Health and Wellness Newsletter

March 2025

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In This Issue:

Events & Opportunities

  • SCC @ Nite: Relax and Recharge
  • DEIS Impact
  • Neurodiversity Celebration Week
  • Moonlit Meditation and Dance

Featured Topics:

  • Global Day of Unplugging
  • Ready to Spring Forward?
  • How to Deal with News Anxiety
  • Watch Your B.A.C. on Purim and St. Patrick's Day
  • Midterms Stressbusting Tips
  • Trans Day of Visibility

A note from the Director of Health Promotion

Dear Students,


I know things are really tough right now. There's a lot of uncertainty, and we're all dealing with it in our own ways. As your Director of Health Promotion, I just want to remind you that you are not going through this alone. Even amidst the difficulties, we have a powerful resource: each other


Whether you need someone to talk to, some resources to help manage stress, or just a friendly face to connect with, please know that HAWP and so many other Brandeis staff and faculty are here for you. For me, your safety and well-being is the highest priority, and I hope it is your highest priority as well. 


If you are struggling, please don't hesitate to reach out to campus resources, professors, peer leaders, or friends. Your well-being matters. Let's lean on each other and remember that even in difficult times, we can find moments of hope and connection.


-Leah Berkenwald, '07


Support Resources at Brandeis

Events & Opportunities

Chair massage and mochinuts

SCC @ Nite: Relax and Recharge


March 11, 2025

8pm - 10pm

Shapiro Campus Center Atrium

Unwind and rejuvenate at the SCC@Nite: Relax and Recharge event, a perfect evening for stress relief and community connection.


  • Free chair massages! (first come first serve)
  • Skin care face masks
  • Arts & crafts, including modeling clay, lego creatures, and coloring
  • Monuts


RSVP on CampusGroups

deis impact: find your A

DEIS Impact



March 10 - 12, 2025

DEIS Impact is Brandeis University’s multi-day festival of social justice. In addition to amazing speakers and sessions on a number of important social justice topics, you can explore the intersection of wellness and social justice at these sessions:

  • Accountability in Relationships: Harnessing Our Values to Create Healthy Relationships
  • Is Triple Majoring Bad for Mental Health? Leveraging Awareness, Allyship, Advocacy and Activism to Improve Community Wellbeing
  • Brandeis Fall 2024 Menstrual Product Access Survey: Quantitative Findings
  • An Introduction to the Gender Identity Spectrum
  • An Introduction to LGBTQIA+ Allyship
  • Four Steps for a Resilient Life Workshop


See the full schedule of events

Neurodiversity Celebration Week logo (a rainbow colored brain in a lightbulb)

Neurodiversity Celebration Week


March 17 - 21, 2025

Neurodiversity Celebration Week is a worldwide initiative that challenges stereotypes and misconceptions about neurological differences.


Here are some upcoming events:

  • Neurodiversity in Higher Education Kickoff
  • Students Talk Neurodiversity Panel
  • Neurodiversity in the Workplace Webinar
  • March Book Display: Celebrate Neurodiversity
  • Sensory Friendly Space in the Oasis Wellness Lounge


See the full list of Brandeis events


See the free webinars offered by the Celebrate Neurodiversity Week organization


Moonlit Meditation and Dance

Moonlit Meditation and Dance


March 12, 2025

7:15pm - 8:30pm

Skyline Commons

Join us to center yourself in the present moment and align with the rhythm of the Sap Moon - March's full moon, know as the Abenaki, Massasoit, Wabanaki, Pequot, and Haudenosaunee languages. The is the time when sap begins to flow, awakening the trees of the Northeast, just as we awaken to the beginning of spring.


Our gathering will include dance to wake up our bodies and time for reflection - what is stirring within you? What must be released for new things to grow?


All are welcome.

See the full list of upcoming health and wellness events

Featured Topics

Black and white graphic of the globe outlined by a USB cord and the words Unplug Together

Global Day of Unplugging


March 7th


Did you know? The average iPhone user picks up their phone 150 times a day. That’s hours of screen time that could be spent reconnecting with yourself and those around you.


Taking a break from screens can help lower stress, improve focus, and boost mental well-being. Take some time to step away and be present!


