BROUGHT TO YOU BY STUDENT WELLNESS ADVISING
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Choosing a Mindful App
Mindfulness offers many benefits to those who practice it including decreased stress, decreased depressive symptoms, and improved overall health. The easiest way to get into a habit of practicing mindfulness is by using a mindfulness app. Picking an app that will work for you, your needs and your schedule can be incredibly beneficial to your everyday life. In a recent study, different mindfulness apps were reviewed and evaluated, check it out here! The following apps scored the highest:
- Headspace
- Smiling Mind
- iMindfulness
- Mindfulness Daily
Here are just a few more benefits of practicing mindfulness:
- Relieve stress
- Lower blood pressure
- Improve sleep
Weighted Blanket
We’ve received several inquiries about the benefits weighted blankets. Weighted blankets are known to have several benefits and are popular among those who are looking to calm anxiety and sleep better. Please consult with your Primary Care Physician (PCP) before using a weighted blanket! According to this article it is possible that using a weighted blanket can help with:
- Anxiety
- Sleep disorders such as insomnia
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
- Lowering heart rate
A student who requested to remain anonymous, purchased a weighted blanket a few months back, shared her feedback, saying “I’ve noticed a big difference in my sleep since getting my blanket. It feels like a big hug and helps to quiet my mind when I lay down. I am able to sleep through the night and feel more refreshed when I wake up.”
If you are interested in trying out a weighted blanket, here are two affordable options: Kohls and Macys.
Student Wellness Advising is a friendly and accessible hub of support for all students on the Health Science Campus. All services are confidential, private and free.
Snaggs is available to talk with you by Zoom or telephone. Any student who would like to schedule an appointment is encouraged to do so. Send an email to Sharon.Snaggs@tufts.edu.
Student Wellness Advisory Committee:
Jessica Stanley, D23, Jessica.Stanley@tufts.edu
Samantha Capizzo, D22, Samantha.Capizzo@tufts.edu
Caroline Nelson, D24, Caroline.Nelson@tufts.edu
Catherine Choi, GSBS, Catherine.Y_Choi@tufts.edu
Caitlin Sutherland, MBS, caitlin.suterland@tufts.edu
Christina Damon, M23, christina.damon@tufts.edu
Christine Ganser, M23, Christine.ganser@tufts.edu
Jacqueline Mosher, M24, Jacqueline.mosher@tufts.edu
Anne Scott Livingston, Friedman, Anne.Livingston@tufts.edu
Hannah Paoletti, Friedman, Hannah.Paoletti@tufts.edu
TalkOne2One
Tufts recognizes the importance of easy access to confidential mental health counseling. For non-emergent issues, our counselors from our TalkOne2One program are available on campus, five days/week as well as by phone for students who are engaged in clerkships and not available to meet in person. Counselors are also available by phone 24 hours/day, 7 days/week for urgent issues. Please call 1-800-756-3124 to schedule an appointment.
Wellness Activity:
Virtual Drop-In Meditation — Two Offerings:
Interested in developing a stronger meditation practice? These drop-in group sessions will help you come into the present moment, lower anxiety, reduce isolation, and improve focus/concentration!
- Every Thursday at 12:30pm, Dr. Christina Pastan, Director, Mind-Body Wellness, School of Dental Medicine offers a 20-minute session which begins with a short talk about an aspect of meditation followed by a guided experience. If you would like to be added to the listserv to receive additional information for this session, send an email to christina.pastan@tufts.edu
- TUSM Mindfulness Group (MMG) is offering weekly drop-in meditation. If you would like to be added to the MMG listserv to receive the weekly notification, send an email to james.mccullum@tufts.edu
Virtual Yoga — Two Offerings for you:
Yoga, derived from the Sanskrit word “yuji,” meaning yoke or union, is an ancient practice that brings together mind and body (Trusted Source). It incorporates breathing exercises, meditation and poses designed to encourage relaxation and reduce stress. Practicing yoga is said to come with many benefits for both mental and physical health, though not all these benefits have been backed by science. To learn about the evidence-based benefits of yoga check out this Benefits of Yoga article. In addition, join us during the following times to get started on your journey.
