Dear Students, Faculty, Residents, Staff, Alumni, Board Members and Friends,
Greetings on a beautiful June morning from our Elkins Park campus. With summer session well underway, there is nothing better than seeing students relaxing and studying pondside in the cool shade along with our resident family of geese! Construction on the first-floor renovation project has been moving along and we are beginning to see the open spaces that we will enjoy when our dining and gathering spaces are complete. It is exciting!
Here are other items of interest:
OT DEEP DIVE: In our latest podcast, Tara Schumacher, an assistant director of Admissions at Salus, talks about the Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) program including tips and tricks for applying. Click here to read more.
CONGRATS NEW GRADS: Last week we celebrated our 126th commencement at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts in Philadelphia and sent our graduates off with inspirational remarks given by Dr. Ala Stanford. We look forward to watching our graduates spread their wings as they leave our nest. Click here to read more about this year's commencement.
WHERE ARE THEY NOW: It was Sam Farrand's, MS '17, mother-in-law who suggested that he consider going into speech therapy. That turned out to be great advice. In 2015, Farrand entered the inaugural Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) program and hasn't looked back since. For more, click here.
FINAL THOUGHTS: As I reflect on our commencement ceremony last week, our future merger with Drexel, current national and international events, it’s incredible to consider how much is going on simultaneously. The level of stress generated by any one of these events is significant. Taken concurrently, the mental and emotional stress on our bodies increases appreciably.
While each of us has developed coping mechanisms for stress, the “wear and tear” of repeated exposure to stress has immediate and long term impacts on our bodies and brains. It’s imperative that we rigorously and deliberately work to mitigate stress to the best of our abilities. Some suggestions that have worked for me over the years include the following:
Develop a morning routine that’s sustainable - Sounds basic, but it makes a world of difference. Get up, make your bed (now you’ve accomplished at least one thing!), get some exercise, have breakfast, etc.
Develop good sleep habits – We need sleep to remain healthy and fit. This may seem like “mission impossible,” but the better rested you are, the more capable your body and mind will be at handling things that come your way. Prioritize sleep over other things and you’ll be more productive, resilient and attentive. Minimize screen time prior to going to bed as that can adversely affect sleep.
Get outside and enjoy the fresh air – There are so many places around us that you can go and safely walk around in nature that will help to calm your mind and present opportunities for some exercise at many levels.
Eat a healthy diet – Studies have found that eating hyper-processed foods and added sugars will add to perceived stress levels. Try to eat a balanced diet consisting of whole foods, protein, fruits and vegetables and pass on that extra bowl of ice cream or chocolate chip cookie.
Take a time-out – If you’re working on something or just feel a bit overwhelmed, take a minute or two to take a “brain break” and think about something enjoyable such as getting outside or your last fun vacation.
Start writing in a journal – Capture positive things that happen during the day and write them in a journal. Over time you’ll accumulate many positive experiences that will help you through challenging times when you look back on these journal entries.
Use social media purposefully and not nonchalantly – Limit your screen time and refrain from posting for “likes” or for the sake of making the “best content.” Use social media to connect with new classmates or the people you miss seeing every day.
Stress affects all of us in different ways. Some stress in our lives is beneficial, as it helps us to focus and perform at a high level. When stress levels supersede that threshold, that’s when people start to exhibit symptoms. Try to stay ahead of the stress power curve!
For our students, skilled counselors in our Center for Personal and Professional Development (CPPD) are always available to assist with more advice on how to handle stress. All you need to do is make an appointment here. For faculty and staff, please contact your insurance provider who can provide mental health expertise.
Have a great weekend and enjoy the nice weather. Please remember to stay hydrated and use sunscreen when out and about. Continue to look out for one another and remain SALUS STRONG!
-Mike
No comments:
Post a Comment