By: Alejandra Malaga Walters, Francis College of Engineering Well-being Leader
Since childhood, I remember worriedly watching as we came closer to the end of the year. Winter, sadness, and expecting the cold both outside and inside. Predictably, it’s very common to feel unmotivated, unsatisfied, and unhappy each winter.
The reasons behind winter sadness are mysterious, the lack of light since the days are shorter, deficiency in Vitamin D3, the start of school again, and a decrease in activity may all play a role. But just because it’s cold doesn’t mean we can’t continue spending time outside.
Even if it’s bitterly cold, the beauty of nature is incredibly healing and helpful for putting things back into perspective. Try new outside activities that you can only do during winter! If you find an activity you love, maybe you will want every winter to come to do it again. Go skiing, ice skating, snowboarding, or sledding. There are also other indoor activities such as roller skating or bowling. Try to keep yourself active. As long as you continue to move your body, you are taking a big step toward feeling betterbonus points if you are outside in the fresh air. The university also offers Outdoor Adventure Programs (OAP) during the winter. You can look through the website and see something you might like: https://www.uml.edu/campusrecreation/programs/outdoor-adventure/.
If you just want to stay at home and watch some movies or read a book, it’s completely okay to stay in your pajamas all weekend, even more, when you are feeling low. But if you want to change that feeling, it’s helpful to fight that negative mood with simple actions. In this case, taking a long shower and putting on comfortable and attractive clothing can be energizing and reset our moods. It is also extremely helpful for making us feel like productive human beings moving in the right direction.
Take it easy. If you feel like laying on the couch and binging shows—whatever is going to feel good right now with minimal effort—then just do it. Just don’t let the winter get you down for a long period of time because, remember, it’s not going to last forever.
“When things get harder, if you still have choices, ideally, you make that harder choice.” says psychologist Vaile Wright, senior director of healthcare innovation at the American Psychological Association.
By: Angel Molekunnel, Manning School of Business Well-being Leader
I remember those nights…I’d be lying in bed, phone in hand, scrolling through my socials like it was my job. Every post showing off some epic adventure or wild party from my friends just hit differently. FOMO? FOMO or ‘Fear of Missing Out’ refers to the feeling or perception that others are having more fun, living better lives, or experiencing better things than you are. It felt as if I was falling behind and couldn’t measure up to the excitement I saw online. But I wasn’t about to let that hold me back. So, I decided to take matters into my own hands—a journey, if you will. And through some trial and error, I managed to break free from FOMO’s grip. And you know what? I found a new sense of peace and fulfillment that I never knew was possible.
5 Steps to Overcoming FOMO:
I’m taking steps to limit my social media use since it often amplifies my FOMO by showcasing others’ seemingly perfect lives. I use social media only 2-3 hours a day. By cutting down my time on these platforms and unfollowing accounts that trigger negative feelings, I’m reclaiming control over my emotions.
Every night, I spent time practicing gratitude. Shifting my focus from what I lack to what I have helps me maintain a positive perspective. Keeping a gratitude journal and regularly noting down the things I’m thankful for grounds me in the present and counteracts feelings of inadequacy.
Living in the present is key to overcoming FOMO. Instead of fixating on what others are doing, I prioritize enjoying the moment and engaging in activities that bring me joy, regardless of their popularity.
Setting boundaries is essential for my well-being. Learning to decline invitations or activities that don’t genuinely interest me allows me to prioritize my needs over the fear of missing out on something. It’s empowering to take control of my time and energy.
Overcoming FOMO involved a significant shift in my mindset. Rather than constantly wishing I was participating in every activity my peers were, I learned to celebrate their successes and happiness genuinely. I came to a crucial realization: satisfaction cannot be attained through constant comparison and competition with others. Instead, I redirected my focus inward, embracing my authentic self, which gradually diminished my feelings of jealousy.
Nowadays, I find contentment in both staying home and going out. I’ve established a new routine for after-school and weekends, prioritizing self-care and quality time with my family, such as watching movies together. Additionally, I’ve rekindled my appreciation for simple pleasures, like listening to music and enjoying the comfort of my own space.
