The Flourish, November 2024
Flourish This Fall
With fall quarter in full swing, The Flourish is here to provide tips, resources, and stories that focus on flourishing during challenging, stressful times. From getting healthy sleep to finding your community to learning to say “no,” the November edition of the Flourish is chock full of ways to help you be your best self this quarter!
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Saying "No" is a No-Brainer!
Here on the Farm, there are constant events to go to, interesting classes to take, and extracurriculars to get involved in. Saying “yes” to each new opportunity can be exciting at first, but can easily become overwhelming. Learning to say “no” to opportunities that don’t fulfill you might be challenging, but learning to set boundaries for yourself can allow you to excel at the activities that fulfill you most!
Unlocking the Power of Sleep: Lessons from My Summer in the Stanford Sleep Lab
Ready to turn a good night’s rest into your superpower? Over the summer, I had the opportunity to work in a Stanford Sleep Lab discovering how small tweaks to our routines can lead to more Z’s. From beating bedtime anxiety to creating the perfect sleep sanctuary, I’m sharing insights into how to boost your rest and feel more energized every day. These simple, science-backed tips will help you feel more rested and energized to take on the day- because flourishing starts with a good night’s sleep!
Finding Your Team at Stanford
The quarter is officially in full swing, and it can get quite overwhelming. Midterm season has fallen upon us, with the rest of the quarter still ahead. But, you are not alone in this struggle! Being in college is an opportunity to surround yourself with academics and a support team. Taking an exam requires help from professor lectures, TA sections, and more. Just like an assignment, self-care and balance can also require a team around you. Let's get to building it!
Staying Hopeful During Challenging Times
Having a tough day? A rough week? A stressful quarter? It can be easy to focus on the overwhelm and stress that we feel when going through a difficult time, but learning to celebrate the small wins, express gratitude for what we have, and surround ourselves with positive people can make all the difference. Whether you’re hitting the gym to relieve some tension or scheduling weekly coffee with an old friend, making a conscious effort to take care of yourself during turbulent times can lead to a more hopeful mentality.
Navigating Loneliness
Have you ever found yourself feeling disconnected and lonely even when you are surrounded by people? Have you spent nights feeling out of place and alone? Loneliness is often not talked about enough for how common of an experience it is, especially when entering a new environment like college where you are beginning to build a new life for yourself. Here’s some tips on navigating loneliness at Stanford.
What's Flourishing This Month?
Upcoming Events, Programs, and Workshops
(U) = undergraduate students, (G) = graduate students, (P) = postdocs, (A) = alumni, (S) = staff, (F) = faculty, (P/F) parents/families
Halloweekend Picnic at Meyer Green
Saturday, November 2 from 1:20 pm - 3:30 pm. Join PEERS in exploring sober living at Stanford during our alcohol-free Halloweekend picnic! Enjoy music, EANABs, educational trivia, games, and meet new folks! We will raffle picnic blankets, candy bags, Jellycats, and provide free lunch! Learn more about Halloweekend Picnic.
How to Access
This picnic will be held in person at Meyer Green (560 Escondido Mall). Please RSVP here. RSVP encouraged, but not mandatory. (Dates: varies) (U)
Naloxone Training
Monday, November 4 from 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm. NALOXONE is a potentially life-saving medication designed to help reverse the effects of an opioid overdose in minutes. Learn more about the Opioid Epidemic and walk away with the ability to save a life! Learn more about Naloxone Training here.
How to Access
This group will be held in person at The Well House (562 Mayfield Ave.) on Mondays from 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm. Please RSVP here. Drop-ins are welcome but RSVPs help us know how much Narcan to bring. (U) (G) (P) (S) (F)
Queer Yoga
Tuesdays, November 5 from 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm. Join the Weiland Health Initiative, Well-Being, and YogaX in a queer community space of movement, group discussion and reflection time focused on yoga and life beyond. Our collaborative goal is to not only move, but to be moved! All bodies and identities are welcome! This class will be for all levels of yoga experience and will provide variations for poses and props to meet ALL body needs. Potential things needed: a willingness to let your intuition guide your movements :) We have extra mats, blocks, straps, and blankets to borrow!
