Active Minds Penn

11/14/2020

Here is our final Wellness Week submission from Sakina Adamali talking about self care through meditation:

“Over the summer, I have tried building habits to stay mentally and physically healthy. One of my favorite things to do is to spend 15-20 mins early in the morning meditating in nature and practicing being present. I have experienced that spending even 5 mins focusing on my inner state helps me become more grounded. I have also found some guided meditations on YouTube very useful!” -Sakina Adamali

Thank you for sharing!

11/14/2020

Here is another submission regarding this topic and talking about fitness for a clear mind:

“Before the pandemic, one of my favorite ways to clear my mind was to take a group fitness class. I always felt like I needed to challenge myself because I showed up and set that time apart for myself, and everyone in the class was doing the same thing. I often found that I was stronger both physically and mentally than I thought, and would leave the class feeling extremely accomplished. I have missed that group mentality, but have found numerous online zoom workout classes that offer a similar sense of community and have become part of my daily routine!” - Anonymous

Thank you for sharing!

11/14/2020

Here is what one of our Co-Presidents Amanda Nance has to say about self-care:

“I’ve found that going for walks while talking on the phone with friends has been one of my favorite ways to connect with people this semester. It’s a win-win because I get to catch up to friends from home or those who didn’t come back to campus and I forget I’m even exercising!” -Amanda Nance

Thank you for sharing!

11/13/2020

For our Fifth Day of Wellness Week we are talking about Self Care and Wellbeing Tips! It is so important to take care of ourselves so that we can be our best selves. Your mental health always come first. Especially because today is World Kindness Day! Be kind to others, but more importantly be kind to yourself. You need to forgive yourself for your mistakes and practice self love. There is so much to love about yourself so do it and practice self care in whatever way you need. Whether its going for a run, calling friends and family, painting, reading, watching TV, you do what is best for you! :)

11/13/2020

Here is a submission from Milan Chand about today’s topic:

“This week has been a whirlwind for everyone in our nation, and especially the students at Penn. Amidst a global pandemic, a polarizing election, and the academic stresses of school as well, now is the most important time to reflect, take time for ourselves, and take a step back. This semester has been tough and grueling, even though it’s been completely online, as this has brought an emotional and physical toll on so many students. I felt this weight as well, feeling trapped and isolated, and maybe even a little scared. But as we navigate these online challenges, this new socially-distant world, and our own academic goals it is vital that we check in on others and ourselves. We may joke about hardships, but that doesn’t make them any less legitimate. So remember to take a breath, meditate when you can, and try to look at the world in an optimistic and ever changing fashion, with possibility and opportunity for your own self growth everywhere!” - Milan Chand

Thank you for sharing!

11/12/2020

For Day Four of Wellness Week we have the topic of the Mental Health of Marginalized Groups. This is such an important discussion especially in today's day and age. We recognize the difficulty, but also the resilience and the strength. We are all here to support every single person because you are important and recognized. We see you and we hear you!

11/11/2020

Here is one reflection about social wellbeing, specifically during the pandemic:

“While I definitely see less people due to campus closing and trying to limit the spread of COVID, I am especially grateful for the strengthened connections with the few friends that I am able to see. In a matter of months, someone I only used to see once or twice a month has become my best friend. I may not be able to see the majority of my friends, but I wouldn’t trade constantly getting to see this particular friend for the world!” -Anonymous

Thank you for sharing!

11/11/2020

For Day Three of Wellness Week we want to talk about Social Wellbeing at Penn. We are known for being the "social ivy", but especially now during a pandemic, it can be extremely difficult to build and maintain friendships. The benefit is that everyone is in the same position and looking to build meaningful relationships online. The great thing about Penn is that there are so many amazing people and there is always someone new to meet. You will find your place here because you belong here! Everyone's social life and wellbeing will look different, and that is okay!!

