As the MIT community heads into finals period in the midst of an uncertain, anxious political climate, it is as important as ever that we take concrete steps to manage stress and prioritize self-care. Consider joining us for one of the many events related to wellness, mental health, stress relief, and post-election coming together happening in the next few weeks. (See below for a full list).
Additionally, there are a number of activities occurring in MIT residences—from free 10-minute massages to pizza study breaks to time with therapy dogs. Be sure to check them out!
Upcoming Events:
Thursday, December 1st
Tech Twinkles
- Date/Time: December 1, 2016; 7:00PM
- Location: Kresge Auditorium Lobby
- Description: A night of lights, laughter, and refreshments at the third annual Tech Twinkles Tree lighting
- Sponsored by the Division of Student Life, MindHandHeart, and the Baker Foundation
- More Information: https://mindhandheart.mit.edu/events/tech-twinkles#calendar
Monday, December 5th
VPR Listening Circle: Taking Care of Yourself in Uncertain Times
- Date/Time: Monday, December 5 (5-6PM Listening Circle; 6-7PM Workshop )
- Location: Room 5-134
- Description: Join VPR for a pair of events: a listening circle to foster connection and build community, and a workshop on strategies to manage uncertainty, worry, and conflict. The Listening Circle is for the first hour followed by the workshop. Feel free to join us for either part.
- The listening circles are kept to a smaller size in order to allow all to share, so please RSVP for the listening circle here: http://tinyurl.com/VPRlisteningcircle
December 5th-9th and December 12th-16th
Free Drop-In Fitness Classes (Body Sculpt M, W, F and Kickboxing Tues and Bootcamp on Thurs)
- Time/Date: Mon-Fri/ 12am-1pm (Dec 5-9, Dec 12-16)
- Location: Mon, Wed, Fri in the Tclub Lounge and Tues/Thurs in Alumni/Wang studio
- Sponsor: MIT Recreation
- More information: Reserve your spot online or in the MIT Recreation app or just show up for a standby pass.
- Contact: Stephanie Smith, skloos@mit.edu - http://www.mitrecsports.com/work-out/group-exercise/ 617-258-8368
December 5th, 12th, and 19th
Om Under the Dome
- Date/Time: 12/5, 12/12, and 12/19; 12-12:30PM
- Location: Barker Library
- Description: To help you stay grounded and balanced, the MIT Libraries host a 30-minute silent meditation in the Barker Reading Room every Monday at noon. Drop by any time between 12:00-12:30 and sit for a minute, or thirty. Beginners welcome!
Tuesday, December 6th
MindHandHeart Tabling
- Date/Time: 12/6; 10am-4pm
- Location: Lobby 10
- Description: MindHandHeart will be distributing information on wellness, mental health, and stress relief programming occurring across campus during the last three weeks of the semester.
- Contact: Maisie O’Brien at maisieob@mit.edu
Winterfest
- Date/Time: Tuesday, December 6; Noon – 1:30 PM
- Location: Morss Hall, Walker Memorial, Building 50
- Description: As the holiday season begins and fall classes near their end, please join us for a celebration of Winterfest, with cocoa, cider, and seasonal sweets:
- Website: http://institute-events.mit.edu/sites/default/files/documents/Winterfest-2016-8.5x11.pdf
Thursday, December 8th
Shadow Magicians: Finding Freedom to Become Yourself
- Date/Time: Thursday, Dec 8th, 6:30 - 9:30 PM
- Location: TBD
- Description: Shadow Magicians fosters emotional well-being by promoting tools for vulnerability, authenticity, and self-awareness in a group setting.
- RSVP: We have a limited number of slots and will need participants to sign up by emailing shadow-magicians-staff@mit.edu.
- Contact: shadow-magicians-staff@mit.edu.
- Website: shadowmagicians.mit.edu
Monday, December 12th
VPR Listening Circle: Taking Care of Yourself in Uncertain Times
- Date/Time: Monday, December 12th (12-1PM Listening Circle; 1-2PM Workshop)
- Location: Room 5-134
- Description: Join VPR for a pair of events: a listening circle to foster connection and build community, and a workshop on strategies to manage uncertainty, worry, and conflict. The Listening Circle is for the first hour followed by the workshop. Feel free to join us for either part.
- The listening circles are kept to a smaller size in order to allow all to share, so please RSVP for the listening circle here: http://tinyurl.com/VPRlisteningcircle
December 13th & December 14th
SPA (Stress Prevention Activities)
- Date/time: December 13th and 14th, 10am-2pm
- Location: 7-103
- Description: Free snacks and stress relieving activities
- Sponsor: Office of Undergraduate Advising & Academic Programming
- Contact information: uaap-www@mit.edu.
