Health and well-being

Format: In-person workshop

Join staff from Special Collections & Archives (SCA) as they share an overview of what an archive is, explore potential collaboration opportunities with the department on special projects, and learn how to begin their own archival research for personal or professional purposes. 

Participants will also have the opportunity to enjoy a special guided tour of the stacks, where they can learn more about how we care for our collections and discover some of our unique treasures. 

Format: Online session

Planning to retire can be a source of both excitement and anxiety. Whatever the emotional response, retirement marks a transition to a new life stage and lifestyle in which daily routines, identity, and roles all change. This session will introduce participants to the emotional effects of retirement. Participants will get an opportunity to reflect on what their ideal retirement looks like and what they can do to make it happen. Join us for this one-hour virtual session provided by Homewood Health.

Format: In-person class

Give your mind and body a break! Yoga Nidra is a style of meditation/relaxation that can be an effective way to reset during the workday. In this in-person session, facilitator Monika Kitor will explain what yoga Nidra is, how it works, and the importance of rest for our bodies and how rest works against stress during the day. Then Monika will lead everyone through a short Nidra session and debrief. This session is done lying down to help ease the body.

Note: Due to the tranquil environment needed for this session, we are requesting that participants arrive no later than 11:20 a.m.

Format: Online session

Everyone feels much better after a good night’s sleep; our thoughts are clearer, our reactions faster, and our emotions are less fragile. This session will introduce participants to the effects of sleep deprivation and review some key strategies to promote healthy sleeping habits. Join us for this one-hour virtual session provided by Homewood Health.

Format: In-person class

Take a break from work and move your body with an introductory swing dance lesson. A cultural phenomenon that developed in the early 20th century, it had a worldwide resurgence in the late 90’s and has been going strong since. We’ll get comfortable with dance posture, pulse, and moving around the dance floor. We’ll dance to some great swing tunes, focusing on contemporary black artists who helped shape the music and culture of this dance.  

Note: dance/partner roles will not be gender-specific 

Format: Online workshop

Today’s life is fast-paced and we all experience unique challenges, which may come in the form of societal pressures, pressure to do more, exposure to troubling global, local and personal situations, worry over family and friends or concern for our own well-being. In the face of life’s challenges, it is even more important for us to learn the art of relaxation and practice self-care. This session will explore personal stress triggers and review some practical, easy techniques to equip participants with brief relaxation moments that are such an important tool for coping during challenging times.

Format: Online workshop

More and more people are finding themselves caught between the conflicting demands of taking care of aging family members, while at the same time raising children, members of this “sandwich generation” may experience a considerable amount of stress. Learning to weigh the needs of multiple generations within one family is one of the most difficult parts of caregiving and continuing to attend to one’s own emotional needs is vital to avoid chronic stress and burnout. 

Format: Online workshop

Practicing self-compassion is sometimes viewed as being self-indulgent, self-absorbed or letting ourselves off easy. In fact, self-compassion enables us to evaluate our experiences more rationally and also kicks in to help us develop more effective solutions for making things better. Research shows that practicing self-compassion is a powerful tool for motivation and is strongly related to psychological well-being, including increased life satisfaction and resilience and decreased anxiety and depression. Join this session to learn about how to start implementing self-compassion in your own life.

Format: In-person workshop

Inspired to grow your own garden but don’t know where to start? This introductory and experiential workshop led by Monica Vesely will show participants how to start growing plants from seed and provide tips on how to do so successfully. Spots are limited! Necessary gardening materials will be provided.

Format: Online session

Chefs Donna Shin and Mari-Beth Davis are hosting a fun and interactive virtual cooking class where you’ll learn how to craft your own delicious, fresh poke bowl. Whether you're a seafood lover or prefer plant-based options, you will be guided through the process step by step, helping you create a balanced, vibrant, and healthy dish with your choice of tuna, salmon, shrimp, or tofu as your base.