TCU Wellness Education

Protein powder has become a popular alternative or additive to college diets to help students hit their protein goals. While powder can offer an easy and accessible way to get protein, it may be too good to be true. Check out the article by Harvard Health on the possible risks or negative side effects of protein powder so you can be more informed!

The hidden dangers of protein powders - Harvard Health They may contain added sugar, calories, or even toxic chemicals.  Image: © jirkaejc/Getty Images Adding protein powder to a glass of milk or a smoothie may seem like a simple way ...

Matcha has become a popular drink on college campuses and a new favorite of many young people, but is it worth the hype? According to many studies and articles, matcha is great for emotional and physical health and even better than green tea, packing in more antioxidants and nutritional value per cup.

Matcha Green Tea Benefits Matcha Green Tea Benefits I love matcha tea powder, made of ground, whole green tea leaves, as it is filled with nutrients, antioxidants, and a number of health benefits! Think:⁠ ⁠ pure clean, jitter free energy- through a form of caffeine called theophylline that is slow to release and recharge...

Popularity and recommendations are rising out on college campuses around caffeine consumption, whether it be energy drinks or pre-workout. However, many students don't understand how these products work and how much to use. This infographic provides a great background around caffeine for performance and how to use it to maximize and protect your health.

The Benefits Of Caffeine For Performance — The Bodybuilding Dietitians If you’re seeking a supplement to hang your hat on, look no further than caffeine.

Did you know that taking purposeful breaks from studying can actually help you study better? Follow the link to learn some ways you can take purposeful breaks when studying gets to be too much!

Study Breaks & Stress-Busters | Cornell Health Cornellians are not afraid to roll up their sleeves to work and study hard. But did you know that taking study breaks can actually help you study smarter? You might be wondering – how can spending less time studying help me get everything done? Research shows that taking purposeful breaks (anywher...

Did you know that quality time with the people you love not only has benefits for your mental health, but your physical health, too? Piedmont Healthcare shares that benefits such as helping cope with stress and improving cardiovascular health are just some of the ways quality time can be good for our physical wellness! Check it out!

4 reasons friends and family are good for your health The holidays are the perfect time to gather with loved ones-- sharing stories that ignite laughter and good cheer. Engaging in these precious moments with family and friends is not only enjoyable, it’s also beneficial to your health.

As students, many of us are about to embark on or are in the process of applying for jobs or graduate school. It can be a tough time filled with uncertainty, excitement, and much more. It is important to take time to practice self care and take care of your mental health during this time! Check out this article for some helpful tips!

How to practice self-care during your job hunt Applying for jobs can be a challenging task. We’ve got some suggestions to help you maintain your wellbeing while you find the right job for you.

Do you ever feel scared to start studying for a big test or preparing a large assignment? You are not alone. Beginning a huge task is intimidating and often steers college students away from studying. Have you heard of the Pomodoro Technique? This technique uses a sequence of 25 minutes of studying followed by a 5 minute break. It was designed by Francisco Cirillo in the 1980s to help him through his college studying sessions. This technique is great to break large projects in to smaller chunks of work, which makes getting started seem more manageable! Want to learn more about this method? Check out this article from University of Arizona.

Use Procrastination to Your Advantage with the Pomodoro Technique Use Procrastination to Your Advantage with the Pomodoro Technique Jan. 28, 2024 W. Patrick Bryan, Associate Director Sometimes the challenge to getting work done is just starting Image New Africa via Adobe Stock License Sometimes a task or project can seem so big that it's hard to get started.  Or ...

According to the Healthline, chess is a beloved game played all over the world from pubs, plazas, libraries, to a classroom setting! Why is chess so beloved? Because it is a intellectual match between two players that improves mental coordination, forecasting potential moves, and adapting to different unexpected scenarios. So give a try to playing a game of chess and find a competitor!

9 Benefits of Playing Chess: Plus Potential Downsides Learn about the benefits — and downsides — of playing chess. We also look at the benefits for children and how to encourage them to play.

According to the Harvard Nutrition Source, there are limitless benefits to take up biking! The benefits are two-fold, for both your physical and mental health. Not only does it improve your cardiovascular fitness, but it reduces your stress levels by improving your endorphins.

Bicycling Bicycling, also referred to as biking or cycling, is a form of transportation and a popular leisure-time physical activity. Health benefits include improved cardiovascular fitness, stronger muscles…

STOP! Have you ever wondered how long you have been scrolling for? Sometimes we have no idea how much time we actually spend on our phones and that time adds up pretty quick. Take some time to check out the link below and see how cutting back on screen time can do you good!

5 ways slimming screen time is good How much time do you and your family members spend on using screens? Learn about the many benefits of cutting down on screen time.

When done correctly, a plant-based diet can come with numerous benefits. If you’re interested in learning more, check out the link:

What You Should Know About Plant-Based Diets Starting a new diet can feel overwhelming. Learn where to start and what to focus on when you’re start a plant-based diet.

