Happy Tuesday, Honors Community! Taking good care of ourselves is more important right now than ever. We have enjoyed sharing Take Care Tuesdays digitally with you this year — via Zoom and via these emails. For spring 2021, we plan to focus on different dimensions of well-being — starting with social and emotional in this digital edition. Also, save the date now for our next Take Care Tuesdays Zoom event, on financial wellness. Tuesday, March 2 (yes, that's next week!) Leticia Gradington from Student Money Management Services will speak on learning to take control of your financial lives. Watch for Zoom details in tomorrow's Honors Weekly.

READ

Want to learn how to communicate better? Read this article to learn how to avoid misunderstandings, grasp the real meaning of what is being communicated, and greatly improve your work and personal relationships. Read more here>>

Ever wonder what role emotions play in our lives? Read this article to learn how emotions affect our thinking and inspire our creativity. (Did you know, for example, that being in a pessimistic mood might actually be the best frame of mind from which to proofread your next essay before turning it in?!) Read more here>> 

WATCH

Watch this video to learn about Dr. Gary Chapman's five love languages: words of affirmation, quality time, receiving gifts, acts of service, and physical touch.     Watch video here>>

JOIN

Did watching that video make you curious about your own love languages? (And yes, you usually do have more than one!) Take this free love languages quiz to learn what your preferred love language is. Learn more & take the quiz >>

+ Join Us as we find new ways to connect. Honors staff and faculty fellows, like you, are getting creative about finding connection and taking good care of ourselves. This edition, we hear from De'Angelo Thomas, Assistant Director of Admissions for the University Honors Program.

Creativity is what makes us who we are, and it impacts how we function from day to day. Engaging in creative activities has helped me tremendously. It allows me to remain present and focus on the things that are within my control. Whether it’s going to the gym, listening to music, or even spending time with my family, it’s important to find space for your inner creator to express itself. Psychologists have studied and proved that engaging in creative activities can increase positive emotions, lessen depressive symptoms, and improve your immune system. My recommendation for you is to allow yourself to flow. Breath more. Do things that bring you joy, peace, and stillness. Life is all about living and understanding. Once you have given your mind a space to be free, the mental benefits will begin to reflect how you complete tasks and respond to external stimuli.

We’ll be back with more next month, and until then, take good care. 💙