WBI Weekly Digest
Put Yourself First!
Well-Being Wednesday
Physical
Bowling! This Friday @ 6pm, we invite everyone to come to Goldy’s Gameroom in Coffman Memorial Union on the East Bank. You would be able to rent shoes and bowl 2 games for under $10
Clean Up Mondale! Due to weather conditions, we had to cancel yesterday's clean up and are attempting to walk around Mondale and the river Monday at 3 pm! Please reach out if interested. Weather permitting.
Walk around the park! April 17th at 11 am we will be having a group walk around Lake of the Isles. Please reach out for details or rides! Weather permitting.
Personal
NAMI Connections Support Group for law students resumes TONIGHT, from 5-6:30pm in Mondale Hall, Room 475. Please see the ‘Resources’ section below for more details!
Tonight’s group is the second to last session offered this school year. We invite you to stop by if you are even remotely interested so you can take advantage of this wonderful resource!
YOU should be your FIRST priority!
As we near finals season, remember to prioritize yourself. Life can get overwhelming with the endless studying, lengthy papers, and daunting deadlines. However, YOU and YOUR WELLBEING matter more than any grade or external marker of “success.”
Practice putting your needs first so it becomes a habit, before finals ramp up! One great way to do this is by taking small steps to prioritize yourself every day. Some of our favorite ways to do this include:
Schedule breaks (and actually take them!) – this helps keep your mind fresh and is a more efficient use of your time. It doesn’t make sense to re-read a case 5 times. If that happens, it might be your signal to take a break!
Say “NO” – setting boundaries is one of the best ways to promote self-care. You are in control of your time, your schedule, and your life. We know it can be hard, but it is OKAY to say “no” to people. Start by taking small steps and saying “no” to little asks to build your confidence.
Dedicate 15 minutes each day to YOU – maybe you will do yoga, go for a walk, make a meal, watch a quick T.V. show, play with your pet, or call a friend. It doesn’t matter what you do, just make it your time. We suggest that your You Time does NOT include law school :)
Get some sleep – we know there are a million more things you could be doing, but none of that matters if you’re sleep deprived. Seriously, just go to bed!
For more insight, check out The Unselfish Art of Prioritizing Yourself
Academic
A 2017 study highlighted the impact that mindfulness meditation can have in reducing exam stress. As we enter the home stretch of this semester, try to take five or 10 minutes a day to meditate using an app like Headspace or Waking Up, both of which have free options.
Song of the Week
Link
Advice Column
The NAMI connections group is tonight!
As you likely know, there in peer-led mental health support group here in Mondale Hall! It is on the 1st & 3rd Wednesdays of the month.
Our next and final group for this semester is April 20th.
We will be back next semester! Likely with a new date and an easier way to participate remotely within a hybrid model.
This is a space to talk about your mental health in a confidential shame free environment, regardless of whether you have a diagnosis. If you have been struggling and want some extra support you are welcome.
I hope to see you in room 475 from 5-6:30pm tonight and/or on the 20th!
Please email me, Sierra Grandy, at [log in to unmask] with questions/concerns or if you would like to join the Zoom room!
Any questions, concerns, or topics that you’d like some advice on, feel free to submit them here! You’ll get real advice, and maybe some memes for your situation.
Resources
NAMI Connections Group for University of Minnesota Law Students
The NAMI Connection group offers peer-led support for law students living with mental health disorders who attend the University of Minnesota Law School.
NAMI Connection is a recovery support group for adults with a mental illness regardless of their diagnosis. This group is offered free of charge and is led by trained individuals who are also in recovery – people who understand the challenges folks with mental illness face.
This is a hybrid model. You can join in-person or via Zoom.
There is a 20 person limit. We still have plenty of room!
No need to register – simply show up!
Who: UMN law students living with mental illness
What: Peer-led support group!
When: 1st & 3rd Wednesdays of each month; 5-6:30pm
Where: Mondale Hall Room 475
This group is completely confidential. It is not therapy.
Click here to see other NAMI Connection Groups offered in Minnesota.
"Character and Fitness" Wellness Group
Held every Wednesday at 12:30 at Mondale Hall.
A student-run, safe, strictly confidential, judgment-free, 12-step based group welcomes anyone struggling with substance use or in recovery.
Hybrid meeting. Contact [log in to unmask] for room location and Zoom info, or other inquiries.
In-person attendees must wear a mask while inside the building; see UMN's Face Covering Protocol.
What: Let’s Talk Counselor in Mondale Hall
Who: Ms. Kifaya Bishop, Multicultural Counselor from Student Counseling Services
When: Every Thursday from 1-3pm
Where: N20 in the Wellness Room
No appointment necessary. Drop in.
LCL offers resources on substance use and compulsive behaviors, mental illness, stress, and well-being
ADD/ADHD Support Group: 2nd and 4th Fridays at noon via Zoom (Pre-Registration is required for this group)
Well-Being Group: Thursdays 12:00-1:00 via Zoom
Need assistance now? Call 651-646-5590 or 800-525-6466
For 24-hour phone counseling, call Sand Creek at 651-430-3383 or 888-243-5744
If asked, say you were referred by LCL
To schedule your first appointment, call 612-624-1444
Offering in-person and telehealth
Individual and couples therapy available (10-session-per-year limit for each type)
Eating disorder services, ADD/ADHD treatment, alcohol and chemical health services, and group therapy available
Looking for a Therapist?
Learn about the various types of mental health professionals and types of treatments available.
Psychology Today Find a Therapist Search Tool
Psychology Today is a great resource to find a therapist
Filter by specific location, accepted insurance, specialty, issues, age, gender, sexuality, language spoken, ethnicity, faith, and more
Search tool for mental health and substance use disorder resources in Minnesota
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1-800-273-8255
Text ‘MN’ 741741
Call any time, for any reason
Sand Creek 24/7 Phone Counseling
651-430-3383 or 888-243-5744
If asked, say LCL referred you
Community Spaces - NEW!
Community Spaces is a new initiative at the law school! It is for anyone who is interested in getting together with other Minnesota Law students and building community.
Third Thursday of the Month from 12:15-1:15pm in Room 3
AND
Third Friday of the Month from 12:15-1:15pm Virtually (https://z.umn.edu/communityspaces)
Dates: April 21st & 22nd
NAMI Ramsey County Book Club – First Thursday of the Month
“Join us on the first Thursday of each month to discuss books with a mental illness theme. Learn through compassionate conversation. See which book we’re reading at namiramseycounty.org/bookclub.”
Next sessions: April 7, May 5, June 2, July 7, Aug. 4 - Registration Link
NAMI offers numerous educational courses for a wide variety of audiences, all relating to mental health. Check out their current schedule to find a course that looks interesting to you! (Practically all the courses are free!)
WBI has created a Resources Page on our website where law students can always go to find support.
UMN Law Well-Being Initiative
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Current Contacts
Annika Cushnyr - [log in to unmask]
Emily Moss - [log in to unmask]
Sarani Millican - [log in to unmask]
Alex Jones - [log in to unmask]
Ali Casey - [log in to unmask]
Luke Srodulski - [log in to unmask]