Health and Wellness Newsletter

Sleep Week is coming!



March 12 is the start of Daylight Savings Time, and the start of Sleep Week! Check out this list of events and opportunities to rest and improve our sleep.

• Make your own sleep kits & sleep mask decorating with Bridge to Wellness (BTW)
• "Blooming Minds: Sleep is Self-Care" Zen Zone
• Personalized sleep consultations (see below)
• and more!

Skip the Small Talk

Back by popular demand, a second Skip the Small Talk event is taking place this month!

Skip the Small Talk is a low-key, no-pressure speed-friending event. 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 students are welcome to attend.

Wednesday, March 22, 2023

7 – 8:30 PM

Location TBD

Register here

ProjectConnect

If Skip the Small Talk sounds cool, you may also be interested in ProjectConnect!

ProjectConnect is a program that helps facilitate social connections among students through in-person or Zoom group discussions. Small groups consist of 4-8 students who will meet for one hour weekly for 6 weeks. In each session, students will be led through thought provoking questions and/or group activities, leading them to make connections and grow new friendships! 

Sign up before March 14. Groups will start the week of March 20.

Sign up for a group

Ask a question

Body-Mind-Spirit Retreat

The Center for Spiritual Life invites you to a retreat to decompress at the Common Street Spiritual Center in Natick. We will spend time in nature, and practice yoga, mindful activities and sacred sound chants from eastern philosophy. This is a great opportunity to connect with others with similar interests.

The participant fee of $25 includes all food and transportation. Scholarships are available; we do not want payment to be a barrier for any student. Contact Anjum or Karl from the Center for Spiritual Life with any questions.

Sunday, March 19

10 AM – 5 PM

Common Street Spiritual Center, Natick, MA

Register

Therapy dogs at the library

Visit with therapy dogs at the library!

Tuesday, March 14, 2023

Thursday, April 4, 2023

12:00 - 1:30 PM

Library Tribute Area

Daylight Saving Time

Sunday, March 12 is Daylight Saving Time (DST) -- the day we "spring forward" by 1 hour. Originally conceived to help take advantage of sunlight, the cost and benefit of DST is a hotly debated topic today.

Learn more about the interesting history of DST in the New York Times*

To prepare for the start of DST, gradually shift your wake time. Two to three days before, practice waking up 15-20 minutes earlier than usual. On Saturday, March 11, set your alarm clock back an additional 15-20 minutes. This should help ease your transition.

Learn more about sleep hygiene

Problem Gambling Awareness Month

"March Madness" isn't just about basketball. Due to the increased amount of sports betting in March, the month is recognized as Problem Gambling Disorder Awareness Month.

Gambling Disorder Screening Day is Tuesday, March 14. Take a brief screening designed to help you decide whether to seek help.

Problem Gambling Resources:

24/7 Confidential National Hotline

Call: 1-800-522-4700

Chat: ncpgambling.org/chat

Text: 1-800-522-4700

You can also contact the Brandeis Counseling Center (BCC) for support around problem gambling concerns at 781-736-3730.

“At one time or another, many of us will have experienced a sense of being overwhelmed, as if everything were too much. That’s because life can be stressful. And, while stress can have serious repercussions on our health, sometimes, simply taking time to pause and rest the mind can be enough to feel better in the moment."

Read more from Headspace

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