Weekly Wellness Newsletter header

November 29, 2022

Your guide to wellness programs and events, recreational opportunities and highlights, timely educational wellness information and service offerings throughout the academic year.

What's Happening in Wellness?

Preparing for Finals Week

We hope you enjoyed a relaxing and safe Thanksgiving break. We are now in the homestretch of the semester with final exams right around the corner!

What are you doing to help prepare yourself for finals week? We've put together a couple ideas to help get you started below.

Stay Hydrated & Energized

Many students turn to caffeine during finals to help power through late nights of studying. However, it is important to be careful with caffeine so you can stay hydrated and energized, especially when there is an endless supply at home.

Kelly Read, our Registered Dietitian in the Student Health Center, shared her tips on staying hydrated and energized to help you finish this semester stronger than your coffee.

  • Avoid drinking more caffeine than you normally do. Drinking more caffeine than usual may cause migraines, restlessness, fast heartbeat or an upset stomach. These side effects are not helpful for stressful times.
  • Drink water. The best way to keep yourself hydrated is by drinking water. Staying hydrated helps you stay focused, thus increasing productivity. Dehydration is also known to give us headaches. Use a reusable water bottle and refill it throughout the day. If you dislike drinking water, consider drinking herbal tea or sparkling water. A fan favorite is the seasonal Candy Cane tea that you can find at most grocery stores- it is perfect for a cold day!
  • Be mindful of sugar content. Many caffeinated drinks also come with sugar. Consider drinking less sugar sweetened beverages, such as soda, energy drinks, and café drinks.

    Tips for reducing added sugar in café drinks:
    • Try less syrup pumps and sweetener packages
    • Consider cold brew vs. frozen style drinks

Focus on Your Academic Wellness

Finals and stress often feel like they go hand-in-hand, but they don’t have to! While this time of year may seem daunting, have no fear. The Academic Success Center is here to provide you with the tools you need to succeed to get prepared for finals week.

  • Create study guides. The process of creating your own study guide can help you review information from your class. Try teaming up with friends and classmates and sharing your guides. You may see things differently when looking through their guides.
  • Make a schedule. Now that exams will be taken from the comfort of your own home, make sure you write out your schedule and share it with those you live with. Looking for more organization? Try out the ASC’s Exam Study Plan.
  • Prioritize. Your finals schedule may feel overwhelming, but before you begin to panic – start prioritizing projects, papers, and exams based on their due dates. By starting now, you will have plenty of time to plan and prioritize. Plus, you’ll know exactly where you need to focus your efforts and on what days.

For more finals tips, follow the ASC on Facebook and Instagram.

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Each week, we are sharing a financial wellness tip to help you make the connection between financial management decisions, your overall wellness, and student success. Money touches every aspect of our lives, and a lack of financial literacy can cause unnecessary stress and negatively impact one’s mental and physical health.

Federal Student Loan COVID-19 Emergency Relief Update

Announced on November, 22, 2022, the student loan payment pause has been extended again until the U.S. Department of Education is permitted to implement President Biden’s debt relief program or the current legal challenges blocking the debt relief program are resolved. If the debt relief program has not been implemented and the litigation has not been resolved by June 30, 2023 — payments will resume 60 days after that. If the debt relief program is initiated prior to June 30, 2023, loan payments will restart 60 days later, and borrowers will be notified by Department of Education. While the student loan payment pause is in effect, federal student loans accrue 0% interest, and borrowers who were in repayment have had their loans placed in administrative forbearance which means no payment is currently due. For additional information on the COVID-19 Emergency Relief and Federal Student loans, click here.

Be sure to follow the Financial Literacy team on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram for more financial tips throughout the semester!

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Bow Wow Wellness
Wednesday, Nov. 30
Fireside Lounge, 12:30-2 p.m.

Your favorite furry friends are back! Stop by the Fireside Lounge to de-stress with therapy dogs. If you’re missing your fur family at home, come hang out with these pups to feel refreshed and relaxed.

Learn more

International Day of Persons with Disabilities (Dec. 3, 2022)
Friday, Dec. 2
Student Alumni Union Lobby, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Join Disability Services staff and student Disability Leadership Scholars in observing International Day of Persons with Disabilities on campus this Friday, Dec. 2! Stop by the table for free stickers, allergy-friendly snacks, play a quick game of "mind your spoons", and learn more about disability, the Disability Services Office and accessing accommodations right here at RIT. Plus, check out the Writers and Books table, a local literary center that will be selling books written by disabled authors. 

Access Matters. Let's Connect!

Learn more

Outreach Opportunities

Stop by one of these tables on campus to learn more about Wellness, as well as tips for improving your overall health and well-being.

  • Tigers Care: Caring Kits
    Tuesday, Nov. 29 | 11:30 a.m.- 12:30 p.m. | Campus Center Breezeway

  • DIY Social Support Network Keychains
    Tuesday, Nov. 29 | 5:15-6:45 p.m. | Gracie's

  • Wellness Wednesday: Know Your Stress Go Fish!
    Wednesday, Nov. 30 | 2:30-4 p.m. | GAN-1950 Lobby

  • The Pour
    Monday, Dec. 5 | 1:30-3 p.m. | Student Alumni Union Lobby

For additional events and event information, go to rit.edu/events.

 
rit.edu/wellness