Proactively Planning for Rest
For over a year, I struggled along with my family, colleagues, and students with navigating the challenges, stresses, and guidelines the COVID-19 pandemic brought to our daily lives. Like many, I never had the opportunity to take the natural breaks last summer, at Thanksgiving, during the Winter Holidays, and the lack of spring break. If anything, those periods were even more stressful determining what we can and cannot do that we normally would. The constant strain has taken a toll on each of us physically, emotionally, and mentally. Additionally, I struggle, like others with today's advanced technology, which has made the goal of work/life harmony even harder.
As we navigate June and the pending summer months, what steps will you take to decompress and reflect after an intense semester that may have lingering residual stress? Can you commit to scheduling a break or rest period, where you can disconnect, recharge, and recuperate? I know the way I am wired, naturally there is always something to be done, but I was prompted by a friend "Can you create a space for rest for the sake of rest and nothing else?" I know we have all shown resilience, but from my personal experiences, it's a daily struggle to limit and set boundaries prior to burnout or exhaustion. My past repeated ignorance of rest has caused instances of plummeting mental health.
During my scheduled rest, I will commit to use the time to think about what brings me joy, what self-care habits I will commit to, and how to proactively create boundaries for my own well-being. I hope you join me in this journey. Share your plans with those you love, so they can support you and hold you accountable to make your well-being a priority. For those individuals that jumped right into a new job or navigate their busy times during the summer, think and plan for small periods of rest and breaks when you can during the weekdays and weekends. Your future self will thank you!
-Kevin George
Director of Campus Recreation
Rowan Thrive Committee
*We would love to hear how you are planning for rest this summer. Share here and win a Rowan Thrive t-shirt or water bottle for participating!
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Tune into the Happiness Lab Podcast w/ Dr. Laurie Santos. Sarah Hurwitz worked 24/7 at Harvard, and barely took time off as she built a career in DC writing speeches for first Hillary Clinton and then Michelle Obama. Sarah would even take her cell phone into the shower. But as she explored the teachings of Judaism, she began to appreciate the vital importance of the commandment to observe a day of rest, and found that sometimes doing less made her happier.
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A new study shows that doing kind things for others is an important path to happiness. When Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence, he assured Americans of their right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. This idea seems to lead many Americans to chase after new gadgets and hedonistic pleasures. But what if that approach is wrong? What if happiness comes from aiming to make others happy, instead of doing nice things for yourself? READ MORE.
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Friday, 6/4 from 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Click here to gain virtual access
For individuals working with student success and retention, the COVID-19 pandemic spurred fundamental shifts in the student experience. This event will provide us with a shared understanding of students’ experiences during the pandemic and most importantly, how we can support them in the post-pandemic transition ahead. While many reflect temporary shifts of necessity, others will leave enduring changes on how future students approach and interact with higher education, and how leaders should serve them. In this workshop, we’ll discuss key pandemic-era experiences that will likely influence student behavior for years to come and how you should respond to them. Session provided by EAB.
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Jim Harter discusses the just-released Gallup book, "Wellbeing at Work: How to Build Resilient and Thriving Teams." Managers, organizational leaders and coaches have a vital role in impacting employee wellbeing at work, and this can bring changes in culture that will help improve employees' wellbeing and move them toward thriving in all 5 wellbeing elements. Jim speaks about how mental and spiritual wellbeing relate to the 5 elements, and vice versa, as well the role each employee's Clifton Strengths can play in facilitating wellbeing conversations.
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Scroll to the bottom of the OCA ProfLink page to see the various summer series workshops including:
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On Saturdays & Sundays canoes and kayaks will be available at the Scotland Run Park beach area, from June 12 through September 5. The boats are available starting at 9 a.m. and the last boat launch is at 3 p.m.
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Saturday, 6/12 @ 9 a.m.
Enjoy fresh air, art and exercise on this leisurely bike ride connecting the art installations of A New View.This 8.5 mile ride along the city of Camden's trails network includes stops at each of the 6 art installations.
