Today, November 3, is Election Day in the United States, which can cause emotional burnout and exhaustion. It is important to get emotional support during these times. Check in with your family, friends, and community today. If you are feeling overwhelmed, please remember to reach out to a trusted individual.

As the weather in Waltham gets colder, we must remember to stay mindful of COVID-19 safe practices. Socializing outside while physically distancing and wearing masks is relatively low risk, but as the weather gets colder, we may be tempted to move these gatherings indoors, which increases the risk of transmission. Be aware of what is low risk and what is high risk, and be sure to continue following the COVID-19 prevention guidelines.

With Thanksgiving this month and other major holidays approaching, many people are starting to think about how they will celebrate in this "new normal." For some, celebrations will have to be different this year as the risk for transmitting COVID-19 is high for large indoor gatherings, especially in social situations when food is being shared. However, there are still ways to celebrate.

Read about COVID-19-safe ideas for celebrating the holidays from the New York Times and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The end of this unique semester is approaching, and students living on-campus will be asked to move off campus for Thanksgiving break and not return until the spring semester. Reminder: students planning to continue living in the same room for spring semester will not need to move their belongings out before winter break.

Much like the Spring 2020 semester, many students will be moving home for a longer period of time, which can cause anxiety and leave people feeling isolated from their friends and communities.

The holidays can be a time to reconnect with family and friends and engage in special traditions, but for many, holidays can also be a time of stress. Dealing with disagreements, unsolicited advice, and scrutiny during the holidays can be challenging. Some may experience pressure to spend money, difficult political conversations, or competing demands on your time. With some planning and support, you can prioritize your well-being.

The 11th Annual Kindness Day at Brandeis is fast-approaching! Kindness Day has become an opportunity to build community and celebrate and perpetuate kindness at Brandeis. This year, Kindness Day will be different because many are not on campus and those who are must stay physically distanced. However, there will still be in-person and virtual programming, allowing every Brandeis community member to participate no matter where they are in the world.

Learn more by visiting the Kindness Day website, Instagram, or Facebook page.

A goal of the Center for Spiritual Life is to be a place of connection and presence for students of any or no faith tradition. The Center hosts ongoing programs and services, virtually and in person:

Sundays, 10:00 am ET

Tent next to Chapels Pond or indoors

Thursdays, 8:00-9:00 pm ET

Wednesdays, 7:30-8:30 pm ET

Thursdays, 7:15-8:00 pm ET