Though I may still experience occasional pangs of FOMO, I no longer feel compelled to meet unrealistic social expectations that once consumed my thoughts.
By: Yashvi Patel, Kennedy College of Sciences Well-being Leader
Valentine’s day isn’t just about lovers expressing their affection by exchanging cards, flowers, and candy, and having romantic meals in restaurants. Nonetheless, it is a day to show extra love and appreciation for those who you care about, and that should include yourself. It all starts with yourself. I really believe that love starts from within and that your capacity to love someone else is largely driven by your capacity to love yourself. What I mean by that is you cannot give something that you are unfamiliar with yourself. Self-love allows you to love others because you know how to care for yourself. I think loving yourself and loving others goes hand in hand. If you develop inner contentment and wellbeing, you can naturally strengthen your relationship with others.
Practicing self-love offers many benefits for your body and mind. Self-love helps you overcome insecurity. When you practice self-love, you become more forgiving of your flaws and accept your imperfections as something that makes you unique. People who love themselves are more confident and self-assured. Self-love can also encourage personal growth and self-improvement. You are more aware of your flaws and areas of improvements that you can actively work on to better your overall wellbeing. There are 8 dimensions of wellness that you can concentrate your efforts on: emotional, physical, occupational, social, spiritual, intellectual, environmental, and financial. Self-love also allows you to be at peace with yourself as you let go of negative self-talk, self-doubt, and self-criticism, and bring in positivity and happiness.
I like to schedule “me time” at least once a week where I have one commitment, which is to myself. My self-care routine typically consists of putting on some relaxing music, doing a face mask, doing my eyebrows, and finishing it off by applying some oils and moisturizer. I also have days where I feel lonely and would enjoy the company of others, so I typically travel to Boston and catch up with some friends or go for a stroll around the seaport area.
This February 14th, pamper and treat yourself to your own curated self-care routine. If you have nowhere to start, you can start by using positive affirmations, which are statements and phrases that replace negative self-talk with positive thoughts. Below are some powerful self-love affirmations you can use on Valentine’s Day. You can repeat these statements out loud or write them down in a journal. Personally, I like to make sticky notes of some of my favorite affirmations and stick them on my dressing table mirror, so they serve as constant reminders to think positively while I’m getting ready.
I am perfect, just the way I am.
I am constantly growing, evolving, and becoming my best self.
I am a constant work in progress.
I am proud of who I am becoming.
I am learning to love myself more every day.
I accept my failures, but they do not define me.
I am not less for making mistakes. I am more because I learn from them.
My goal is progress, not perfection.
I am worthy of love, with my flaws and all.
I will treat myself with the kindness of a friend.
My imperfections make me unique.
I will not apologize for being me.
I will set my boundaries and reinforce them.
My body does not determine my worth.
I will accept my body the way it is today.
I care for my health, not for my body to look a certain way.
By: Fajr Zahid, Zuckerberg College of Health Sciences Well-being Leader
Do you find yourself constantly trying to please those around you and maybe even neglecting your own thoughts and feelings in order to do so? Or do you struggle to confront someone when you feel they have wronged or hurt you, in fear that you may come off as being rude or overbearing? While I’m sure many of us have found ourselves in scenarios where we felt the need to sacrifice our voices or opinions, or where we did not feel comfortable saying “no” to someone, constantly engaging in this type of behavior can be quite harmful to your emotional, or sometimes even physical, well-being.
It is part of human nature to want to feel accepted and liked by others, and to act in ways that you believe those around you will be pleased by. However, it is not healthy to sacrifice your wants or needs in order to achieve this acceptance. By going against yourself and suppressing your true emotions, you may be protecting someone else’s feelings, but at the same time, you are neglecting your own. There is nothing wrong with wanting to be perceived as a kind, generous, or easy-going person, but you should not do so at the cost of your well-being and self worth. For instance, if someone mistreats or disrespects you, know that it is okay to stand up for yourself and to communicate your genuine thoughts and feelings. After all, if a person is worthy of being a part of your life, they should be understanding towards your feelings, not dismiss you for expressing them. Or let’s say you are asked to be part of a situation that you are uncomfortable with – it is completely okay to say no. You may fear that you will be judged, looked at differently, or even disliked, but none of these things are as important as protecting yourself and looking after your needs.
