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OCTOBER 2020 |
VOL 4 ISSUE 2
In this issue:
- Be-Leaf in Yourself
- Boost Your Space
- Fall Recipes
- Houston Happenings
- MS4 Advice
- SPOTlight
- TAO
- Thrive at UT
- Vote Your Voice
- Wellness Warriors
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The Well is a monthly newsletter that serves to
positively impact the well-being of the McGovern student community
by highlighting a myriad of wellness-related content.
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Click here to share your thoughts on The Well!
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Good news - believing in yourself and the confidence in your abilities that ensues all starts with that 3 pound mass in your noggin. How, you might ask? Through your mindset and the conversations you have with yourself daily. You can start by thinking of things you cherish about yourself, acknowledging and appreciating them rather than minimizing. Daily affirmations have been shown to minimize anxiety, stress and perceived threats to our sense of self. If daily emails are more your speed, try this subscription for daily or weekly email day-brighteners from Morgan Harper Nichols. Your confidence and sense of self will thank you!
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Your environment plays a sizable role in how you feel about yourself and the world around you. Look no further than these fall-focused favorites for ways to transform your space into a manifestation of your most powerful self!
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Feng shui your place with a few simple steps and make it feel new.
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Candles are an easy way to bring warmth and cozy joy to a room. Check out the 26 Best Fall Candles for inspiration. Feeling crafty? Check out this 3-step DIY bacon candle.
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DIY artwork can instantly brighten a space. Whether it’s embroidery work or a framed puzzle, you can turn a fun hobby or crafting session into a room revamp.
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Fresh flowers or plants are a great way to bring nature indoors. Cornelius Nursery offers curbside pickup, The Cactus King boasts the widest selection of cacti in Houston, and grocers like HEB, Central Market, and even Walgreens offer a variety of flower selections. Here is a list of some cool aromatherapy plants!
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Sweating and exercise can boost mood and self-assurance. Yoga, specifically, can increase focus, relieve stress, increase empowerment and clarity of mind. Check out these hotspots for places to “Ommm” your way to bliss:
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BeYoga | Free pop-up in Plaza Park on October 2nd @ 6:30 pm
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Pitch 25 | Free Yoga Sundays! Every Sunday 10 am - 11 am
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LoveLand Yoga | 1-month unlimited student yoga membership for $49
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Yoga House | Houston’s first black owned yoga studio - free “Yoga House In The Park” series! Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11 am at Peggy Park
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You are what you eat! Healthy eating habits can lower levels of anxiety and depression and promote a positive sense of self. Let’s celebrate fall by making some seasonal dishes perfect for the cooler weather:
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Healthy Turkey Chili | This recipe by Monique from Ambitious Kitchen is a healthier version of the classic comfort food, and this recipe stores well for a weekly meal prep dish. Spice it up by topping with corn chips, avocados, shredded cheese, and cilantro!
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Vegan Tofu Scramble | Andrew and Larisha from Make It Dairy Free teach us how to make an easy, delicious vegan tofu scramble. Add your favorite veggies like bell peppers, onions, or broccoli and serve with a bed of rice for a full meal.
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Grain Free, Vegan Apple Cake | While this might defy cake logic, this treat is sure to delight! Fans say it’s easy to make and hits their sweet tooth while giving their body some healthy fuel.
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The most challenging part of medical school for me was the volume of tests we had to take whether that be module exams, shelfs, or USMLE Step 1 and Step 2. With each test, I always wanted to do well but with that also came a lot of mental pressure to meet my own expectations. I noticed that in these moments, it is sometimes easy to associate your own personal value with how well you do. Therefore, my advice to everyone is to recognize that your value is way more than just a number on a page. Your value is in the care you provide to your patients because of your own unique attributes. Your value is in the ability to dig deep when things get tough. Your value is in your unwavering commitment to become the best version of yourself because you know what you have to offer. Of course, no one said it was going to be easy and there will definitely be times when you’re disappointed. But success is defined by your willingness to pick yourself back up in the face of adversity. And with that I leave you with a favorite quote of mine: giving up on your goal because of one setback is like slashing your other three tires because you got a flat.
| Frank Cai, MS4
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Voting provides a platform to feel empowered and exercise self-agency, with voters having stronger social connections to friends and family than non-voters.
The general election (which includes a ballot for the president/vice president) is on November 3. The last day to register in Texas is October 5. Early Voting is Oct 17- Oct 30.
For a list of polling locations, including early voting, 24-hour voting, and drive-thru voting, please visit Harris Votes. Be aware of the forms of ID you’ll need to vote. You have options, even if your ID is expired. Go to Vote Texas for more information regarding registration and ID requirements.
For the out-of-state students, you can still vote. If you don’t choose to re-register in Texas, check your state’s rules for Mail-In or Absentee voting: https://www.usa.gov/election-office.
Don’t let this overwhelm you. There is a network of students who are voter registrars and happy to help. Watch out for their registration drives and feel free to contact Niki Khandheria, MS4 or Amy Mullikin, MS4.
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Wellness Warriors
The Advocacy team wants to hear from you to learn how they can best serve the student body. Please complete this short survey for a chance to receive McGovern swag!
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Houston Arboretum & Nature Center
Beyond Houston
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Ombudsperson
Are conflicts or concerns causing you undue stress? Don’t forget about UTHealth’s newly created position: the Office of the Academic Ombuds. Robin Dickey, PhD, MA, LPC, is available as a listener, mediator, and coach for all members of our UTHealth family. Make an appointment today!
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TAO | Therapy Assistance Online
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The Student Health and Counseling Clinic is excited to announce a new wellness tool available to all students, faculty, and staff at UTH. TAO (Therapy Assistance Online) is an interactive, self-guided, web-based program that consists of tools and educational materials to help you learn about and change how you think and feel.
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Thrive at UT is a free app designed to enhance UT student well-being and help busy students live their best life. Thrive helps you make small changes in your routine that have powerful long-term impacts.
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Brought to you by the McGovern Student Wellness & Resilience Committee
Newsletter Staff: Lauren Beal, Michelle Chen, Jay Garza, Sarah Linson,
Pooja Prasad, Nina Quirk, Jordan Shive, Ayana Taylor, Ashley Tom, Tori Waters
Questions, Comments, or Contributions to The Well,
please email MS.Wellness@uth.tmc.edu
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