Stress & How to Effectively Manage It

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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

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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.

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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

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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 

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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.” 

Love 

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By: Yashvi Patel, Kennedy College of Sciences Well-being Leader  

In honor of Valentine’s Day, let’s explore how love promotes emotional and mental well-being. Well-being and love are concepts that go hand in hand. Love is a strong emotion that can enhance one’s well-being by having a positive impact on their physical and mental health. According to studies cited below, having a supportive network of friends and family or being in a loving relationship can lower stress levels, boost happiness, and enhance self-esteem. In addition to improving self-esteem and confidence, experiencing love and support can have a significant impact on a person’s general well-being. The act of showing love and kindness to others can also have a positive impact on a person’s mental and emotional health, leading to increased feelings of happiness and a sense of purpose in life. 

Before we get into the impact love has on wellbeing, let’s define what love exactly is. When someone says the word “love,” most people immediately think of romantic love. It involves strong feelings of want and desire for a romantic partner. However, there are so many other forms of love that include, but are not limited to: familial, platonic, self, unrequited, obsessive, altruistic, and spiritual. Love that exists between the members of a family, such as between parents and children, siblings, or other family members, is known as familial love. Platonic love is a non-romantic form of affection shared by friends in which there is a deep emotional connection but no sexual or romantic interest. Self-love is the love one has for oneself, which implies accepting and respecting oneself as well as catering to one’s emotional and physical needs. Unrequited love is a form of love in which one person feels deeply for another person but that feeling is not returned. Obsessive love is a type of affection characterized by an unhealthy fixation or obsession with a person and is frequently associated with possessive or dominating behavior. Altruistic love is characterized by selfless actions of compassion and generosity performed without regard for one’s own benefit or profit. Spiritual love is viewed as a force that unites humans to a higher power or the universe, which is frequently linked to religious or spiritual beliefs. 

Love can promote emotional and mental wellbeing in several ways: 

1. Reduces anxiety and stress: Being in a loving relationship or having close ties to family and friends can provide one a sense of stability and comfort that helps lower anxiety and tension. 

2.Improves mood: Dopamine and other feel-good hormones are released by love and affection, which can improve mood and make people feel happier. 

3.Increases resiliency: Having a network of loved ones to lean on through troubled times might help to boost resiliency and coping mechanisms. 

4. Enhances self-esteem: Feeling loved and appreciated can promote greater feelings of self-worth and self-esteem, which can improve general emotional well-being. 

5. Encourages a sense of purpose: Love and relationships with others can give people a sense of direction and significance in their lives, which is important for mental health. 

6. Increases empathy and compassion: Having a romantic relationship or feeling love in other ways can contribute to growing one’s capacity for empathy and compassion, which can be beneficial to one’s mental health. 

7. Enhances physical health: Love and relationships with others have been shown to lower blood pressure, lower the chances of anxiety and depression, and enhance longevity, all of which can be beneficial for mental health. 

In general, love can significantly improve emotional and mental health by bringing a sense of safety, joy, and meaning to life. 

Sources: 

https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/Strong-relationships-strong-health

https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/love/what-are-the-different-types-of-love/

https://psychcentral.com/blog/imperfect/2019/05/what-is-self-love-and-why-is-it-so-important#What-is-self-love?

https://www.thehealthyjournal.com/faq/how-do-you-know-if-its-love-or-obsession

https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/relations/knowing-the-6-types-of-love-can-improve-your-relationships/

Balance your Mornings with a Balanced Meal

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by: Haiya Patel, Kennedy College of Sciences Well-being Leader

As a college student, we are typically in a rush and finding the most accessible food
items available. From experience, I remember buying coffee every day and thinking that was
enough for my breakfast or eating sugary food such as donuts or munchkins as a meal. The
main reason that I would do this is because I thought it was good enough to give me energy, or
even just to check off the ‘criteria’ as ‘I had a meal’. Since Dunkin Donuts, Starbucks, and
Einstein’s are on the North campus, it was just convenient for me to stop by these locations to
pick up the food on the way to class. Moreover, it was a medium for me to spare few extra
minutes to myself to sleep in, instead of spending that time to prepare myself lunch. Overall, I
had noticed that I would often have a crash in my energy after a bit because of rapid glucose
spikes and drops, which would lead to more craving, and excessive use of energy drinks and
caffeine. Other than the health concerns, these habits also contributed to my inability to have
control of my financial decisions.

Once I learned how the food I consume affects my day-to-day tasks, and its effects on
my output for my academics, my physical energy, and being mentally motivated, I was inspired
to consume the meals that will fuel me in a manner that is more beneficial. I learned to
incorporate nutritional foods in my meals that satisfied my soul and health.

I learned some simple meals that can be incorporated in the mornings to start off the
day on the right foot. This meal provides healthy fats and good amount of protein from peanut
butter, good fiber and nutrients from the bananas. The honey or maple syrup adds a bit of
sweetness for the sweet tooth people.