Although it is easier for some than others to overcome the “people-pleasing” mindset, I believe that this is something that everyone is capable of improving on. It might take some time and mental strength, but it is worth it to be able to protect yourself from unwanted situations or interactions. Here are some things I’ve come to realize over the years that have personally allowed me to overcome the need to always please others:
Recognizing and establishing your boundaries is important, and it allows you to understand what kind of behavior you will and will not tolerate.
There is a difference between being “rude” or “overbearing” and simply expressing your feelings towards a negative situation or experience.
You should consider your own wants and needs the same way you consider the wants and needs of others.
The fear of being judged or disliked should not hold you back from standing up for yourself.
You cannot always please everyone – some may approve of you and some may not, but these opinions do not matter as long as you are not putting yourself or anyone else in harm’s way.
It is okay to say no to something that makes you uncomfortable, no matter the person, place, or situation.
Remember, you can be a kind and likable person without tolerating disrespect or allowing others to cross your boundaries. You should never be afraid of standing up for yourself or voicing your thoughts and opinions because they matter just as much as anyone else’s. If you find yourself often engaging in people-pleasing habits, I hope you found this blog post to be helpful and that you are able to apply some of these friendly tips to your own life!
By: Medi Woldemichael, Manning School of Business Well-being Leader
Valentine’s Day as a college student can often feel like a reminder of your relationship status, especially if you’re single. But let’s be real, there’s no reason why you can’t turn this day into something positive for yourself. So, forget about the pressure to be romantically involved. Here’s a guide to making Valentine’s Day cool and enjoyable, even without a significant other:
Self Care
Self-care doesn’t have to be all bubble baths and face masks (unless that’s your thing, of course). This Valentine’s Day, think about what genuinely makes you happy. Maybe it’s grabbing a pizza and having a gaming marathon, or perhaps it’s finally starting that book that’s been on your shelf for months. The point is to do something that feels good for you without falling into the trap of stereotypical self-care.
Connect with Loved Ones
Valentine’s Day is fundamentally about love, but who says it has to be romantic love? Take this opportunity to catch up with friends or family. You could organize a laid-back hangout, have a virtual movie night, or just send a few texts to let them know you’re thinking about them. It’s about appreciating the connections you have, not lamenting the ones you don’t.
Plan a Solo Adventure
One of the freedoms of being single is the ability to go on adventures on your own. Use this day to do something you’ve been wanting to do but haven’t had the opportunity to. That might mean visiting a new coffee shop, going for a long hike, or checking out a local event like the Lowell Winterfest. The idea is to enjoy your own company and the freedom you have to explore on your whim.
Reflect on Personal Growth
Instead of getting bogged down by the Valentine’s Day hype, take a moment to think about where you’re at in life and where you want to go. This doesn’t have to be a deep, soul-searching exercise—just a simple check-in with yourself to acknowledge your achievements and set some casual goals for the future.
Being single doesn’t have to be a disappointment, and it certainly doesn’t have to be emotional. It’s all about shifting your perspective and focusing on what makes you feel good. Whether that’s spending time with loved ones, enjoying your own company, or just treating the day like any other, the key is to do what works for you. Remember, February 14 is just one day out of the year, and it doesn’t define your worth or happiness. So, let’s stay relaxed and turn it into a great day, no matter our relationship status.
By: Doa Jamal, Francis College of Engineering Well-being Leader
It is often joked that college students fall asleep and can take a nap anywhere. In warmer weather you’ll find students lounging on the grass or in hammocks. Commuters rest in their cars. Have you ever just put your head down in the library and accidentally drifted asleep? And let’s not get started about those who fall asleep in class. Most of the time, these naps are well deserved.
But what about when there’s an assignment due soon and we procrastinate by taking a nap? What about when we say we’re going to take a short nap but end up sleeping for two hours? Do you recall the feeling when you wake up from a nap and actually feel worse than when you fell asleep? You may feel groggy and disoriented. There’s actually a word for that.
