Health and Wellness Newsletter

Election Week Support

The Brandeis Counseling Center, Center for Spiritual Life, Gender and Sexuality Center and Intercultural Center are offering drop-in hours for support during the election week. Additional sessions are available upon student request.

Monday, November 4

12 - 2 pm

Counseling Center

Tuesday, November 5

11 am - 3 pm

Intercultural Center

Wednesday, November 6

4 - 5 pm

Gender and Sexuality Center

Kindness Days

Brandeis Kindness Day was started by a faculty member with a vision to further connect Brandeis by promoting morale, building community, and encouraging more small acts of thanks and kindness on campus. This year, Kindness Days are happening November 11-14, 2024. 

Right now, you can start early by sending a virtual kindness card. There is no limit, so you can send kindness to as many people as you can!

Be on the lookout for more information from the Department of Student Engagement about Kindness Days' events and activities!

Transcend Groups Are Back

Transcend groups are back at the Brandeis Counseling Center (BCC) on Wednesdays at 4pm! This confidential affinity space for transgender and gender non-conforming folks is open for new and returning attendees. If you're interested in learning more, please contact Leal Carter.

Brandeis Health Center Flu & Covid-19 Vaccine Clinics

The Brandeis Health Center still has more appointment slots for you to receive your FREE flu and/or COVID-19 vaccine. Take this step to protect yourself from respiratory illnesses this Fall season!

Be sure to register first before arriving to your appointment. These vaccine clinics will be located all around campus on different dates for your convenience.

Date/Times and Location:

• November 5, 1-4 pm, International Lounge
• November 12, 1-4 pm, Shapiro Campus Center Multipurpose Room
• November 19, 1-4 pm, Skyline Multipurpose Room

BEMCo's CPR Certification Classes Are Open

BEMCo is offering FREE first aid and CPR classes every weekend! This one-day class is a great opportunity to learn a useful, potentially life-saving skill. If you have questions about the course, email BEMCo's Education Coordinator.

Sign-up for a CPR course

All Recovery Meeting

Brandeis students seeking peer-to-peer recovery support are encouraged to check out the virtual All Recovery Meeting for students in the greater Boston area.

This meeting honors all pathways to recovery. Recovery allies, family members, and concerned others are welcome to participate.

All Recovery Meeting

Wednesdays 6 pm - 7 pm ET

Meeting ID: 822 8292 6265

Password: 730359

Questions? Email sohmeeting@gmail.com

Election Day Anxiety

Feeling overwhelmed by all the election news? You’re definitely not alone. Navigating change can be challenging, and a shift in government leadership often brings heightened emotions. In uncertain times, it's natural to seek ways to reclaim a sense of control—whether that means staying informed or encouraging friends and family to vote. However, the barrage of distressing headlines and unproductive debates can be exhausting and increase your stress. Here are some ways to manage your Election Day anxiety:

1. Identify Your Main Sources of Political Stress

Take a moment to notice when you feel most anxious: Is it during tough conversations, while scrolling through social media, or when watching the news? Reflect on these triggers and develop personalized self-care strategies to help manage your anxiety. For instance, if election-related content on social media adds to your stress, follow it with a calming activity like reading or chatting with a friend. You might also consider setting boundaries, such as unfollowing negative accounts or limiting your screen time.

2. Focus on What You Can Control and Take Positive Action

If you’re eligible, be sure to vote, and encourage your friends to vote. You can volunteer your time by phone banking, attending meetings or marches, or helping at voter registration drives to inspire others to make their voices heard.

3. Take Breaks From Screens

You might seek distractions like watching funny videos or social media to cope with election-related stress, but these strategies offer only temporary relief. Instead, plan phone-free breaks or use apps to manage your screen time. Start small—take a midday walk without your phone, step away while your device charges, or try a phone-free workout. Spending time outdoors, hiking, or playing with a pet can also be incredibly refreshing.

Learn more about managing election stress with Headspace

Thanksgiving & Mindfulness

As Thanksgiving approaches and we gather with friends and family, it’s a wonderful time to reflect on gratitude and how we can cultivate it in our lives. Here are some tips to enhance your appreciation and make the most of this season.

