The Well-being Word
Associate Vice-Chair of Well-Being
We can no longer deny it—summer is coming to an end. Backpacks are packed, pools are closing, and the days are getting shorter. It’s time to start pulling out the camera roll and reminiscing about those relaxing vacations and glorious sunny summer days!
Did you know that scrolling through your phone and looking at vacation pictures can actually benefit your mental health? Studies have shown that intentionally recalling happy experiences can help disrupt negative thought patterns, alleviate anxiety, and even lower cortisol levels. Past events can boost present emotions by affirming social belonging, enhancing our sense of meaning, and helping our brains release dopamine and other feel-good chemicals.
No matter how busy your day is, I guarantee that you have time to spend just a few moments thinking about a great memory from this summer. Put a happy photo as your phone lock screen, save some of your favorite vacation pictures to an album in your phone—take a few minutes each day (but especially on stressful ones) to take some time to recall some summer memories that make you smile.
An article in Psychology Today had some great tips for making intentional time and habits for recalling happy memories:
- Count happy memories rather than sheep. Begin a nightly practice that ends each day by culling from your library of memories those joyful experiences that have enriched your life.
- “Remember when” with your friends. The next time you’re with family and friends, engage in a practice of “remembering when,” by revisiting fun experiences that have strengthened your connections.
- Commit your happy times to paper. Consider keeping a journal and every day jot down a few memories that make you happy.
- Delve into old photographs. Think about it—most photographs are taken when you and others are smiling, commemorating an occasion, or just celebrating your friendship. Pull out your photos as a way to trigger happy moments that have sparked joy in the past.
- Send a note to someone who makes your life better. Take a minute to tell an acquaintance, colleague, or friend “my life is better for knowing you.” It’s an act of generosity that enriches both the recipient and the sender.
Today take a few minutes to think about some memories that make you smile. Then scroll through the newsletter and look at all of your colleagues creating wonderful, joyful memories this summer. I love that this newsletter is full of so many smiling, exuberant WUDA faces!
Take time to find joy in your day.
Yours in wellness,
Erin
Want to read up on the science?
Positive memory specificity is associated with reduced vulnerability to depression
How nostalgia infuses life with meaning: From social connectedness to self-continuity
Patterns of brain activity associated with nostalgia: a social-cognitive neuroscience perspective
WUDA Supporting Parents Group
This program not only aims to foster a supportive and connected community for parents within our department, but also serves as a tool for others so they can remain informed about important information about WashU/BJC benefits, policies, and more.
This group is dedicated to creating a resource hub and community where parents feel informed, empowered, and connected throughout their parenthood journey. We aim to provide easy access to information on all aspects of parenthood and to connect parents within our department.
PIA SAFE
Peers in Anesthesiology Supporting a Fair Environment (PIA SAFE) is a peer-based program in the Department of Anesthesiology aimed to help address concerns about negative behaviors, conflicts, and microaggressions experienced by members of the department. We encourage all who want to champion positive change within our department to become PIA SAFE champions.
Upcoming PIA SAFE Training
Saturday, September 28
8:00-11:00 a.m.
Where in the World was WUDA this summer?
St. Louis CITY2 Engagement Supports Connection Across WashU
Department of Anesthesiology members came together for WashU Night with St. Louis CITY2 on Sunday, June 23, 2024. It was a fantastic evening of soccer, connection, and WashU pride.
FAS FUN DAY
Financial and Administrative Services (FAS) Fun Day was a fantastic afternoon of fun, food, and games at Forest Park! Thanks to everyone who joined us for a great time!
Calm supporting families
Did you know your free Calm Premium subscription can also be extended to your whole family?
Share the following resources with your family and enjoy your mental health benefits together:
- Calm Kids
- Get your children to fall in love with mental health content by trying sessions such as the Bouncing Serum Meditation in which Agnes teaches the Minions a calming game that they can follow along and play!
- Calm for Parents
- Get support throughout your workday whether you already have young children or are expecting a newborn soon. Try Scattered Attention from Chibs Okereke, a 4-minute guided meditation to recenter yourself and feel grounded again.
- Disney Princess Collection
- Let your kids discover the magic of Disney by getting started with The Ocean Guardians in which Moana recalls the wisdom of her ancestors and saves Fonu in a storm. Or they can try Understanding Others with Belle in which she reflects on the various ways she is similar to other people.
Join a Calm App Webinar to learn how to personalize your app experience or deep dive into monthly themed topics to enhance your mental health toolkit.
The Well-developed Podcast
It is difficult to learn and perform well when you are not at your best. The Well-developed Podcast is a space to validate, normalize, and explore the ways we bring our whole selves to work. Learn how to capitalize on your own unique strengths, preferences, and sense of self to improve and develop your well-being!
Have an idea for a podcast topic? Share your suggestions using the form at the bottom of our webpage. Thanks for influencing our podcast’s evolution!
Take 2 for the Team
Introducing “Take 2 for the Team,” a new initiative and app designed to promote gratitude and positivity among our anesthesiology department’s team members. This digital peer-to-peer gratitude program encourages us all to take just 2 minutes each day to acknowledge and express gratitude towards a fellow team member.
You can find the app on our departmental INTRAnet, making it accessible to everyone in the department. Using the app is a breeze —simply compose a thank-you note, and your heartfelt “Thank You!” will be sent directly to your colleague’s inbox.
Let’s take a moment to appreciate our colleagues and their contributions to our well-being and happiness.