The WELLness Blog

Dec 20, 2022

How to Manage Family Stress During the Holiday Season by Christina Rascoe  

The holiday season is fast approaching which can mean a lot of things for people. It can mean no more school for two weeks, time to unwind, a bunch of holiday shopping, volunteering, good eats, traveling, and spending quality time with family and friends. While we look at the holiday season as a cheerful time,… 

Nov 16, 2022

Battling the “Winter Blues” by Bekah Shimer

Before I sat down to write this, I put on a cozy sweater, made a hot cup of tea, lit a cinnamon-scented candle, and checked the weather app on my phone. The temperature is currently 50 degrees Fahrenheit, and the sun is set to go down at 5:07 pm. The days are shorter, the temperatures… 

Nov 16, 2022

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month by Christina Rascoe

October was declared National Domestic Violence Awareness Month in 1987 as a way to advocate for survivors of domestic violence as well as unite individuals and organizations working on issues regarding domestic violence. Since then, progress has been made to bring awareness to this issue, provide support for domestic violence survivors, and update legislation to… 

Oct 5, 2022

Happy National Latinx Heritage Month! by Dylan Hines

(Above: University of Southern California Illustration) Known federally as Hispanic Heritage Month, this is a month celebrated each year from September 15th to October 15th to recognize and celebrate the many cultures and histories of Latinx, Hispanic, and Latino-identified communities across the world, as well as the contributions that Latinx people have made to the… 

Apr 16, 2021

Spring Grounding by Michelle Kelleher

Have you ever heard someone say that they need to “get grounded?” Have you ever felt that way yourself? Do you read the phrase, and wonder what it means? High-voltage appliances typically have a third prong, or “ground.” The purpose is to give a pathway for excess charge to return to the earth, without the… 

Mar 17, 2021

The Shield of Perfectionism by Nikki Plavec and Frances De Los Santos

Perfectionism is a tricky trait. In its healthy form, pursuits of perfection or positive striving can lead to great outcomes. However, when pursuits are approached with a need and unrelenting demand for perfection, one can be left immobilized, overcritical, and distressed.  Rigid expectations may stifle creativity, lead to poor self-esteem, and impact relationships. Perfectionism can… 

Feb 16, 2021

Adjusting to the Unknown By Madison Alvarez & Lamar Whidbee

What does the future hold in regard to your graduation, college, or career? Are you going to be in a classroom tomorrow or an online environment, working from home, or in the office? The future is overwhelming enough without the additional impact of the global pandemic. These unknowns can bring upon feelings of isolation, anxiety… 

Jan 25, 2021

Three Good Things by Mike Gross and Lila Olson

Have you found yourself going to bed at night thinking about something that did not go as planned during the day?  It can cause us to lose sleep, focus on self-judgement, and increase our anxiety. Memories of good and bad experiences are tricky. The good experiences slip away, while the bad ones stick like Velcro.… 

Nov 13, 2020

Adjusting to the New Normal of the Holiday Season by Shaunacee Harris

Cheers to the holiday season! The holidays are almost here! This is the season of giving, spending time with family, and fulfilling traditions. However, the Holiday Season of 2020 may look quite different for most. The pandemic affecting our traditional holiday plans can trigger a variety of emotions. This year we’ve experienced isolation from family… 

Oct 5, 2020

When Depression Takes Over by Kyoko Funabashi

October is National Depression Education and Awareness Month. With online schooling, social distancing, and dealing with a pandemic, taking care of our mental health is something that should be one of our top priorities. We are all dealing with at least one mental health issue right now, whether it is everyday stressors, bouts of anxiety,…