Sleep inertia refers to a transient state of confusion and a decrease in both cognitive and emotional functioning following the act of waking up from sleep. Individuals may experience delayed reaction times, impaired short-term memory, and a reduced pace in cognitive processes such as thinking, reasoning, remembering, and learning. Typically, sleep inertia only lasts for between 30 to 60 minutes, although its duration may extend for a longer period in instances of sleep deprivation, a condition commonly observed in numerous college students. Research shows that sleep inertia can even last for two hours. So, if you take a nap in the late evening or at night, you may remain groggy and choose to go back to sleep for the rest of the night instead of working on your assignment (I’m sure most of us are guilty of this). Remember when you said you’d go to sleep and wake up earlier in the morning to finish the work, but that didn’t happen because you couldn’t get up in the morning? Two words: Sleep inertia. Just do the assignment the day before and your future self will thank you.
Additionally, as we all know, naps can interfere with sleep at night. Typically, it is the longer naps that interfere with the nighttime sleep quality. Napping after 3 p.m. is more likely to interfere with nighttime sleep. If you already experience insomnia or poor sleep quality at night, then napping can actually worsen these problems.
So how do you take a proper nap? And I’ve mentioned the cons, but what are the benefits? A productive nap is a short nap. It is suggested to aim for 10 to 20 minutes. As mentioned before, it is better to take a nap in the early afternoon before 3:00 p.m. To achieve a high-quality sleep, it is essential to nap in a quiet, dimly lit environment with a moderate room temperature and minimal distractions. And be sure to give yourself time to wake up before doing activities that require a swift, cohesive or important response, such as completing a quiz.
Benefits of napping (if done properly) include:
Relaxation and reducing stress
Diminished tiredness
Heightened vigilance
Enhanced mood
Improved overall performance, including faster reaction time and enhanced memory
Can be good for the heart (by reducing stress). A study revealed that individuals who took a nap lasting 45 to 60 minutes exhibited reduced blood pressure levels following exposure to mental stress
Taking short naps combined with moderate exercise can actually improve nighttime sleep
So next time you’re thinking about taking a nap, I hope you consider why you’re taking a nap, when you’re taking it, and how long you’re taking it for. Really ponder that nap and make an appropriate decision. Be sure to set an alarm to wake you on time. If you’re napping in a public place, especially in the library, make sure your alarm volume is low.
By: Mia Andrade, Kennedy College of Sciences Well-being Leader
Want to be a winner? I know just the thing! As college students, our days become busier and busier, but it is important to prioritize yourself and your well-being in order to perform your best in all you do. With that being said, there are many benefits to having a holistic approach to maintaining your well-being. Here are three daily wins to help you take care of yourself:
1.) A Physical Win: Having physical exercise is key to maintaining your well-being. Some key examples of a physical win are walking, running, lifting, or joining an intramural or club sport on campus. UMass Lowell’s recreational facilities are great resources to achieve this physical win. Taking a walk to class rather than the shuttle is another great example, as you can get some fresh air and maybe listen to some music on the way. Prioritizing time to care for your body is just as important as taking care of your mind so that you can perform your best all around. Resources to achieve a physical win include:
2.) A Mental Win: Sometimes we need a break from schoolwork to shift our attention to our mental health. Some key examples for a mental win involve reading, writing, creating, learning, or whatever you put your mind to! Stimulating your brain in different ways is essential to your well-being. Explore new things, learn what you love to do, and stay curious!
3.) A Spiritual Win: Keep yourself grounded. A spiritual win is key to seeking harmony and balance for yourself. Some key examples are praying, meditating, studying, and focusing on self-growth! It’s important to take a step back and reflect. Whether that’s studying in the library or using the serenity center to pray or nap, there are many options available! There are a variety of resources on campus that may help you seek a spiritual win as well
As Well-being leaders, we are here to support you in all areas of wellness. Never hesitate to reach out and get the support you need by booking an appointment with any of us.
