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DECEMBER 2021 |
VOL 5 ISSUE 4
In this issue:
- Better Together
- Counteracting the Winter Blues
- Faculty Wellness Tip
- Financial Wellness
- Houston Happenings
- MS4 Advice
- SPOTlight
- Tasty Recipes
- Thrive at UT
- UTHealth Wellness Connection
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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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The holidays are a time to spread joy and cheer, spend time with loved ones, and celebrate the charm of the season. At least, that would be the traditional view. It sounds good in theory, but for many people, the holidays are in fact not the most wonderful time of the year. Unwelcome guests such as stress and depression have been shown to descend especially so during the holidays, with as many as 64% of people reporting that the holiday season worsens the symptoms of their mental illnesses. With the pandemic and its after effects as our new normal, the holidays can now be that much more lonely or stressful. One way to ameliorate the hardships that threaten our wellness over the winter season is to do it together. The effects of community on mental health are undeniable, and the value within having community is that you can find it in just about anything. Community can be described both physically and emotionally: be it a physical shared space or group, or an emotional sense of fellowship, the effects of having a connection prove to be a worthwhile support system. Community can be found among your family members, your friends, your co-workers -- community can be found anywhere where there are shared interests, values, or beliefs that bring us together. Not only will a sense of community provide feelings of belonging and security, but the support that a community can offer itself has been studied to help reduce anxiety and depression and improve coping mechanisms. As you finish scrolling through the rest of our December issue, we challenge you to appreciate the communities you’ve been in and acknowledge the communities you currently have, and to consider paying it forward to those who may be in need of such support this holiday season.
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Counteracting the Winter Blues |
With the weather growing colder and the days feeling shorter, one might find it more difficult to maintain an upbeat mindset. Some of us start our days at the hospital before the sun rises and don’t leave until long after the sun sets. With little time to enjoy the sunlight, one might find themselves struggling with the winter blues. A combination of decreased serotonin, increased melatonin production, and reduced production of vitamin D has been linked to the development of the winter blues. Because of these changes, we might find ourselves feeling more fatigued, less able to concentrate on our studies, and less motivated than we were before. If the winter season has got you feeling blue, we have a few suggestions to get you out of this seasonal slump.
Exercise has been known to improve mood and release endorphins. Although exercise is likely the last thing you want to do, give it a try! Winter temperatures in Houston don’t often drop below freezing, giving us the opportunity to enjoy outdoor activities and exercise. Exercising outside can help increase your exposure to daylight, which is a source of vitamin D. Additionally, eating a healthy diet can boost your energy. Nutrient-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, and complex carbohydrates can promote overall health. And lastly, it is important to be conscious of your well-being needs and nurture yourself throughout the winter season. Talking to trusted loved ones and counseling approaches may help reshape your thoughts about low mood and energy. Meditation, mindfulness, yoga, and other relaxation techniques you find enjoyable can be beneficial to your mental health. However, if you’re feeling extra depressed during the winter and struggling with everyday tasks, please consult your doctor for other treatment options.
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Identify activities that bring you happiness (walking your dog, meditating, yoga, sitting outside relaxing, biking, etc.) and spend at least three separate sessions of at least 15 minutes doing one of these activities each day (15 min x 2 is better than 30 min x 1). Put it on your schedule. This practice has been shown to improve outlook, efficiency, and happiness.
| Dr. Toy
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Green Mountain Energy Ice at Discovery Green | Glide on an expansive ice rink in beautiful downtown Houston. Discovery Green is once again hosting a public ice rink this holiday season with some COVID safety protocols in place. They have special events including professional ice skating shows, Santa Claus visits, throwback music themed skates, and discounted skating nights. The rink will be available to the public from November 12, 2021 - January 30, 2022. Tickets must be purchased online in advance. Please check their website for hours of operation and for special event dates. General admission tickets are normally $15. Website: https://www.discoverygreen.com/ice
Moody Gardens Festival of Lights | Moody Gardens is hosting their yearly holiday attraction of lighting displays covering their expansive grounds. This is a fun event to take family and friends to that is a little outside of Houston and can
be a nice day trip. Moody Gardens has several holiday attractions in addition
to the lighting displays such as holiday 3D films, pictures with Santa, nightly
fireside s’mores, and a new year’s palooza! The festival of lights runs from
November 20, 2021 - January 2, 2022. General admission tickets start at $22.
