Weekly Wellness Newsletter 12/12/23

December 12, 2023

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

The Weekly Wellness Newsletter will resume for the Spring Semester on January 16, 2024.

Winter Break Guide For winter break information, visit rit.edu/winter-break.

Preparing for a happy and healthy Winter Break

The university will be closed beginning at 2 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 22, 2023, and will reopen on Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024.

The RIT Department of Public Safety will remain open 24/7 and can be reached at 585-475-3333 or via text at 585-205-8333. For emergencies, please call 911.

View the Winter Break Guide for information about campus programs, services, dining, travel, and things to do in the Rochester area.

View the Winter Break Guide

Give Yourself a Break

During the holidays, it seems like we are always doing more. More socializing, more spending, more eating… But what about doing more for you?

As we round out the end of the semester and head into winter break, we challenge you to take some time to take care of yourself this holiday season. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Relax. You’ve spent all semester working hard and have been constantly on the go. Take time to sit, relax, and turn off your brain for a bit.
Laugh. Laughter is good for the soul. Call or spend time with the person that makes you laugh harder than anyone else - and enjoy it!
Write. No, not a research paper. Spend some time putting your thoughts down on paper - it can be anything! Reflect on your current mood, something you are grateful for, or write an old-fashioned letter to a friend.
Breathe. Feeling overwhelmed? Frustrated? Worried? Take a deep breath in. Now, a deep breath out. Calming your mind and settling your thoughts can go a long way in keeping yourself in the right mental space.
Give. There are so many opportunities to give to those in need, which can make you feel good, too. Pick an organization you care about and give the way you want to give instead of how you think you are supposed to.

Tell Me Something Good written in black text on a yellow background graphic

The Science of Smiling

If you’re ever feeling blue, try putting on a smile! When we smile, our brains release neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins. Dopamine is said to be part of our brain’s reward system, serotonin acts as an antidepressant, and endorphins act as mild pain relievers.

So, if you’re having a bad day or are feeling stressed, try putting a pencil horizontally between your teeth! Forcing your face to stimulate common nerves and muscles involved in smiling may trigger your brain to release those chemicals and improve your mood!

Caring Kits for Tigers Care
Tuesday, December 12
Campus Center Breezeway, 11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

Stop by the Tigers Care Table and pick up a Caring Kit! A little pick me up for finals, filled with study snacks and a positive message! Grab one for yourself or your friend!

Bring a Friend to the Gym Day
Tuesday, December 12
Wiedman Fitness Center, 12-3 p.m.

Join us on the Reading Day for Bring a Friend to the Gym Day! Find a friend and come hang out in the fitness center for some pre-finals stress relief! Our personal trainers will lead a 20 minute small group workout at 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. No need to register in advance, just show up ready to work out! We’ll have fun fitness contests, yard games, pickleball and more! Plus prizes, free swag and snacks!

Ongoing Education Opportunities

Mental Health First Aid at RIT

RIT Wellness is excited to offer all students, faculty, and staff members of the RIT community the opportunity to participate in Mental Health First Aid training sessions this fall.

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is a skills-based training course, in which you will:

Learn how to describe and talk about mental health, openly and non-judgmentally
Learn how to approach, reassure, and support a fellow RIT community member when they may be struggling with their mental health
Explore what self-care looks like for you with practical applications of self-care

To participate in a Mental Health First Aid training session, you can either request a session for your group or register for a scheduled session. If you have any questions, please contact Beau Gibbs at bmghcw@rit.edu.

Learn more about Mental Health First Aid at RIT

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