11/11/2020

Navmi discusses what it is like balancing work while being an international student with a large time difference. She still makes an effort to find time to take for herself each day. Here is what she has to say:

“Classes at Penn are never easy, even if they’re in-person. But taking classes remotely is a whole different ball game with class hours and personal time blending into one. Staying on top of classes and assignments while also trying to keep a balance between your academic and social life can be extremely hard, and you’re not alone in feeling lost and tired. I sometimes feel as I were just literally just moving from deadline to deadline, and not getting the time to do much outside classes. Being an international student with a 10.5 hour time difference with the US means that there have been multiple nights that I’ve had to forgo sleep in order to stay up for classes, meetings and work. And with my waking hours not matching those of my family or friends, it’s that much easier to feel lonely and burnout because of the amount of work that we have to do. But that makes it so much more important to take out time for yourself during the day, even if it’s just an hour, to do something that you like. This can make a huge huge difference and leave you feeling so much more re-energized. Take out the time to sit with your family, meet a friend, watch an episode of your favorite tv show, listen to music or get a short workout in.We’re almost to the final stretch of the semester, give yourself a clap on the back for making it till here!” - Navmi Sharma

Thank you so much for sharing!

11/11/2020

Here is the first reflection about the topic of academic wellbeing:

“My academic stress at the moment is stemming from the idea of doing another semester of online classes. I really don’t think I got anything out of them and don’t want to waste my valuable college years. At the same time, I have no clue what a productive use of a gap semester would look like.” -Anonymous

Thank you for sharing! You are not alone in your struggles and debates.

11/10/2020

For Day Two of Wellness Week we are tackling the subject of Academic Stress at Penn. At such a rigorous and amazing institution, many face the internal dilemma of Imposter Syndrome -- feeling doubt of your own academic achievements and abilities. It can lead to many feeling like they do no belong at Penn, but YOU DO! You are here for a reason and deserve it! You matter in this community and will make meaningful contributions in ways that suit your passions and interests. :)

11/10/2020

Here is another submission on the topic of COVID Mental Health:

“As a pre-med, I have been worrying a lot because of COVID. It’s been challenging to fulfill things that medical schools look for such as clinical volunteering, research, etc. I try to keep telling myself that admissions departments will understand that we are in unprecedented times (literally a global pandemic), but sometimes I still let the pre-med culture here get to me.” -Anonymous

Thank you for sharing.

11/09/2020

To start off our posts we have a submission from one of our Active Minds Presidents Kaitlyn Boyle! Here is what she would like to share:

“During quarantine this summer, I felt an overwhelming sense of loneliness because I couldn’t see my friends and loved ones outside of my immediate family. Since coming back to campus, things have gotten a little bit better, but since I am trying to keep my “circle” small, my life can sometimes still feel kind of empty. This is especially hard as a senior, when I think about how next year all of us will be spread around the country. I have been trying to make more of an effort with friends not on campus through Facetime and Zoom calls, which can definitely help a lot. There will always be days, however, where I miss the times where we could all hang out without stress.”

Thank you for sharing and adding to this important discussion.

11/09/2020

Day one of our Wellness Week Campaign is all about COVID. It has had a huge impact on the mental health of everyone! Feelings of zoom fatigue, anxiety, or trouble being productive are all completely normal and you are not alone! Take time for yourself whether it be getting outside or talking to a friend. Keep doing your personal best! :)

11/09/2020

And our campaign begins! We will be posting information, experiences, and reminders to prioritize your own personal well-being throughout the week. Remind yourself that you deserve to be happy and to take a few minutes to breathe :)

11/08/2020

Interested in participating in our Fall 2020 Wellness Week Social Media Campaign? Enter a submission at the link below! Each day has a different theme:

Monday: Mental Health during COVID (eg. health, Zoom Fatigue, loneliness)
Tuesday: Academic Stresses at Penn (eg. burnout, imposter syndrome, pre-professionalism, etc. )
Wednesday: Social Wellbeing at Penn (Clubs, friendships, finding your place here)
Thursday: Mental Health in Marginalized Groups
Friday: Self Care and Wellbeing Tips (How are you staying mentally healthy?)

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc0WpZ3M15wErTu1jsFPFPQRr5p_GLVONRaPbi1JoUretIuIQ/viewform?usp=sf_link

Create a new survey on your own or with others at the same time. Choose from a variety of survey types and analyze results in Google Forms. Free from Google.

08/16/2020

https://www.blurtitout.org/2018/05/03/mental-health-favourite-podcasts/

There’s an ever-growing number of podcasts out there, on a variety of topics. This includes a huge number of mental health and self-care podcasts.

06/25/2020

"Now that [the pandemic] looks endless, it’s calling on a different reserve and a different skill set."
- Worth a read!

https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/how-to-break-bad-habits-pandemic-quaratine-20200624.html

Be intentional about how much time they’re talking about COVID-19, psychologists say. Let’s talk about the good things that are going on in our lives. How can we focus on what’s more in the present?