Health and Wellness Newsletter

Fresh Check Day

Are you ready to experience a day filled with positivity, support, and a renewed sense of well-being? Fresh Check Day is not just an event; it's a transformative experience designed to cultivate mental health awareness and foster a vibrant campus community. The mission is simple yet profound: to break down the barriers surrounding mental health and create an atmosphere of openness and understanding.

Friday, September 8, 2023

Drop by between 10 am and 2 pm

Shapiro Campus Center - Great Lawn

(rain location: Levin Ballroom)

Why attend Fresh Check Day?

• Engaging Interactive Activities: From stress-relief strategies to expressive arts and physical wellness, our diverse range of activities will keep you engaged and motivated.
• Open Dialogue: Fresh Check Day provides a safe space for honest conversations about mental health.
• Community Building: Forge meaningful connections with like-minded individuals who are passionate about mental health advocacy.
• Valuable Resources: Gain access to a wealth of mental health resources that will empower you to take control of your well-being beyond the event.
• Freebies and Giveaways: Who doesn't love prizes? Enjoy freebies, giveaways, and exciting raffles, adding an element of fun to this inspiring day. Raffle prizes include:
• Nintendo Switch
• AirPods
• $100 Amazon gift card
• Wonderboom speaker
• Brandeis apparel
• Coleman camping chair

Get Headspace for free!

Headspace, a science-backed mindfulness and meditation app, is now free for Brandeis students. Find comfort with hundreds of mood-boosting meditations, relaxing sleep exercises, focus music, gentle movement, and more. 

Sign up

Body-Mind-Spirit Retreat

Saturday, Sep. 30, 2023

Take some time for yourself! Enjoy yoga, mindfulness activities, connecting with others, delicious food and an option for a leisurely hike! 

The group will leave Brandeis at 9 am and return by 6 pm on Saturday, Sep. 30. There is a participant fee of $25, which includes all food and transportation. Scholarships available: contact Karl (karllaclair@brandeis.edu). 

Register and pay by Sep. 15 to enter a raffle. All registrations and payment due by Sep. 22, 2023.

Register here

Apply for Conversations That Matter

New friendships. Catered dinner. A different kind of conversation. Sound interesting? Apply now to join the upcoming semester's cohort of Conversations that Matter.

Over the course of five weeks, this fellowship explores some of life’s big questions (such as “What does it mean to lead a good life?”) in order to explore the assumptions and values that make us tick.

Applications are due Sep. 20, 2023. All undergraduate and graduate Brandeis students are welcome to apply. Contact Lara Ericson (lericson@brandeis.edu) with any questions.

Apply here

Meet the Office of Health and Wellness Promotion (HAWP)

HAWP welcomes you to a new school year! Our office will be sending monthly newsletters informing you about upcoming events and providing tips on maintaining your physical, mental, and social well-being. 

What does HAWP do?

• Supports the Bridge to Wellness Peer Educators, who organize events and programs throughout the year
• Provides information, tips, and strategies to improve your well-being
• Connects students to virtual wellness resources
• Offers in-person and online workshops and trainings
• Manages the Navigating Health and Safety program for first year undergraduates

You can follow us on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok to stay up to date on what is happening at HAWP.

Navigating stress in graduate school

September marks the beginning of a new academic year for graduate students, and it can come with unique challenges. Balancing coursework, research, and personal life can be overwhelming. To manage stress effectively, consider practicing mindfulness techniques, setting realistic goals, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Seek support from peers, mentors, or the Brandeis Counseling Center when needed. Remember that self-care is crucial for long-term success in your graduate journey.

Where to get what in Waltham

Where to get food and coffee on campus:

• Einstein Bros. Bagels on the first floor of Shapiro Campus Center
• Dunkin Donuts at Upper Usdan
• Starbucks in Farber Library
• Download and use Grubhub App to pre-order food in those locations

Grocery stores near Brandeis University:

• Hannaford (5 Russell St. in Waltham) is accessible via the Waltham shuttle, Stop at Main St. at Harvard St. 
• Trader Joe’s (1121 Washington St, West Newton) is accessible via the 553 bus
• Market Basket (110 Market Pl Dr, Waltham) is accessible via the 553 and 70 buses
• Use https://www.mbta.com/trip-planner to plan your trip

Access to the gym and swimming pool

• Always bring your student ID with you
• The gym at Gosman Athletic Center will be open in fall semester Monday to Saturday, 7am-11pm
• Check the website for swimming pool and other athletics facilities availability

National Suicide Prevention Week

Sep. 10, 2023 – Sep. 16, 2023

Suicide prevention is important every day of the year. National Suicide Prevention Week gives us an opportunity to shine a special, encouraging light on this topic that affects us all, and send a clear, hopeful message that help is available, and suicide can be prevented.

Suicide Prevention Resources

• Brandeis Counseling Center: Call 781-736-3730 to make an appointment or receive support in an urgent situation. Outside of business hours, you will be connected directly to a therapist for support.

• 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call 988 (in the U.S.) for 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals. Learn more about the Lifeline at suicidepreventionlifeline.org.

• Human Rights Campaign's list of LGBTQ+ and BIPOC mental health resources, including hotlines, therapy networks, and mental health organizations.

• Brandeis Emergency Response: Call 781-736-3333 in emergency situations where someone is at imminent risk of harm to themself or others. These situations include but are not limited to:
• When someone has access to lethal means (weapon, drugs, etc.)
• Suicide attempt