How to Access
This group will meet outside at Kingscote Gardens (weather permitting). No RSVP necessary. (Additional Dates: 11/12, 11/19) (U)(G)(P)
Unmasked: Understanding Yourself & Others
Tuesday, November 5 from 4:30 pm - 6:00 pm. This workshop is perfect for students who want to develop self-awareness and learn about interpersonal relationships from a psychological lens while building a sense of community. Students may drop in to whichever session they feel they are curious about or is most relevant. A light dinner will be provided, as will a Q&A at the end of every session!
- 11/5: Unmask Communication: Boundaries & Conflict Resolution
- 12/3: Unmask Behavioral Patterns: Imposed Roles, Cycles of Coping & Relationship Dynamics
How to Access
Please RSVP here. Workshops will be held in EVGR- B170 from 4:30 - 6:00pm. (Additional Date: 12/3 (G)
Umbrella Assistance Fund Clinic: Branching Out
Tuesday, November 5 from 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm. Weiland and QSR have partnered to hold space for different issues facing the queer, trans, and non-binary community, called Umbrella Assistance Fund Clinics. Umbrella Assistance Fund Clinics are facilitated by queer staff and guest professionals and provide important information to help students navigate harmful and oppressive systems. Learn more about Umbrella Assistance Fund Clinic: Branching Out.
Come learn about our Branching Out Guide🌲: Find Our Way Through Stanford Systems that spells out different opportunities, resources, and information to help queer students. From navigating insurance, gender affirming care and financial support, come learn and ask questions in community on election day!
How to Access
No RSVP necessary. Meetings will be held in person from 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm at QSpot. (Additional Date: 11/19 (UG) (G)
Rooted! Black Graduate Student Support Group
Thursday, November 7 from 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm. Rooted! is a support group for Black-identified Stanford graduate students that is designed to be a confidential space for students to speak their minds, build community, rest, connect with themselves, and learn coping skills for managing graduate life at Stanford.
How to Access
This group will be in person on Mondays from 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm at Counseling and Psychological Services (Vaden Health Center, 2nd floor, CAPS Ed Center). Connecting with CAPS is required to join this group. Call CAPS at 650.723.3785 to schedule a pre-group meeting. (Additional Dates: 11/14, 11/21) (G)
Grad 201: Managing Election and World Events Stress in Community
Friday, November 8 from 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm. There’s a LOT happening in our world right now, have you noticed? And did you know that ‘doomscrolling’ was named one of the Oxford English Dictionary’s words of the year in 2020? Stress is not all bad, it was meant to put us into action. If we can’t find a way to vent that stress; however, it builds up inside of us like pressure in a volcano. Coming together to collectively bear witness is an ancient technique for venting energy, processing feelings and thoughts and soothing each other. Learn more about Grad 201: Managing Election and World Events Stress in Community.
We hope you will join us for this informal lunch gathering which will be facilitated by Well-Being at Stanford.
How to Access
Please RSVP here. Workshops will be held in Kingscote Meeting Room from 12:00pm - 1:00pm. (G)
Upstander Workshop
Monday, November 11 from 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm. Upstanders are individuals who witness a behavior that could lead to something high risk or harmful, and make the choice to intervene. Learn how you can create a culture of consent within and outside your communities. Learn more about Upstander Workshop.
How to Access
This group will be held in person at The Well House (562 Mayfield Ave.) on Mondays from 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm. Please RSVP here by the day of the workshop. (Additional date: 12/2) (UG) (G) (S) (F)
Questioning
Tuesday, November 12 at 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm. A discussion, support, and community space series. Each meeting hopes to create space for a particular group to explore the unique experiences, challenges, and positives of questioning identity. Snacks provided. Learn more about Questioning.
- 11/12: Questioning Coming Out- a space for folx newly out, considering coming out, or those who are rethinking the whole paradigm of the closet!
