The Flourish, April 2023
Find Ways to Flourish
Whether you’re still in spring break mode, transitioning into the quarter, or already deep in your coursework, this month’s edition provides you with what you need to flourish this spring quarter and beyond.
We start off by highlighting April as Sexual Assault Awareness month with programs and events to get involved, ways to support survivors, and how to keep our community safe. We discuss harm reduction strategies for substance use and ways to reduce risks for our community. We then explore the concept of boundaries, the power of nature on your physical and mental health, and tips for balancing your work, leisure, and sleep time. Discover ways to take care of yourself and your community.
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month - Get Involved and Support Survivors!
April is recognized as Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM). The purpose of the campaign is to raise public awareness about sexual violence and work to prioritize prevention through education and collective action. Attend the SHARE Title IX Office’s SAAM programs like Take Back the Night. Learn how you can support survivors of sexual assault and ways you can prevent violence during SAAM and beyond.
Trust, Safety, and Respect - The Importance of Boundaries
Do you find that others are not respecting your wants and needs? Have you ever been given the advice to “set boundaries” but are unsure what this means or what it looks like? Boundaries can apply to many things and take many forms (e.g. physical, emotional, sexual, and more). However, it can be difficult to know how to get started. Discover what boundaries are, why they are important, and how you can begin creating them in three steps.
Discovering the Power of Nature - A Guide to Stanford Recreation and Wellness
It's easy to get caught up in the daily grind of classes, homework, and extracurricular activities. Did you know that getting outdoors and connecting with nature can have a profound impact on your physical and mental health? Whether you have a love for adventure or are looking to destress, there are many activities to get you outdoors and in the sunshine! So take a break from studying and learn how you can begin experiencing the power of nature.
When It Comes to BORGS, Know the Facts
We’re not talking about sci-fi robots here. You may have heard of BORGs (black-out rage gallons) on TikTok or seen headlines about college students making drink mixtures in gallon jugs. While bringing your own booze can be a harm reduction practice, in the case of BORGs, there are much more effective and safe ways to practice harm reduction when choosing to drink.
Revenge Bedtime Procrastination
Do you find yourself trying to make up for lost leisure time right before bed? Watching maybe just one more episode of Netflix or getting in your TikTok fix? This is known as “Revenge Bedtime Procrastination” and as enjoyable as that Netflix show is, it might be harming your health by disrupting your sleep. Discover ways to still enjoy leisure time and also nurture your sleep patterns.
What’s Flourishing This Month?
Upcoming Events
- Sleep Wellness Workshop: Charging Your Batteries to the Full - Wednesday, April 12 at 10 a.m . How are you sleeping lately? Come join us in the Sleep Wellness Workshop and learn skills to charge your mental and physical batteries. This workshop will be on Wednesday, April 12, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., at Kingscote Garden, Rm 140. There will be free sleep giveaways, such as eye masks, ear bugs, tea bags, and sleep wellness worksheets! Sign up today!
- Leadership Popup - Saturday, April 15 from 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Stanford Leadership Pop-Up is a 1-day immersive learning experience for student leaders this spring quarter. This pop-up is open to all undergraduates and will take place on Saturday, April 15 from 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. PT. Breakfast, lunch, and snacks will be provided! Register today!
- Let's Talk: A Men's Group - Monday, April 17 at 11 a.m. The Confidential Support Team (CST) is offering a group for male-identified students who have had difficult sexual experiences to share, connect with others and receive support. Men of all sexual orientations and genders within this spectrum are welcome including Gay, Queer, Bi, and Transgender. To sign up please contact axelv@stanford.edu or lladd@stanford.edu.
- Dissertation Support Group - Monday, April 17 at 2 p.m. This six-session group will be a place to vent, meet other people like you, share goals and perspectives on navigating common themes (isolation, motivation, relationships), and learn some helpful coping skills to manage the stress of dissertation writing. If you’re an enrolled student, located inside the state of California, and in the process of writing (whether you are just starting, or approaching completion), please consider joining us! This group will meet virtually on Mondays, from 2 p.m. - 3 p.m., beginning April 17. Join at any point in the quarter. Sign up on the Graduate Life Office roster.
- OCD Support Group - Tuesday, April 18 at 3 p.m. This is a 6-week group for all students who live with OCD to support each other and have a safe space to connect. Sessions will take place via Zoom on Tuesdays from 3 p.m. - 4 p.m. starting April 18. Meet with the same group of people each week, including two CAPS therapists who will hold the space. Sign up to register for the interest list on the Vaden Portal or call CAPS at 650.723.3785 for more information.