1. Express Gratitude

Make it a habit to regularly thank those around you for their kindness and contributions. A simple "thank you" can go a long way in making others feel valued. Whether it’s a family member who cooked a delicious meal or a friend who supported you during a tough time, acknowledging their efforts fosters positive connections. Consider going a step further by writing a heartfelt note or sharing specific examples of how their actions impacted you. This not only strengthens relationships but also creates a more grateful mindset.

2. Keep a Gratitude Journal

Start a gratitude journal where you can write down specific things you are thankful for each day. This practice helps you focus on the positive aspects of your life, and when you’re feeling down, you can look back through your entries to remind yourself of the good moments. Try to be specific—rather than just writing "I'm grateful for my family," note a particular moment or memory that brought you joy. Over time, this journal will become a cherished resource, highlighting the abundance in your life.

3. Practice Gratitude Meditation

Engaging in gratitude meditation can help you cultivate a deeper appreciation for life and all living beings. Find a quiet space, close your eyes, and take a few deep breaths. Then, focus on the things you are grateful for, allowing feelings of appreciation to fill your mind. This practice can enhance your overall well-being, fostering a sense of peace and connectedness. Consider incorporating this meditation into your daily routine, especially during busy or stressful times.

4. Be Mindful

Beyond gratitude meditation, practicing mindfulness can significantly improve your mental clarity and emotional stability. Mindfulness allows you to stay present, which helps you appreciate the small moments often overlooked in the hustle of daily life. If you're unsure how to start meditating, there are many helpful apps available, such as Headspace, that provide guided sessions for beginners. Even just a few minutes a day can lead to a greater sense of calm and focus.

5. Savor Positive Experiences

In our fast-paced world, it's easy to rush through enjoyable moments without fully appreciating them. Take the time to slow down and truly savor positive experiences. Whether it's enjoying a meal with loved ones, watching a beautiful sunset, or simply laughing with friends, immerse yourself in those moments. Pay attention to the sights, sounds, and feelings involved, allowing yourself to fully experience and appreciate what’s happening in the present.

6. Thank Yourself

Self-gratitude is just as important as expressing appreciation for others. Take a moment to acknowledge and thank yourself for the healthy habits you’ve cultivated, such as eating well, exercising, or getting enough rest. Recognizing your own efforts can boost your self-esteem and motivate you to continue making positive choices. Consider adding affirmations to your daily routine, reminding yourself of your strengths and accomplishments.

As Thanksgiving draws near, embracing these practices can enrich your experience, deepen your connections with loved ones, and foster a lasting sense of gratitude. By taking the time to reflect on what you’re thankful for, you can create a more joyful and meaningful holiday season.

Overcoming Food Anxiety

The holiday season often goes hand-in-hand with delicious food! Whether this means eating your family’s special recipes or having more time to cook for yourself, the break in your normal routine allows many people to indulge in good food. However, with more focus on food, you might find yourself experiencing anxiety around eating.

Food anxiety often involves overthinking what foods to eat or how much to eat. It can lead to eating behaviors that can negatively impact your body image, nutrition, and mental well-being.

A way to combat food anxiety is to practice mindful eating, which means focusing on the sensations we feel when we’re eating without judging ourselves. To feel your best this holiday break, read on to find out how you can practice mindful eating:

Recognize and honor your hunger

If your body tells you that you’re hungry, listen to it! This may look like your stomach growling or having a hard time focusing on a task. Whatever the hunger cue is, it is important to feed yourself at regular intervals throughout the day so that you can maintain normal body metabolism. 

Feel your fullness

At the same time, it is also important to recognize when you feel full. Try to be present when you eat so that you can feel when you’re full. This can prevent yourself from feeling too stuffed, and it allows yourself to feel hungry again at a normal interval. 

Eat a variety of nutritious foods

Eating the recommended amount of daily proteins, carbohydrates, fats, and fiber provides your body with the necessary nutrients it needs to feel its best. Not only will your body be nourished, but you will also feel better, both physically and mentally. 

Allow yourself to eat all foods and encourage satisfaction

Instead of restricting what you eat, give yourself permission to eat what you want. In fact, give yourself permission to enjoy what you eat too! Doing so can allow you to feel fuller, not just physically, but emotionally as well. 

With these tips, you can build a healthier relationship with food and eating, not just during the holiday season, but in your daily life as well!

Learn more about mindful eating with Headspace