All are welcome to visit QSpot from 11:00 am - 5:00 pm on weekdays. However, we ask that you join the discussion only if you identify with the week’s topic. Thank you for understanding!
How to Access
No RSVP necessary. Meetings will be held in person on Tuesdays from 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm at QSpot. (UG) (G)
Sofa Sessions
Tuesday, November 12 at 5:30 pm. Sofa Sessions is a gathering for Black students to seek support regarding race-based stress, discuss issues impacting them, critical incidents on campus and/or nationwide, or are just in need of connection and community. Sofa Sessions will be on Tuesday, October 29th and November 12th at 5:30 pm at BCSC. CAPS is excited to hold this space again in partnership with Well-Being at Stanford and Black Community Services Center. Snacks will be provided. Learn more about Sofa Sessions.
How to Access
This group will meet in person on Tuesdays from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm at the Black Community Services Center. Register at this link. (UG) (G)
Student Grief and Loss Gathering
Wednesday, November 13 at 4:00 pm. 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.
How to Access
This session will be in person at CIRCLE Common Room (Old Union, 3rd floor, Room 302). No pre-registration is required. (U)(G)
Journeying
Tuesday, November 19 at 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm. Brought to you by QSR & Weiland Journeying 〰️🌀 A brave space where you can meet, connect, and build community! Snacks provided. Learn more about Journeying.
- 11/19 Journeying while Neurodivergent
All are welcome to visit QSpot 11 am - 5:00 pm on weekdays. However, we ask that you join the discussion only if you identify under the week’s identity. Thank you for understanding!
How to Access
No RSVP necessary. Meetings will be held in person on Tuesdays from 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm at QSpot. (UG) (G)
Student Grief and Loss Gathering
Tuesday, November 13 at 5:30 pm. 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. Learn more about Student Grief and Loss Gatherings.
How to Access
This session will be in person on Wednesdays at CIRCLE Common Room (Old Union, 3rd floor, Room 302). No pre-registration is required. (UG) (G)
Bean Bags and Boundaries
Sunday, November 17 from 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm. Stop by to design your own beanbag for your room (which we will provide along with a variety of fabric markers/patches for designing) and learn about sexual citizenship, what resources are available on campus, and how to create a safer space for yourself and your dorm-mates. Dinner is provided.
How to Access
This picnic will be held in person at West Flomo Lounge. Please RSVP here. (Capped at 25 Frosh.) (UG- Frosh only)
Stanford Contemplation by Design Summit
October 23 - November 3. Join us to deepen your reservoir of skills that revitalize you and the people with whom you interact. Learn from leading contemplative science researchers while delighting in developing practical contemplative skills that develop resilience and wise compassion that support individual and societal healing and transformation.
How to Access
Register here for the FREE 2024 Contemplation by Design Summit, October 23 - November 3, 2024. (Space is limited for some in-person sessions; please register in advance.) The Stanford 2024 Contemplation by Design Summit’s 41 free sessions will present the evidence-based framework of contemplative science along with proven skills for contemplative practices that enliven the body and calm the mind to promote health and well-being for individuals and communities. See the 2024 Summit brochure for descriptions of each session. (Dates: varies) (UG) (G) (PD) (A) (S) (F) (P/F)
Contemplative Programs at the Office for Religious & Spiritual Life
Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays at 5:30 pm. Join us for weekly opportunities to engage with others in the community for meditation and yoga. Open to Stanford affiliates. Learn more about Contemplative Programs.
How to Access
Opportunities will be in-person at Memorial Church (Mondays) and CIRCLE Sanctuary (Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays). No RSVP necessary. (Dates: varies, Mondays through Thursdays) (UG) (G) (PD) (A) (S) (F)
Stanford Arts Prescribing Program
Ongoing. The Stanford Arts Prescribing Program connects the Stanford community with arts & culture activities that support your individual health and well-being goals. Arts prescriptions are for everybody! We welcome anyone curious about the benefits of regular arts participation to participate in the program.
How to Access
The Stanford Arts Prescribing Program will take place in person at various locations. Sign up here.. (Dates: varies) (U)(G)
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.