Tuesday, December 13th
“Active Minds and Chill” Froyo Study Break
- Date/Time: Tuesday, December 13th at 8:00 PM
- Location: Student Center 3rd Floor - Twenty Chimneys
- Description: Join us for a stress-relieving study break! We will have adult coloring books, coloring supplies, and Froyo! (various flavors and toppings)
- Sponsor: Active Minds @ MIT
- Contact: activeminds-exec@mit.edu
Wednesday, December 14th
Bookmobile
- Date/Time: December 14; 11AM-1PM
- Location: Student Center Lobby
- Bookmobile showcasing health and wellness books purchased with a grant from the MindHandHeart Initiative
- Books and media available to browse and check out with your MIT ID.
Free Meditation for your Wellbeing Led by Seth Monk
- Date/Time: 12/14 at 12:10PM-12:40PM; 2nd Wednesday of every month
- Sponsored by Community Wellness
- More info and registration: https://medical.mit.edu/community/wellness/classes/mindfulness-meditation
Thursday, December 15th
LBGT @ MIT: Self Care for the Holidays
- Date/Time: Thursday, December 15, 2016; 6PM
- Location: LBGT @ MIT will host a general discussion in the Rainbow Lounge (50-005)
- Description: Join us for a discussion about how to best take care of yourself over the winter break and how LBGTQ+ identity, race, culture, religion, and other identities influence our ability to do so.
- Sponsored by LBGTQ @ MIT
- For more info e-mail: lbgt@mit.edu or visit: lbgt.mit.edu.
Cookies with Canines
- Date/time: December 15, 2-3:30pm
- Location: Hayden Library
- Description: Take a break from your studies to come to Hayden Library, grab a snack, and spend some time relaxing with a whole bunch of furry friends from Dog BONES: Therapy Dogs of Massachusetts.
Friday, December 16th
Study Break
- Date/Time: December 16, 2-4:00
- Location: Dewey Library
- Description: Relax, fuel up, and de-stress.
Monday, December 19th
Study Break
- Date/Time: December 19, 4-6:00
- Location: Rotch Library
- Description: Relax, fuel up, and de-stress.
Monday, December 19th - Thursday, December 22nd
OME Fuel for Thought and Extended Hours
- Dates: Monday-Thursday, December 19-22
- Description: Food and Snacks in the OME from 9am-7pm; OME Extended Office Hours from 9am-7pm on the dates listed below
- Location: OME Suite, Bldg. 4-107
- Description: Relax, fuel up, and de-stress.
- Contact: ome.mit.edu; Cheryl Mottley: mottley@mit.edu or Fatima Smith: fatimas@mit.edu
Tuesday, December 20th
Study Break
- Date/Time: Tuesday, December 20, 12-2:00
- Location: Barker Library
- Description: Relax, fuel up, and de-stress.
Ongoing Resources
Mental Health and Counseling
- Weekdays: 617-253-2916 Nights/weekends: 617-253-4481
- Walk-in hours for urgent concerns: M–F, 2–4 p.m.
- MIT Medical’s Mental Health and Counseling Service helps students manage the challenges and pressures of daily life at MIT. Visits are confidential and easy to arrange.
- https://medical.mit.edu/services/mental-health-counseling
Student Support Services (S3)
- S3 is meant to be a friendly, easily accessible office and a hub of resources, referrals, and information across the Institute. We are here to help with any concern you have, whether it is academic or personal. Besides providing support and advice, we can provide advocacy and consultation with faculty, administration, housing, financial services, and various Institute offices on your behalf. S3 deans can also advocate on students' behalf if they encounter academic difficulties and are under review by the Committee on Academic Performance (CAP).
- You can call or stop by the front desk to make an appointment, or come to walk-in hours from 10:00 am to 11:00 am and 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm every weekday. S3 is open on weekdays from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
- More information: http://studentlife.mit.edu/s3/about-us/faqs
Graduate Personal Support (GPS)
- Staff in the Office of the Dean provide advice and counsel on a variety of issues including faculty/student relationships, conflict negotiation, funding, academic progress, interpersonal concerns, and a student’s rights and responsibilities.
- Interim Dean for Graduate Education Blanche Staton and Assistant Dean Jason McKnight are available to meet with students. For appointments with Dean Staton, contact Patricia Glidden at pglidden@mit.edu or (617) 253-9464; for appointments with Dean McKnight, contact him directly.
Lean On Me
- Stressed? Text us today to have a private, anonymous conversation with a peer supporter.
- We are available anytime! Text 646-798- 4121 and save Lean On Me to your contacts.
- For more information, visit lean0n.me.
- Please contact leanonme-coord@mit.edu if you have any questions.
253-CALM
- Anytime, day or night call 253-CALM for a guided relaxation recording
Dorm Workout
- For people who are tight on time or are traveling over the holidays
- Visit: http://www.mitrecsports.com/fitness/dorm-room-workout/
resources.mit.edu
- For a comprehensive list of all the resources available to MIT students, visit resources.mit.edu.