Conflict is a natural part of life from elementary school to entering the workforce (and beyond). The key however is learning how to resolve conflicts before they blow up or cause larger issues. Check out the graphic to learn a little about conflicts and resolution, and go to https://bit.ly/3OfpgkH to learn more!

5 Strategies for Conflict Resolution in the Workplace Conflict is an inevitable part of working with others. Here are 5 strategies for conflict resolution in the workplace and why it’s important.

It's that time of year... housing scramble time! Are you looking to live off-campus but don't know where to start? Many college students have been there or are there right now! Finding a safe place to live that adheres to your budget can be difficult, but is not impossible. There are many resources to find the perfect place to call home like apartment rating websites, asking peers, or looking into the TCU Off-Campus Housing Fair. Renting an apartment seems scary, but there are plenty of steps you can take to sign a contract that works best for you and your needs. Visit this article on Experian's website by Hillary Beck, a financial news writer, to learn more about apartment searching and how to sign a lease that works for you and your needs. Happy house hunting!

12 Steps to Take Before Renting Your First Apartment - Experian Your first rental experience doesn’t have to be scary. These 12 tips can help you get apartment life started on the right foot.

Exercise is a total game-changer for both your body and mind. It’s like hitting a refresh button on your energy levels and mood, thanks to those awesome endorphins. Regular physical activity helps your health in so many ways like reducing the risk of disease, strengthening bones, and improving your ability to do everyday activities. Whether it’s a morning jog, lifting weights or a yoga sesh, just finding time to move is key. Exercising can be a challenge at time so try to find the right form of movement that works for you. Don’t have a gym membership? No worries, try looking up free classes on Youtube that you can do in your own living room, no equipment needed. So let’s get up and get moving on the journey to exercise!

https://loom.ly/Wp8ibgA CDC source:https://loom.ly/fY8HDGk

SLOW & ON THE FLOOR - Full Body Strength Workout (No Equipment, No Repeats, Low Impact) Try this 20 minute SLOW & ON THE FLOOR full body STRENGTH workout! No Equipment needed. This is a great workout to wake the body up in the morning, or to slo...

Have you ever wondered how important is water actually? Well this TEDTalk answers the question of what would happen if you didn’t drink water. Drinking water is super important for keeping your body running smoothly. Water is needed to help flush out toxins, carry nutrients to cells, and keep your body temperature normal and regulated. It’s essential to drink enough water on a daily basis so that you don’t get dehydrated or sick. There are even motivational water bottles that have markings on the side to keep on track with your goal. Is your water bottle empty? You can utilize water filling stations around TCU's campus to make sure your water bottle is always full. So make sure that you keep that water bottle handy and sip your way to a healthier you!

What would happen if you didn't drink water? Water is essentially everywhere in our world, and the average human is composed of between 55 and 60% water. So what role does water play in our bodies, and how much do we actually need to drink to stay healthy? Mia Nacamulli details the health benefits of hydration. [Directed by Chris Bishop, narra...

Have you ever struggled with math anxiety? Follow the link to learn more about how to help with math anxiety from an expert.

https://bit.ly/3Wf9cV6

How many minutes do you spend on your devices in one day? Peer Educator Sam was unhappy with the amount of time they spent scrolling, and has decided to start limiting their social media use to encourage better habits. One way of doing this is a digital detox, which is described by Celeveland Clinic as taking a break from all electronics or just certain media for a period of time. As students, it can be difficult to make this commitment- but even a 30 minute break can be beneficial.

4 Reasons to Do a Digital Detox A digital detox can help you see if technology holds you back. Unplugging can help you be more productive at work and have deeper relationships with family and friends.

Peer Educator Rose finds joy in volunteering at a local animal shelter. Giving back to the community and spending time with furry friends can boost both mental and emotional well-being. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, volunteering can “counteract the effects of stress, anger, and anxiety…[as well as] give a sense of purpose.” How do you contribute to your community?

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Peer Educator Sam has started tracking their water intake and making it a goal to drink at least 32 ounces of water a day. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drinking water can help your body maintain body temperature, digest, and protect sensitive tissues. The CDC also suggests that you can carry a reusable water bottle around to encourage and remind you to drink more water. Sam has one they’ve decorated all over with stickers! How much water do you drink in a day?

Water and Healthier Drinks Getting enough water every day is important for your health. Learn how to drink more water and choose healthier drinks.

It's never too late to learn how to budget. We spend money for day-to-day basis, holidays, goals, careers, etc. and at the end of the day, budgeting is just making a plan that touches on all aspects of your life. When you make a plan, you are in control of your financial peace of mind. The link below provides more information and a financial calculator to get started!

6 Reasons Why Budgeting Is Right for You If you're looking for reasons to budget, you've come to the right place. Here are six reasons why budgeting is right for you. (Yes, you!)