Bikes and helmets are available to borrow. Please indicate your needs at checkout.
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Wednesday 6/9 from 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.
Pre-registration is required for this virtual event. The program features two half hour presentations.
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The Fitness Center and Recreation Center Pool are available with limited hours during the summer for students and faculty/staff members. The pool still requires reservations using the Campus Rec App.
All individuals should enter using the touchless member ID system on the app. Download for free the “Rowan Campus Rec” on the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store.
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Tuesday, 6/8 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Are you on campus this summer? Come to the Summer Food Fair on Tuesday, June 8 from 11am-2pm on the Chamberlain Student Center Front Patio for free food and games! We will have funnel cakes, fried oreos, hot dogs, ice cream sandwiches, pop corn, chocolate dipped strawberries, corn on the cob, and green apples with peanut butter or caramel for you to enjoy!
Remember to bring your Rowan ID, as this event is FREE for all students, faculty, and staff.
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Saturday, 6/12 from 5 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Bring your pride to Crystal Lake Pool for fun, games, music and prizes. The event is free, but admission is limited, please register in advance for all members of your party so we can have an accurate headcount. *Bring a shirt, pillowcase, mask, socks or item you wish to tie-dye as materials will be provided to tie dye your item with PRIDE! *All guests must wear masks when not in the pool, social distance and follow all guidelines of pool.*
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Wednesday, 6/9 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Student Center Room 144
Due to Social Distancing we are taking appointments only. You must wear a mask or face cover. There is an urgent need for blood donations and remember every pint of blood saves 3 lives!* All Students who donate blood will get 1 hour service credit.
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Saturday, 6/19 from 1 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Glassboro Sports Complex @ 230 Wilmer St.
A time for culture and unity in remembrance of Juneteenth, the day Union soldiers enforced the Emancipation Proclamation to free all slaves. Rain date is on 6/26.
*The university is also recognizing the holiday on Friday, June 18 with closing of offices and no classes.
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Shift Summit by Campus Logic
6/8 - 6/10 Virtually
Did you know that 22% of students who enroll in higher ed drop out due to financial barriers? It’s time to put an end to the complicated financing journey and eliminate the debt-without-degree crisis. Shift Summit is the connection point where leaders in higher ed converge to drive innovation, discuss challenges, and recognize achievements.
The Financial Aid Office invites faculty and staff who are involved with student success and advising to join us for FREE! Please sign up with this registration link and use the promo code ROWAN.
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Thursday, 6/10 @ 8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Virtual
During the pandemic, workforce trends that were already underway accelerated exponentially, including the adoption of automation and digitization, increased demand for contractors and gig workers, and a significant increase in remote work. Meanwhile, the cost of technology has skyrocketed, while the need for office space and other physical spaces has declined precipitously. Under these conditions, tech-savvy employees who can simultaneously operate independently, nurture productive teams, and deal with significant levels of ambiguity – consistently high on the wish list for employers – will be even more valuable. Simultaneously, individuals with the lowest income and educational levels, communities of color, and small businesses will continue to be disproportionately affected, deepening societal inequities and presenting business challenges.
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The sudden start of summertime temperatures this week has a lot of us rushing outdoors. However, before you head out, be sure that you’re protected from the sun’s harmful rays. Even on cloudy days, always wear a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, reapplying at least every two hours (more if you’ve been in the water). It’s best to stay in shady areas during the peak of the sun’s heat between 10 am and 2 pm, but if you do have to be in direct sun, cover up as much as possible, and wear a hat to protect your scalp. - Provided by Rowan Medicine
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“The Strive to Thrive newsletter intends to bring you well-being ideas, tips, events, information and ways to connect through all dimensions of well-being (physical, social, emotional, purpose, community, and financial). We hope that this layout reminds you of all of the many ways to nourish, attend to, and elevate your well-being and the well-being of those around you.” |
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