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Monday, May 17:
No events
Tuesday, May 18:
There is no better way to stay focused and productive when all around you is a little chaotic than to practice mindfulness. Join your colleagues and the ISU WellBeing team, and special guests, every Tuesday and Thursday mornings for a simple 15-minute mindfulness experience. For more information go here
- Mindspring Mental Health Alliance (formerly NAMI) Webinar: The Stigma of Mental Illness | 12:00 - 1:00 pm
How does cultural bias impact treatment, prevention & recovery? This one-hour session includes discussion of the origins of understanding mental illness, how misinformation is spread, and how the stigma of mental illness impacts individuals and families. Learn tips for correcting negative perceptions and reducing stigma with a licensed therapist. For more information and to register, click here
Wednesday, May 19:
- Unplugged: | 2:00 - 3:00 pm
It can be difficult to unplug living in a world of constant connection and perpetual multi-tasking. If you feel like your day is a series of alerts, notifications, and reminders, you are not alone. The average person checks his or her phone 150 times a day which makes it difficult to concentrate on tasks, projects and those around you. Several studies show that we need time away from our personal devices in order to refresh and recharge. Learn how unplugging a bit each day can be beneficial to your personal relationships and increase productivity in the workplace. For more information and to register, visit LEARN@ISU
ISU WorkLife Connections: | 2:30 - 3:00 pm
We want to connect with you! Every Wednesday join your WorkLife at ISU team, or special guest, in a conversation on work-life balance during these challenging times. Each week we will share information on staying well and connecting with other ISU employees both at work and at home. For more information about and to join the conversation, go here.
Today's session: Navigating Through a Pandemic: Healthy Good-byes before Healthy Hellos? Joleen Frideres LMHC, IADC, MPA will join us again and every third Wednesday through the month of September to continue to discuss and process our thoughts, feelings and emotions as we transition the evolving pandemic and look toward the future. We need to grieve…before we can move forward. Processing loss or perception of loss takes time, it doesn’t happen overnight. And, there has been loss over the last year. Loss or normalcy. Loss of routine. Loss of loved ones. Loss of health. Loss of security. Loss of certainty. Loss of livelihood. Loss of safety. And more. Joleen will share why we need to make sure to give our goodbyes enough time before trying to move on. As she says, “We need to feel it to heal it.” We hope you’ll join us as we process the good-byes and learn some strategies to work through the process.
Thursday, May 20:
There is no better way to stay focused and productive when all around you is a little chaotic than to practice mindfulness. Join your colleagues and the ISU WellBeing team, and special guests, every Tuesday and Thursday mornings for a simple 15-minute mindfulness experience. For more information go here.
- Lifting The Veil - Caring for Your Parents: | 12:00 - 1:00 pm
Worrying about your parents wellbeing? Unsure of how to help your parents navigate health issues? Relationships with your parents causing stress? Over the last year, many adult children have been caring for elderly parents from afar due to COVID-19 distancing guidelines. This separation, as well as heightened concern for the elderly parent’s health, has created mental health challenges for all family members. Adult children report heightened stress levels in trying to provide care for elderly parents while being unable to physically be with them. Likewise, research shows seniors are experiencing mental health consequences of social isolation and being separated from their families. This session, aimed at an audience of both adult children, their parents and providers, will focus on how relationships between adult children and parents have changed due to the pandemic, the mental health ramifications for both parties, and what you can do to take care of your own mental health if you are caring for your parents. The session will feature three accomplished guest experts and include candid conversations with mental health leaders, who will respond to questions from viewers. For more information and to register, click here
- Mindspring Mental Health Alliance (formerly NAMI) Webinar: Understanding Bipolar Disorder | 12:00 - 1:00 pm
Everyone experiences ups and downs, but bipolar disorder is different. An accessible guide to understanding the types of bipolar disorder, their symptoms, common misconceptions, and how relationships are impacted. Discuss treatment options and learn practical tips for managing symptoms and helping others with a licensed therapist. For more information and to register, click here
- City of Ames Mental Health Public Forum : | 6:30 - 8:30 pm
Ames Mayor John Halia will host a Mental Health Wellness, Recovery and Resiliency Initiative public forum on Thursday May 20th from 6:30-8:30 pm. The forum will address mental health concerns, identify symptoms of mental illness and connect residents with resources in Central Iowa. Keynote speaker Jason Haglund, a local mental health counselor and leader in the behavioral health field, will discuss identifying and responding to pandemic-related stress and anxiety. The forum will also have a panel discussion featuring representatives from Iowa State University, Ames Community School District, National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), Central Iowa Community Services (CICS) Mental Health region and more. The event will take place at Ames City Auditorium at 520 6th Street and will be live streamed on social media for those who refer to attend virtually. The recording will also be posted later to the City of Ames website.
Friday, May 21:
ISU WellBeing is committed to creating a walking community (even virtually) for ISU employees. To support this community, we are continuing with the Friday Walk and Talks, but just not as a large group on campus. Whether you are on campus or working remotely, having to maintain physical distancing can feel isolating at times. We want to support you in every way. Join us virtually by taking the time to get up, get out, and walk for your well-being! For more information go here.
Upcoming:
- Tuesday June 1st: Staying Charged Through Change: | 1:00 - 2:30 pm Change is constant and a part of our daily lives. This workshop focuses on identifying the change and transition process, how we respond to change, and how we can build resilience to change to manage with the least amount of stress. Participants will be given tips on how to handle change, as well as adjust their attitudes toward the inevitable twists and turns of daily life. The concept of building resiliency is also explored. Ideally, participants will learn to welcome, and thrive in an environment of change. For more information and to register, visit LEARN@ISU