Health and Wellness Newsletter

Skip the Small Talk: Speed-friending event

Want to make new friends or just talk to other friendly humans on campus? Come to our low-key, no-pressure speed-friending event by Skip the Small Talk. We'll have meaningful question prompts and a lot of structure (think: one-on-one conversations over snacks where you switch off partners every 10ish minutes) to make sure it's not awkward. Most people come by themselves since everyone who shows up is there to talk to new people, but you're also more than welcome to bring friends! Just know that you'll be talking to strangers even if you bring your whole crew.

These events tend to fill up, so we recommend registering in advance or showing up early to get a spot. All undergraduate and graduate students are welcome to attend.

Thursday, Feb. 2, 2023

7 – 8:30 PM

International Lounge, Usdan

Register here

Apply to be a BTW peer educator!

Applications are now open for 2023-2024 Bridge to Wellness peer educators.

BTW is a paid student leadership position supervised by the Office of Health and Wellness Promotion (HAWP). BTW peer educators complete approximately 40 hours of training each fall. During the academic year, they work 4 to 6 hours per week. 

Apply now

Workday requisition ID: R0007538

Zen Zone: 15 minute meditations twice a week

Be kind to yourself and take a break out of your busy life. Zen Zone is facilitated by the Center for Spiritual Life, students, and other leaders, and engages in a variety of mindful and contemplative practices.

Zen Zone is open to all Brandeis community members. All levels of meditation experience are welcome. No registration required.

Mondays, 12:30 p.m.

Thursdays, 4:00 p.m.

Peace Room, Usdan

Spring 2023 BCC Groups

We want to feel seen and heard. We want human connection. We want to feel like we belong. With group therapy, you get the best of both worlds: the ear of a trained therapist, and the expertise and compassion of your peers.

The Brandeis Counseling Center (BCC) is offering a number of new and returning therapy groups.

Learn more/register

Recovery support at Brandeis



The Office of Health and Wellness Promotion in collaboration with Spiritual Life and Hillel want to learn more about the needs of those in recovery at Brandeis. We are seeking students in recovery as well as anyone looking to improve their relationship to alcohol and substances to participate in a closed meeting to discuss ideas for better supporting student recovery at Brandeis. We will reach out with details for an in person meeting in January. If you prefer to share your thoughts via email, please contact hawp@brandeis.edu.

Sign up to participate

Tips for New England winters

Winter can be tough - but it has its charms too. Here are some tips to get the most our of the winter months at Brandeis.

• Move your body, indoors or outdoors. Regular physical activity has tremendous physical and mental health benefits. (Check out the Brandeis Fitness site or Virtual Stressbusters page for ideas.)
• Get sunlight and fresh air. The days are short, so take advantage of the light hours. This will help lift your mood and regulate your sleep cycle.
• For an extra mood boost, borrow a sun lamp from the library! These simulate sunshine and can help combat Seasonal Affective Disorder.
• Dress for the weather. Wear several layers of clothing that can be put on or taken off as needed. You will need warm socks, boots, hats, and gloves.
• Embrace winter activities. Find delight in the season by taking winter hikes, playing in the snow, sledding, skiing, or ice-skating! Student organizations like the Mountain Club and the Brandeis Fitness program organize outdoor activities throughout the season.
• Get cozy. Embrace indoor winter "hygge" by cuddling with cozy blankets, drinking hot drinks, and spending time with friends.
• Enjoy seasonal winter foods. Root vegetables (potatoes, beets, carrots, squash, cabbage) and hearty soups and stews are staples of a New England winter. It's also the best time of year for citrus fruit, such as navel oranges, tangerines, mandarins, and clementines.
• Make things! Winter is a great time to explore indoor crafts. Check out the new Brandeis Art Exchange for free supplies and ideas!

Eating Disorders Awareness Week: Feb. 27 - Mar. 5, 2023

Eating Disorders Awareness Week (#EDAW) is an annual campaign to educate the public about the realities of eating disorders and to provide hope, support, and visibility to individuals and families affected by eating disorders. 

The National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA) provides a number of helpful features on their website.

• Online screening tool to help determine if you should seek professional help
• How to help a loved one who may be struggling with an eating disorder, including tips for how to talk to them about eating concerns and how to encourage them to seek professional help
• Contact the NEDA Helpline (call, chat, or text) for support, resources, and treatment options for yourself or a loved one

HAWP offers free, self-directed online courses through The Body Positive that teach powerful tools you can use to lovingly care for yourself.

You can also contact the Brandeis Counseling Center (BCC) for support around eating and body image concerns at 781-736-3730.

"Headspace Meditation and Mindfulness Teacher Dora Kamau teaches us how to stop the habit of binge-watching content as an avoidance mechanism and instead, learn to face the feelings we’re experiencing with techniques like acknowledging our emotions and practicing self-compassion."

Watch the video

The Headspace app is now free to Brandeis students! Sign up here.