Rice Cake Toast:
• Flavored rice cake
• Peanut (or any other nut)
butter
• Banana or any other fruit slices
• Drizzle of honey or maple syrup
• Sprinkle of Cinnamon, or
chocolate chips

Another balanced meal is overnight oats: This recipe is my personal favorite because not
only does it save me time in the morning for the food prep, but also, it can be customized in
many variations such as Chocolatey, fruity, add some vanilla essence for that vanilla flavor, or
peanut butter. The overnight oats provide great complex carbohydrates that keeps you full for
a longer period of time. Additionally, you can also add some nut butter or raw nuts and soaked
chia seeds to add on the vital minerals and nutrients such as omega 3 fatty acids, cholesterol
and many more. The fats from the nuts and the nut butter also helps to regulate the glucose
spikes, while also providing nutritional benefits. Recently, my friend started to incorporate
flavored protein powders in her overnight oats for that extra protein.

Overnight Oats:
• Soaked overnight Oats (and chia seeds) incorporated with:
o Vanilla essence
o Dash of salt
o Any nut butter of your choice
o Raw or toasted nuts of choice
o Fruits of your choice
o Chocolate protein powder (if you choose to)

Lastly, you can make the morning a little extra nutritious by making a smoothie of your
choice. The smoothies will most likely take maximum of about five minutes, and it is packed
with fruits, vegetables, and nuts of your choice to satisfy your soul in the morning, but also start
off the day with vital nutrients for your health.

Smoothies:
• Oat milk (or any other variation of milk or coconut water)
• Ice
• Spinach
• Any fruit of your choice
• Hemp seeds or chia seeds
• Protein powder (if you choose to)

Overall, the food you consume in the morning makes a big impact on how your say
starts, and further reflects onto your rest of the day. Hence, starting off the morning with meals
that satisfy your heart but also your body in terms of health can have a lasting impact on your
day and your ability to take over the day. The morning meals does not have to be complicated
by any means to have them be balanced. They can be as simple as rice cakes with nut butter
and some fruits, or a quick smoothie, or overnight oats to save you time in the morning. These
recopies are simple and packed with nutrition to help you throughout your day.

Skin Care- A Crucial Self-Care Tool

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

For a variety of reasons, a skincare program may be an effective self-care strategy. It can assist you in developing a feeling of regularity and stability in your daily life, which can be both soothing and grounding. By devoting a few minutes each day to skincare, you’re also devoting time to yourself, which may be a significant act of self-care. Skincare may also be used to develop mindfulness and stay in the present moment. When you apply skincare products, your attention is drawn to the sensations on your skin, the fragrances and textures of the products, and the act of self-care. This might help you feel more at ease and in control.

When you care for your skin, you are also caring for your body. Skincare regimens may assist in keeping your skin healthy, moisturized, and protected from environmental stresses such as pollution and UV radiation. This can make you feel more confident and at ease in your own skin, which can improve your general well-being.

Furthermore, taking care of your skin may be a source of self-expression and creativity. There are several products and procedures to explore, and experimenting with various skincare routines may be a pleasant and exciting way to care for yourself. Overall, establishing a skincare regimen may be a simple yet effective method to exercise self-care and prioritize your health.

Follow these general steps to develop a strong skincare routine:

Identify your skin type: Your skincare regimen will be determined by your skin type, which can range from oily to dry to combination to sensitive. Determine your skin type and seek items that are targeted to your individual requirements.

Cleanse your skin to eliminate dirt, oil, and makeup before beginning your regimen. Use a mild cleanser that will not deplete your skin’s natural oils, and rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.

Exfoliating once or twice a week can aid in the removal of dead skin cells and the unclogging of pores. Choose a mild exfoliation that will not bother your skin. To treat specific skin conditions, such as acne, dark spots, or fine wrinkles, you may want to use serum, spot treatment, or other specialized products.

Moisturize: Keeping your skin hydrated is essential for keeping it healthy and young. Choose a moisturizer that is suited for your skin type and use it on a regular basis. Finally, remember to protect your skin from the sun by applying broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.

Because everyone’s skin is different, you may need to experiment with different products and procedures to find what works best for you. Also, keep any allergies or sensitivities in mind, and avoid using items that aggravate your skin.

Once you try it out, you may find that skincare influences your life in a variety of ways. Taking care of your skin might help you feel more confident in your looks. When your skin is healthy, clean, and shining, you may feel more confident and eager to put yourself out there.

