions recognize the importance of prioritizing well-being, UMass Lowell’s Office of Student Life & Well-being is a powerful model for what can be achieved when a university commits to supporting the well-being of its entire community.
Sança said he hopes for the program to continue to expand with the support of campus leadership and hopes for well-being expansion. He said he hopes well-being leaders will help students improve academic success and a holistic approach. Sança and Assistant Director Monbleau envision their office being larger and their well-being leaders having their own offices. As well they hope for resources to increase so students can have more hours and work with students more one-one.Sança said his ultimate dream is to have well-being leaders for every concentration and minor. He said that would be a goal mark to ensure the program has reached its goal.
As more people are recognizing the importance of well-being, UMass Lowell’sOffice Student & Well-being serves as a great blueprint model for what a university can achieve if a commitment is made to support the well-being of its entire community.
The dedication of the office’s team, along with the support of campus leadership, ensures that well-being remains a top priority for the institution, fostering a campus culture that values the holistic success of its community members.
With continued efforts the office can help improve academic success, better overall student well-being, and create a reputation for taking a holistic approach to education that can help colleges nationwide attract more students.
By: Medi Woldemichael, Manning School of Business Well-being Leader
College life can be incredibly busy and stressful, leaving little time for exercise. However, regular exercise is crucial for both our physical and mental well-being, so it’s important to find ways to incorporate it into your busy schedule. Here are some tips to help you make time for exercise and staying healthy in college.
Make a Schedule
The first step to incorporating exercise into your college schedule is to make a plan. Look at your class schedule and other commitments and find times when you can fit in a workout. It could be early in the morning before class, during a break between classes, or in the evening after your classes are finished
Find a Workout Buddy
Working out with a friend can be motivating and help keep you accountable. Find a workout buddy with similar fitness goals and schedule and plan regular workouts together. It can be a great way to stay motivated and have fun while exercising
Use the Campus Rec Center
The Campus Recreation Center here at UMass Lowell is free for students. Take advantage of this resource and make use of the gym equipment and fitness classes offered. It can be convenient to fit in a workout between classes, or even during a study break.
Join an Intramural or Club Sports Team
The campus recreation center offers intramural sports leagues for students, which can be a fun way to exercise and socialize with friends. You don’t have to be a skilled athlete to participate, and there are often a variety of sports to choose from.
Make Use of Outdoor Spaces
If you’re not a fan of the gym, there are plenty of ways to exercise outdoors. Take a jog or bike ride around campus by using the free wheelers resource or explore nearby parks and trails. Doing so can be a great way to clear your mind and get some fresh air.
Keep It Simple
Exercise doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming to be effective. Incorporate simple exercises like push-ups, squats, or planks into your daily routine. These exercises can be done anywhere and require minimal equipment.
Exercise should be a priority in your college schedule for both physical and mental health. It’s important to find ways to incorporate exercise into your busy life, whether it’s through a gym membership, intramural sports, or simple exercises done at home or outside. Making time for exercise will help you feel better, perform better in your classes, and ultimately lead a healthier, happier life.
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.
