Supporting Your Well-being
During Times of Difficulty — May 15th, 2020 Edition
Dear community,
The end of the semester is so close but there are still some things to wrap up before summer officially arrives. With classes finished, there are papers and exams to complete for students, as well as grading and student support for faculty and academic staff. This time can be intense. When things feel high pressure, taking breaks, looking away briefly from the work in front of you, and taking time to relax and restore your mind and body are more important than ever.
To that end, in this newsletter you will find a virtual study break featuring adorable pets, a video demonstrating self massage for the jaw to ease tension, a video offering healing sound to aid relaxation, as well as reminders of the power of art and nature (and silliness) to lift us up. Have a great weekend!
Wishing you wellness,
The Skorton Center for Health Initiatives at Cornell Health
Virtual study break pet hour- Friday, May 15 at 4:00pm
Art in Times of Uncertainty
The United Nations and Amplifier, an arts group, recently asked artists to produce inspiring and informative posters, graphics and animations about the coronavirus.
"In times of uncertainty, art is more than beauty or decoration — it's a tool. Art can heal, art can save lives, art can bring us together — even when we're apart," says Aaron Huey, Amplifier’s founder. "It can be a compass to guide us through the storm."
Here's a selection of the many brilliant submissions.
Spring brings a diversity of songbirds to Cornell Botanic Gardens’ natural areas
Spring has finally arrived, and along with her, a glorious return of songbirds to Cornell Botanic Gardens’ diverse natural areas. Todd Bittner, director of natural areas, shares his top-three places for enjoying the beauty of Cornell Botanic Gardens’ outdoor spaces and the songbirds passing through them.
You don’t need to come in person to experience these creatures and their lovely songs. As you tip toe through Dunlop Meadow, Purvis Road Wetlands, and Mitchell Street Hawthorne Thicket, click on each bird species mentioned to hear its song, courtesy of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s MacCaulay Library. No binoculars needed!
Read more here.
Sound Healing
Sound can be soothing and meditative. Relax your mind as you listen to these singing bowls.
Self Massage for the Jaw
Stress can manifest in the body in a variety of ways. The jaw is a common place where tension is stored. Learn some techniques to release tension and relax this area.
Neighborhood Silly Walks Go Viral
Talk/Text Resources
If you find yourself struggling or in need of someone to talk to, know that you are not alone.
The following resources are here to support you:
Cornell Resources
Ithaca Resources (24/7)
National Talk-Lines (24/7)
Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255
Trevor Project hotline (LGBTQ+): 866-488-7386
LGBT+ National Hotline: 888-843-4564
TransLifeline: 877-565-8860
National Text/Chat Services
National Crisis Text Line: Text HELLO to 741741
Steve Fund crisis text line: Text STEVE to 741741 (connects you to a crisis counselor of color)
Trevor Project text line (LGBTQ+): Text START to 678678
National Suicide Prevention "Lifeline CHAT" service: suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat
Get in Touch
Contact Catherine Thrasher-Carroll, Mental Health Promotion Program Director, at ct265@cornell.edu.
Contact Laura Weiss, Sexual Violence Prevention Program Coordinator, at lbw26@cornell.edu.
All Cornell students, regardless of location, can access medical and mental health services through FREE telehealth appointments with Cornell Health. Please CALL US (607-255-5155) to schedule all visits and appointments. Our in-person services are currently limited to pre-screened COVID-19 testing and care. As always, please refer to the Cornell Health website for the most up-to-date information regarding our services.