Tips for Unplugging:

  • Create phone-free zones (e.g., at the dinner table).
  • Try using the "Do Not Disturb" mode to limit distractions.
  • Replace screen time with a hobby, journaling, or a walk.


Tips for Reducing Screen Time:

  • Track your usage with Screen Time settings (iOS & Android).
  • Turn off non-essential notifications to avoid constant pings.


Give your mind a rest and reconnect with yourself and your community!

Image of alarm clock and "Spring Forward"

Ready to Spring Forward?

🌸🕒


Daylight Saving Time starts on March 9th, meaning we’ll lose an hour of sleep. This shift can disrupt your sleep schedule and energy, but a few small changes can help you adapt!


Tips to Ease the Transition:


🌙 Go to bed earlier

  • Aim to sleep 15-20 minutes earlier each night leading up to the time change.

🌙 Reduce screen time before bed

  • Blue light from screens can make it harder to fall asleep. 

☀️ Get morning sunlight

  • Natural light helps reset your body’s natural sleep cycle.

☀️ Consider light therapy:

  • If you’re not getting enough sunlight, using a sun lamp in the morning can help you feel more awake. The Brandeis Library offers sun lamps to borrow, and there is one you can use in the Oasis Wellness Lounge


A little preparation can make springing forward much easier!

Eyes looking worried at a newspaper

How to Deal With News Anxiety


"Of course, meditation won’t make bad news disappear, but it will prepare our minds to be in the best possible place to process it, react reasonably, and then act effectively."


Read more at Headspace


Try a 1-minute meditation to let go of stress


🧠 Remember: Brandeis offers free Headspace subscriptions for all Brandeis students. Be sure to use this great resource and create your account now! 🧠

Celebrate safely! Clip art of Purim and St. Patrick's Day themes

Watch Your B.A.C. on Purim and St. Patrick's Day!


Celebrating Purim and St. Patrick's Day can be a lot of fun, but it's important to do so safely, especially when alcohol is involved.

Here are some quick alcohol safety tips:


Plan Ahead:

  • Designate a driver or use ride-sharing services.
  • Set a drink limit before you start.

Pace Yourself:

  • Alternate alcoholic drinks with water.
  • Eat before and while drinking.

Know Your Limits:

  • Understand your tolerance and don't feel pressured to drink more.
  • Avoid drinking games and shots, which can quickly lead to intoxication.

Look Out For One Another:

  • Stay with the same group all night.
  • Watch out for your friends and make sure they're safe.

Avoid Mixing:

  • Avoid mixing alcohol with other drugs or medications.

Know the Signs and Call For Help:

  • Know the signs of alcohol poisoning, and be ready to call for help. On campus, call BEMCo at 781-733-3333, off campus call 911.
A person looks stressed

Midterms Stressbusting Tips


Midterms got you feeling overwhelmed? You're not alone! Here are some quick ways to recharge and refocus.  


Quick stressbuster tips:

  • Follow the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to look at something 20 feet away.
  • Try the Pomodoro technique: Study for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break.
  • Move your body: A short walk or stretch can help boost your focus and energy.
  • Use campus resources
  • Schedule a BUGS tutoring session for academic support
  • Meet with an SAS Fellow or drop in for SAS evening accountability hours (check the schedule here)  
  • Try meditation with the Mindfulness Meditation Group (Mondays 12:30-12:55PM in Goldfarb Library Meditation Room) or with the Headspace app


Most importantly, prioritize sleep! It’s not wasted time—it’s when your brain locks in everything you’ve learned. 


Remember to take care of yourself and you’ll ace your midterms! 

Transgender Day of Visibility on a blue, pink, and white flag

Trans Day of Visibility


March 31, 2025


March 31st is Trans Day of Visibility! 🏳️‍⚧️⚧️ This is a day to celebrate and uplift transgender people, and to raise awareness about the challenges they face.  


Ways to Support and Celebrate:

  • Educate yourself: Follow trans creators and advocacy groups. Read more about trans identity, resources and recommended media for trans representation on the GLAAD website
  • Advocacy: Speak out against transphobia and foster safe and inclusive environments for everyone.  
  • Be respectful: Refrain from making assumptions about anyone’s gender identity—instead, politely ask their preferred name and pronouns 


Campus resources:


No matter how you identify, remember: you are loved, you are valid, and you deserve to be seen and respected for who you are.❤️

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