- Mondays, taught by Olivia Fauver, TUSM ’23, 50 minutes of yoga flow for any level
- Nov 16th at 5pm (50 minute class) https://tufts.zoom.us/j/99183445510?pwd=YjQ2OGVsN3ltaHdHejhUcy9yQ1dadz09
- Nov 30th at 5pm (50 minute class) https://tufts.zoom.us/j/94323506514?pwd=cDJzek1BVnNja1MvVjFZalkzOGdGZz09
- Tuesdays, Dr. Christina Pastan, Director, Mind-Body Wellness, School of Dental Medicine offers a restorative yoga class via Zoom. Participants video will not be seen, and no experience is necessary. If you would like to be added to the listserv to receive additional information for this session, send an email to christina.pastan@tufts.edu
At-Home Workouts!
Other activities you can check out anytime and anywhere
- MadFit (Free YouTube Channel)
305 Fitness cardio dance classes: https://www.youtube.com/user/305Fitness - Les Mills – The Fitness Marshall (hip hop dance) https://www.youtube.com/user/TheFitnessMarshall
- Bhangra: https://www.youtube.com/user/dopungra
Take a Break at the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA)
Tufts University has a membership with the Museum of Fine Arts which allows to faculty, staff and students to receive free admission.
In light of COVID-19 restrictions, the MFA will now be open with timed ticket reservations. Due to new guidelines, there will be not on-site or same-day ticket sales, so please reserve all tickets in advance. Students, faculty, and staff can reserve 1 free admission ticket using the unique online promo code: UM-1644569.
This is for general admission. The code does not work for special exhibits.
Organization Name: SMFA, Tufts
Eligible Groups: Undergraduate, Graduate, Faculty, and Staff Unique Promo code (to be distributed to eligible groups to redeem tickets): UM-1474944
Tufts students, faculty, and staff will still need to provide a Tufts ID upon arrival, and there may be an additional $5 charge for any special exhibits.
To reserve a free ticket, please visit mfa.org/tickets
Mid-Week Over the Hump Check In
Wednesday mornings at 8:30 am. Feel free to bring your coffee, tea, journal, or whatever you like to start your day!
https://tufts.zoom.us/j/96923777929?pwd=SGw4N2hwaUdYdys0NCtxdjBJaWdEZz09
Calling all Performers: We are looking for performers for our next virtual wellness concert on Friday, December 11th!
Calling all musicians, singers, poets, rappers… all performers!! If you have a talent to share and you would like to be included in the line-up, we would love to hear from you! It will be the hottest ticket in town by far!
Send an email to Sharon.snaggs@tufts.edu
In the Kitchen:
Cashew Chicken Stir-Fry Meal Prep
This recipe is very flexible and is also a great way to use up any vegetables you have in the fridge before they go bad. If you’re vegetarian, tofu or tempeh would be a great substitute for chicken! This recipe can even be stored in the freezer for 2 to 3. It only takes 30 minutes to make and can be served alone or with rice or noodles of choice. Check out the full recipe!
One Pan Buddha Bowls with Turmeric Dressing
This is a great option for lunch and is easy healthy and works with any veggies you have in your fridge. Full recipe here!!
If you would like to be spotlighted, please send an email to Sharon.Snaggs@tufts.edu or Danielle.O_Sullivan@tufts.edu
Have any questions, comments or insights? Reach out to our Social Work Intern, Danielle!
Danielle is currently attending Boston College for a master’s degree in social work and is our first Social Work Intern. She is excited to be a part of the Student Wellness Advising Team and has a lot of knowledge about nutrition, health and wellness and is passionate about destigmatizing mental health. Please do not hesitate to reach out to her at Danielle.O_Sullivan@tufts.edu
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