Did you know that journaling has so many amazing benefits and is a great way to deal with emotions in a healthy and productive way? Journaling lets you track your progress, understand your feelings, and prioritize important things in your life. Finding just five minutes in your day to journal is a great way to practice gratitude and keep track of all the good stuff happening in your life. Whether you are writing about your amazing day or maybe just releasing your anger, journaling can be a very useful tool in managing your mental health. Don’t know what to write about, here are some prompts to get the writing process started and help you express your feelings into words. Happy journaling!

Journaling for Emotional Wellness - Health Encyclopedia - University of Rochester Medical Center Coronavirus (COVID-19): Latest Updates | Visitation PoliciesVisitation PoliciesVisitation PoliciesVisitation PoliciesVisitation Policies | COVID-19 Testing | Vaccine InformationVaccine InformationVaccine Information

Do you ever start scrolling online and feel like all you're seeing is bad news? That's because we are predisposed to focus on negativity, a phenomenon called negativity bias. Check out this article to learn more about this bias, and also how we can overcome it!

How Negative News Distorts Our Thinking Does the world seem increasingly negative? Here are a few reasons why we get stuck seeing it this way, and what to do about it.

Can your body impact your brain? Science says yes! Research shows that even something as simple as your body language can impact your confidence, and that faking it 'til you make it may actually work. Check out this TedTalk to learn more!

Your body language may shape who you are | Amy Cuddy | TED Body language affects how others see us, but it may also change how we see ourselves. Social psychologist Amy Cuddy argues that "power posing" -- standing in...

Peer Educator Rose starts her mornings with a gratitude journal, acknowledging three things she's thankful for. Gratitude practices have been linked to improved mental well-being and increased happiness. According to the University of California in Berkeley’s magazine, Mind and Body, “people who consciously count their blessings tend to be happier and less depressed.” They also claim that participating in activities that foster gratefulness may “[shift] one’s attention away from toxic emotions…[and] have lasting effects on the brain.” What's one thing you're grateful for today?

How Gratitude Changes You and Your Brain New research is starting to explore how gratitude works to improve our mental health.

With temperatures starting to rise, it is important to remember to practice sun safety! Following safe sun measures can improve your overall health and help you mitigate risks while still having a fun time outdoors! Johns Hopkins published an article recently relating to sun safety and provides insight into how to better protect yourself from the sun. Click the link below to learn more.

Sun Safety Unprotected exposure to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause damage to the skin, eyes, and immune system.

The benefits of networking go beyond just finding a job after college. Studies have found that networking can help create relationships, build confidence, and advance your personal and professional career. Although networking can be scary, an article posted by Harvard Business Review highlights four tips to help individuals step outside their comfort zone and network effectively with those around them. Click the link below to learn more!

Learn to Love Networking “I hate networking.” It’s a familiar refrain. But in today’s world, networking is a necessity—and fortunately, an aversion to it can be overcome. Drawing on laboratory experiments and on studies at a large law firm, the authors have identified four strategies that can help people become mo...

Peer Educator Sam has a twice daily skincare routines they follow to keep their skin clean and protected with SPF. According to a dermatologist at Northwest Medicine, “The key to skin resiliency is knowing your skin and treating it well.” A startup skincare routine can include just a cleanser, a toner, a moisturizer, and a sunscreen. Do you have a favorite skincare brand?

Do You Really Need a Skin Care Routine? A skin care routine may sound like high maintenance, but in reality, the steps for good skin care are not only necessary, they’re easy to implement too.

Peer Educator Sam loves to work out with their best friend, Ian, at least twice a week. When they exercise together, they both feel supported and a little competitive. According to the Better Health Channel, exercising with a friend or loved one can increase your dedication and motivation to make working a habit. This can manifest in buddy workouts, group workout sessions (like the ones hosted by the TCU Rec!), or sports teams. Who is your go-to workout buddy?

Exercise with a friend Exercise is important for your physical and mental health. Working out with a friend means you’re more likely to have fun and stick to your exercise plan.

What are you grateful for? It is easy to get caught up in life and not appreciate the little things that make our days a little easier. This is why practicing journaling or gratitude list are helpful to remind us of said things. Check the link below on how to get started with your own and recall what you are grateful for. Happy Writing!

Gratitude Journal (Greater Good in Action) Count your blessings and enjoy better health and happiness.

Are you considering engaging in summer cleaning? Decluttering has many benefits like feeling accomplished, reducing stress, peacefulness, focus and more (Cleveland Clinic). Check out this article from the Cleveland Clinic to learn more about the benefits of cleaning and tips on how to get started! Happy cleaning!

Spring Cleaning Is Good for Your Health — Yes, Really! The renewal of spring often signals it’s time for spring cleaning — which, turns out, isn’t just good for our homes, but also our moods. A psychologist shares tips for cleaning up and explains how it can help our mental state.