- The Algorithm: Self-Image Support Space for Black and Brown Students - Wednesday, April 19 at 3 p.m. The Algorithm is a group for Black and Brown students to unpack their self-image through conversation and explorative exercises. There will be 6 in-person sessions, Wednesdays from 3 p.m. - 4:30 p.m., starting April 19. A pre-group meeting with a facilitator is required. Sign up on the INTEREST LIST- The Algorithm: Self-Image Support Space for Black and Brown Students on Vaden Portal rosters, in the "Groups and Workshops" section. Please sign up by Friday, April 14th to allow time for the facilitator to meet with you.
- Student Grief and Loss Gathering - Wednesday, April 19 at 4 p.m. If you are currently or have ever experienced the death of a significant person in your life, or are experiencing feelings of grief in a time of uncertainty, this is an opportunity to share your experiences, suggestions, and concerns with others in a safe and supportive environment. Student Grief Gatherings are held 3x/quarter and facilitated by staff from ORSL, Well-Being, CAPS and GLO. This event is free and open only to Stanford students. Session takes place on Wednesday, April 19 from 4 p.m. - 5 p.m. in CIRCLE Common Room (Old Union 3rd floor).
- Are You the One? Queer BIPOC Best Friend Edition - Wednesday, April 19 at 4:30 p.m. Are you looking for more QTBIPOC friends? Have you found it difficult to make platonic connections in queer spaces? Fill out a questionnaire to find your queer platonic soulmate. Join CAPS and Weiland Health Initiative for the reveal on Wednesday, April 19 at 4:30 p.m. at Kingscote Gardens. Matches will be announced throughout the event, free food will be provided, and you will have a chance to mingle with other QTBIPOC students!
- Action Plan for Mental Health - Thursday, April 20 from 1 p.m. An Action Plan for Mental Health helps to identify feelings, behaviors, and triggers that threaten well-being while building a toolbox of coping strategies and other supports. This group is open to all students and will be in-person on Thursdays, from 1 p.m. - 2 p.m. at CAPS. To join, please contact CAPS at 650.723.3785 during business hours (8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. weekdays) and ask for a pre-group meeting, or message your therapist/contact person at CAPS.
- Mixtape: Creativity and Mental Health Workshop for Black Students - Thursday, Apr. 20 at 3 p.m. This workshop series for Black creatives and creativity enthusiasts will help participants use their creative outlets as tools to manage life stressors. There will be 6 virtual workshops, Thursdays from 3 p.m. - 4:30 p.m., starting April 20. This series is for BIPOC students who are creatives or want to engage in a creative space. Sign up on the INTEREST LIST for the workshop you are interested in (sign up for one or all of them).
- Rooted! Black Graduate Student Support Group - Wednesday, April 26 at 4 p.m. Rooted! is a support group for Black-identified Stanford graduate students that is designed to be a confidential space for community, coping, connection, and support in managing graduate life at Stanford. This weekly support group will meet via Zoom on Wednesdays from 4 p.m. - 5 p.m., starting April 26. To join, please contact CAPS at 650.723.3785 during business hours (8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. weekdays) and ask for a pre-group meeting, or message your therapist/contact person at CAPS.
- School of Medicine BIPOC Student Support Group - Thursday, April 27 at 8:30 a.m. This is a 5-session, student-led virtual support group that will take place on Thursdays from 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m., starting April 27. This group is open to registered BioSci PhD/MS, MSPA, and MD students of all genders who identify as people of color. A pre-group meeting with a facilitator is required. Sign up on the “INTEREST_LIST_SOM_BIPOC Student Support_SPRING Q” in Vaden Portal in the "Groups and Workshops" section.
- YWCA @ Stanford Survivor Support Group - Tuesdays from 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. This support group is offered to any Stanford community member (student, postdoc, visitor, spouse, etc.). The support group will run for 8 weeks and will offer a space for survivors to connect and heal. The group will most likely be in person. Sign up today!
- Anxiety Toolbox. Learn about how stress and anxiety show up in your body, emotions, thoughts and behaviors, and gain skills to lower anxiety in each area. Open to all students! Multiple dates and times available to attend this two part, 1-hour each virtual workshop. To join, please contact CAPS at 650.723.3785 during business hours (8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. weekdays) and ask for a pre-group meeting, or message your therapist/contact person at CAPS.
For additional upcoming events, check out the Office of Student Engagement
The Flourish
This online publication is your monthly guide to flourishing on the Farm. The Flourish provides you with tips, articles, and resources on key monthly health and wellness topics to support your mental health and well-being.