NASA Galaxy Lights | Reliant is hosting an interactive and technologically advanced light display at NASA Space Center Houston this holiday season. Enjoy the unique Kinetic Lights and “Celebrate Light” interactive show as well as a
variety of space and holiday themed light displays. The lights will be
available for viewing from November 13, 2021 - January 2, 2022 from 6pm to
10pm. General admission tickets start at $20 and children ages 3 and younger
Self-Guided River Oaks Christmas Lights Tour | River Oaks is one of Houston’s most spirited neighborhoods during the holiday season. Mansions in the neighborhood are adorned with beautiful festive lights and lighting displays. Take an adorable tour of the neighborhood by driving or walking to enjoy the festivity of River Oaks. The lights are available for viewing from 5:00pm to 10:00pm from November 25, 2021 - December 26, 2021. The lights are free to view. Website: https://www.visithoustontexas.com/event/self-guided-river-oaks-christmas-lights-tour/92019/
Zoo Lights | The Houston Zoo is celebrating 10 years of hosting holiday lights in Houston. Enjoy the beautiful lights and zoo grounds during this holiday season. The lights will be turned on from 5:30pm to 10:30pm from November 15, 2021 - January 9, 2022. General admission tickets range from $18-$26. Website: https://www.houstonzoo.org/events/zoo-lights-2021/
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As the days get shorter and the season gets colder, community becomes all the more important to warm your life. The winter months can be difficult to keep up with your mental wellness, and the loss of sunlight hours can make it tougher for many of us. Within the season of lights and thanks, I often find it even more important to call my loved ones and spend a little extra time remembering all I am thankful for.
I’ve found that one of the best ways to take care of myself is to invite my close friends over, those who understand what I’m going through and what my stressors are, to introduce others to someone’s favorite movie as we enjoy hot chocolate and craft. On days I want to enjoy my own company I plan to run a few errands and queue up my favorite podcasts. I take the time to wander around the grocery store a little bit longer, and purchase a chocolate that catches my eye as a treat to myself. In between the busy moments, on the walk or drive home from school, I call a family member and catch up on their week.
However, even with all of this, the most important part of this season for me is to check in on my friends and classmates. Take the time to text someone you haven’t seen in a few weeks. Set up a coffee or boba hangout with a friend you’ve been missing. In this period I have found that my classmates are most often my greatest supporters and are integral to my mental health. Take advantage of the time off on weekends and holidays to spend time with the people who bring joy to your life. Be kind to yourself this season, have grace with yourself when things don’t turn out perfectly, and ensure that you and your loved ones are healthy both in body and mind.
| Chloe Sarfatis, MS4
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Hot Topics
Click on a topic for tips on tackling the issue
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11.26-12.24 | Houston Ballet - The Nutcracker, Brown Theater
12.09-10 | Elf on the Shelf, Smart Financial Centre
12.10-11 | Chelsea Handler, 713 Music Hall
12.17-18 | Jonathan Van Ness, Smart Financial Centre
12.21-22 | Pentatonix, Smart Financial Centre
Discovery Green - Screen on the Green
12.02 & 12.09 | A Christmas Carol
12.16 | Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas
12.23 | Elf
12.30 | Captain America: The Winter Soldier
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Financial Wellness Resources |
Financial Wellness @ McGovern
- https://med.uth.edu/admissions/wellness-resilience/financial-wellness-2/
Student Financial Services
- Newsletters | https://www.uth.edu/sfs/newsletters-and-information/
- Website | https://www.uth.edu/sfs/
- YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrdQD4Kixa5GUWD_Lu8YHRQ
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| Ombudsperson
Are conflicts or concerns causing you undue stress? Contact 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! https://www.uth.edu/evpara/academic-ombuds.htm
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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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| UTHealth Wellness Connection |
UTHealth Student Counseling Services has introduced a blog bringing mental health and wellness resources to you. Click the link below to read the latest! |
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Brought to you by the McGovern Student Wellness & Resilience Committee
Questions, Comments, or Contributions to The Well,
please email MS.Wellness@uth.tmc.edu
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