By: Julia Yeadon, College of Fine Arts Humanities and Social Sciences Well-being Leader
Are you struggling to find fun things to do during the frigid winters in Lowell? Well, you have come to the right place. After three winters here on campus, I have compiled a list of budget-friendly activities that can turn a boring winter day into a day of fun and adventure. Check out my list of top 10 affordable and fun things to do locally this winter:
Mill No. 5
One of my favorite places in Lowell to visit is Mill No. 5. Just a 7-minute drive from campus, you can drink a delicious cup of coffee at Coffee & Cotton or root beer float from Dows Soda Fountain, enjoy a comedy show at the Lunar Theatre, or shop small local businesses or the farmer’s market.
If you are as addicted to coffee as me, exploring the wide variety of coffee shops in the Greater Lowell area sounds like the perfect task to add to your to-do list. Whether you are looking for the perfect scenery to study on a Sunday morning or a delicious coffee and breakfast destination to visit with friends, there are endless places to try. Some of my top coffee shops close to campus include Brew’d Awakening Coffeehaus, Nibbana Cafe, Top Donut, and a new coffee destination that recently opened in Dracut (only a 5-minute drive from East campus), The Perfect Cup.
Local Restaurants
Looking for some good food? Egg Roll Cafe and the Egyptian Grill food truck are within walking distance of North Campus! Some highly-rated spots located in Downtown Lowell are Viet-Thai, El Potro Mexican Bar and Grill, Life Alive Cafe, and my personal favorite, Mandarin Asian Bistro.
Axe Throwing
If you’re wanting to try something new and exciting, get a couple of friends together and visit Axe Shack in Lowell! The venue offers axe throwing, knife throwing, cornhole, and pool. Better yet, Groupon frequently offers deals for a more affordable experience. https://axeshack.com/
Ice Skating/Roller Skating
Conway Arena in Nashua, New Hampshire offers public skating several times a week for only $5 with a $4 fee for rental skates. https://conwayarena.com/schedule
Not into ice skating? Try roller skating at Roller Kingdom in Tyngsboro with just a $16 admission and $3 rental skate fee, or roller skate for only $1 on Wednesday nights during the month of February! https://rollerkingdom.com/schedule/tyngsboro-schedule/
Escape Room
Pick between a variety of themed rooms and complete a mission by cracking codes and solving puzzles to successfully escape in 60-minutes. Escapology in Tewksbury offers a fun and thrilling adventure for $38 per person. Keep an eye out for frequent deals and offers on the website! https://www.escapology.com/en/tewksbury-ma
Wellness Wednesdays
Stressed with school and in need of some relaxation on campus? Attend a Wellness Wednesday, offered at the University Crossing Serenity Center every Wednesday evening from 4pm to 6pm. Some exciting programs we have planned for the semester include DIY Bouquets, Crochet, DIY Blanket Making, Bracelet Making, Game Night, Yoga, Therapy Dogs, and more! https://www.uml.edu/wellbeing/programs-events/
Hockey Games
If you are in search of something to do on a Friday or Saturday night, cheer on our River Hawks at the Tsongas Center by East Campus. Students get in for free! Our men’s ice hockey team has several home games scheduled up until the beginning of March that can be found in the following link: https://goriverhawks.com/sports/mens-ice-hockey/schedule/2023-24
In addition, the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) Boston team has recently announced their home games will take place at Tsongas Center, and tickets can be purchased through Tsongas Center’s website linked below! https://tsongascenter.evenue.net/events/PWHLIG
UML Outdoor Adventure Club
Have you heard of our Outdoor Adventure Club? This club offers a variety of winter trips including hiking, outdoor ice skating, cross country skiing, snowboarding, and more. Most trips require no prior experience, so don’t be afraid to try something new! Additionally, the majority of day trips are offered for just a small fee of about $15 to $30. https://www.uml.edu/campusrecreation/programs/outdoor-adventure/trip-calendar.aspx#February
Rock Climbing
Whether you have experience or have never been, Metrorock in Littleton offers indoor rock climbing for a variety of skill levels. Just a 20-minute drive from East Campus, Metrorock is the perfect place to test your agility, endurance, and strength with a whole new hobby. This location offers day passes and rental gear, as well as memberships. On Wednesday nights, Metrorock offers a $20 day pass with only a $5 fee for all rental gear. https://littleton.metrorock.com/
It is especially important to prioritize your physical and mental well-being during the winter months. While the days are shorter with less sunlight, many people feel their moods shift. In addition, the cold weather tends to keep people confined to their homes, limiting time spent with loved ones and contributing to the “winter blues.” Look after your health by checking out a few of these activities with friends! If you’re looking for more events on campus, check out the Engage website with events from all clubs and organizations across campus: https://umasslowellclubs.campuslabs.com/engage/events
By: Sai Igiede, Zuckerberg College of Health Sciences Well-being Leader
Hey, it is Sai again, your trusty well-being leader. I hope everything is well with you all.