Citations:

Is skin care actually necessary? what is the purpose of skin care products? Bella Reina | Spa

Beauty Products. (2021, August 20). Retrieved February 16, 2023, from https://bellareinaspa.com/is-skin-care-actually-necessary/

Reese, B. M., & Reese, M. (2022, July 29). What is the importance of skin care? Colorescience. Retrieved February 16, 2023, from https://www.colorescience.com/blogs/blog/importance-skin-care

The New York Times. (n.d.). How to build a skin care routine. The New York Times. Retrieved February 16, 2023, from https://www.nytimes.com/guides/tmagazine/skincare-routine

Wassef, D. (2023, January 30). The importance of skin care: It’s time to take care of Your skin. MyDCSI. Retrieved February 16, 2023, from https://www.mydcsi.com/2020/08/19/time-to-take-care-of-skin/

The Many Benefits of Community Service

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

Volunteering is something that many of us do because we feel required to do it, occasionally it may even be mandatory. Some high schools require all their students to get a certain number of service hours and for those in the National Honors Society, community service hours are mandatory as well. Additionally, students are aware that community service hours are looked at and evaluated for college and graduate school applications. So, while many people volunteer with the mindset of “it’s something I’m doing because I have to”, and “I’d probably not be here if I had a choice”, it is important to consider the many benefits of volunteering.

One common reason that people volunteer is to give back to the community. Participating in community service connects you to others. It connects you to your community, to your neighbors, you meet new people, make new friends, and broaden your social network. One of my closest college friends is someone I met during a volunteering day hosted by the UML Muslim Students Association. Volunteering at the Cor Unum Meal Center in Lawrence, MA connected me to many of the homeless population in the Greater Lawrence area, who are some of the nicest people I’ve ever met. In January, I went on a humanitarian/community service trip to Kenya through a non-profit organization (Helping Hands for Relief and Development) and had a great time with a group of ten girls. The trip connected me to residents of Nairobi and Malindi and how they live in poverty, with many women and children living in a household without a man. We visited the Mukuru slum in Nairobi where more than 400,000 people live in one-room houses with no electricity, no running water, no light, and the ground covered in sewage and trash. Nairobi also has the Kibera slum, which has a population of more than 2.5 million living in the worst conditions. In the villages of Malindi, there has been a drought for more than 3 years and people are struggling to survive. We passed out food packages and water to more than 300 families. International service trips like this are crucial so that we don’t forget about the situations that other people are going through. 

Volunteering is healthy for the mind and body. Volunteering is a feel-good activity that gives you the warm fuzzies. Doing community service counteracts the effects of stress, anger, anxiety, and depression. Volunteering regularly with the same people can provide you with a support system. Scientists have discovered that being helpful to others brings people significant pleasure and results in happy hormones being delivered to the brain. Volunteering gives you a sense of accomplishment and so can boost your self-confidence. Doing service can also give you a purpose which helps when battling depression. Finally, volunteering helps you stay physically fit. Most volunteering opportunities involve movement and physical labor. This can be anything from sorting through donated clothes for an organization like Nu-Day Syria which sends donations to countries in need, serving tables at a meal center like Cor Unum, to lifting heavy bags of food to hand out to villagers in Kenya. Research has found that the mortality rate is lower for those who volunteer.

Although volunteering is important, it should not feel like a chore. You do not have to volunteer regularly if you can not, and you don’t have to volunteer for many hours a week if you can not. The most benefits will be reaped if you do it as something you enjoy. 

To find a place to volunteer, reach out to organizations you are aware of, places in your community, or ask your friends if they volunteer somewhere and join them! 

If you’re looking for an opportunity to volunteer on campus, you may want to try out Alternative Spring Break. For more information, you can email my supervisor, Hannah_Monbleau@uml.edu

Reference: https://www.helpguide.org/articles/healthy-living/volunteering-and-its-surprising-benefits.htm 

Boost your self-esteem!

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

Some days, we don’t feel good about ourselves, and that is okay. But when that feeling continues for a longer period of time, it can have a harmful effect on our mental health.

Self-esteem is the opinion we have about ourselves. When we have healthy self-esteem, we tend to be positive about life in general and about the things we can achieve. On the other hand, when we have low self-esteem, we tend to be negative about life, and we also feel less able to work through the challenges of life.

It is important to try to increase your self-esteem because having low self-esteem can harm your mental health and lead to problems such as depression and anxiety. When you have low self-esteem, you may also hide away from social situations and new challenges and avoid difficult situations.

But how can we get from low self-esteem to healthy self-esteem?

Low self-esteem often begins in childhood. When the people that surround us and even social media give us negative messages about ourselves, sadly, we tend to keep those negative messages instead of positive ones. You can also get low self-esteem when you find it difficult to live up to other people’s expectations of you or to your own expectations. For that reason, to boost your self-esteem, first, you need to identify where are these negative thoughts about yourself coming from and challenge them. Another thing that would help you increase your self-esteem is to start writing down good things about yourself, some things that you and other people say about you that make you feel good. Put that list somewhere you can see it and remind those qualities to yourself every day.

Know your worth who appreciate you and help you at appreciate you and help you go through difficult times. Recognize when someone is trying to bring you down and spend less time with them because those people will not bring you anything good.

Finally, be kind to yourself and recognize that it’s ok to not be ok sometimes. Treat yourself as if you were your friend and think about what you would say to a friend in a similar situation. We often treat and give better advice to others than we do to ourselves.

https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/self-help/tips-and-support/raise-low-self-esteem/