Today we are going to talk about ways things go after finals.
Student to student here, once I am done with finals, the only thing I can think of is ways to relax. Everyone around me is always so excited to go home or to their friend’s house to de-stress after being in school for about three months. However, we all start to get bored after the first week and then contemplate what to do next. So here are some things my friends and I do to stay relaxed and also have fun.
Calling your friends and Catching Up: After a few weeks of being alone, I often try to stay in touch with as many people as possible. It ranges from college friends to my friends back at home, as long as it is human-to-human interactions. Talking to other people helps me not only enjoy each other’s company during the break but also helps me stay stimulated as many of us including myself go through periods where we do absolutely nothing, so being able to communicate with others is something I find important.
Trying New Things: One thing that I recently tried over the last break that I enjoyed a lot was learning how to play tennis. Any break is a perfect time to start fresh and try new things. Whether it’s a sport or a new type of food, you have the time to do something, you might as well use that time to make yourself feel good. And maybe you find a newfound hobby!
Self-Care :Lastly, self-care is something that everyone should at least attempt, and a break could be the perfect time for you to do so! Here is one thing that I try to do every day to establish a self-care routine.
1. Close your eyes
2. No peeking (lol!)
3. Think about yourself and all of your positive attributes
4. Open your eyes
5. Now write on a sticky note 5 positive characteristics about yourself
6. Repeat this three times and try not to use the same ones
7. Once you have written them, place them on a mirror and or space that you visit often for as long as possible
8. Now you have your affirmation board!
So I hope I gave you some ideas on what you can do over the break and I also hope , they turn out great! 🙂 I know one thing is for sure, is that we will all be sleeping.
By: Doa Jamal, Francis College of Engineering Well-being Leader
As winter blankets UMass-Lowell in a layer of snow, it brings with it a unique set of challenges for our physical and mental well-being. The colder temperatures, shorter days, and reduced sunlight can often take a toll on our health. However, with a mindful approach to self-care, we can not only endure but thrive during the winter months.
Here are some tips to ensure your well-being remains a priority during this cold season:
Nourish Your Body:
The winter season often invites cravings for comfort foods, but it’s essential to maintain a balanced and nutritious diet. Opt for warming, nutrient-rich meals that include a variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, herbal teas, and broths to support your immune system and overall health.
Stay Active Indoors:
Colder weather can discourage outdoor activities, but staying active is crucial for both physical and mental health. Consider trying indoor exercises like yoga, pilates, or home workouts. Regular movement boosts circulation, increases energy levels, and helps combat seasonal depression.
Boost Your Immune System:
Cold and flu season often peaks during winter, so taking extra measures to support your immune system is crucial. Include immune-boosting foods in your diet, such as citrus fruits, garlic, ginger, and probiotics. Consider taking supplements like vitamin D, which is often deficient during the winter months due to reduced sunlight exposure.
Take Care of Your Skin:
Cold and dry air can be harsh on the skin, leading to dryness and irritation. Use a good moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated, and don’t forget to protect your lips with a nourishing lip balm. Consider adding a humidifier to your living space to combat the dry indoor air.
Cultivate Coziness:
Winter is the perfect time to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere in your home. Surround yourself with warm blankets, soft lighting, and comforting scents. Engage in indoor activities that bring you joy, such as reading a good book, watching movies, playing board games or spending quality time with loved ones.
