Ways to Flourish

People always say that studying abroad is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and this is certainly true. However, like most things, study abroad brings its own challenges that we sometimes don't talk about enough. In today's episode, we sit down with students Ciara Curtin and Zak Zeledon to talk about how study abroad has changed their habits and worldviews, how study abroad can bring unexpected obstacles, and what advice they have for students thinking about going abroad.

Resources:
Global Education Office website

In celebration of Valentine's Day, this week, Ways to Flourish is again diving into conversations about healthy relationship practices! Hannah Artiles-Stravers from the Office of Health Promotion and sophomore Krithika Layagala discuss an article posted to the New York Times entitled "Dating is Broken. Going Retro Can Fix It." We talk about what we agree with in the article, what the benefits and drawbacks are of the popular event "Marriage Pact," and how some "retro" dating practices can be reincorporated back into our modern dating society.

Resources:
Original article
Office of Health Promotion website
The Haven website

The Black & Brown Girl Expressive Arts initiative seeks to provide a therapeutic environment for Black and Brown women on William & Mary's campus. Today we talk to the creator of the initiative, Wellness Ambassador Raven Pierce, about what the Black & Brown Girl Wellness Series is, how art can be effective as a form of therapy, and why it is necessary to have spaces on campus dedicated to different cultural groups. Stay updated with upcoming wellness events on the Wellness Center's website!

Resources:
Wellness Events Calendar

Nutrition and diet never have to be boring. Today, we have a great chat with the school's new Dietitian Julia Green about the history of dieting, some common misconceptions that we can bust open, why we often get caught up with "diet culture," and how the Campus Dietitian can be a great resource for students. If you see Julia around campus, don't hesitate to say hello (and in the meantime, don't forget to drink water)!

Resources:
Dietitian's webpage
Contact Julia at [email protected]

Happy FDOC! You may have heard of or seen Fun Max by now, but do you know why he exists? Today, we sit down to chat with Wellness Ambassador Max Beers to discuss what the Fun Max initiative is, why he dons the Fun Max mantle, and what some upcoming plans are during the new semester.

Catch up with Fun Max's shenanigans @wmfunmax on TikTok or at @wellnesswm on Instagram!

Ways to Flourish is back for Season 6! We hope you feel ready to return to campus and begin the year of 2023. Once again, campus will be bustling, but this time the weather will be warming us over the weeks.

We've had some really incredible conversations this semester. Although they have been pre-recorded, we are still around, so please do not hesitate to reach out! Email [email protected], or visit our website to learn more. 

Whether this past semester for you has been filled with vigor, lethargy, or both, it seems to have left many of us feeling drained and in need of some well-deserved rejuvenation. As Winter Break gets underway, the team chats about the past few months as well as what we're looking forward to in the new year.

We at Ways to Flourish wish you peace and warmth wherever you are, and we'll catch you back here very soon for Season 6!

During finals week, we at Ways to Flourish hope you are taking time for yourself and caring for each and every one of your dimensions of wellness! We are finishing out our two-month 8D series by talking to Wellness Ambassadors Rebekah Cohodas and Punnammal Gross. We take a deep dive into how spirituality is related to religion, how we can tell we should better tap into our spiritual wellness, and what we can do to seek activities that leave us feeling fulfilled and spiritually satiated.

Resources:
8 Dimensions webpage
Spirituality & Faith webpage

As we are continuing on with the last week of classes for the fall semester, we may be thinking about making plans with friends for the weekend, which means it's as great a time as ever to talk about the social dimension of wellness. We chat with Wellness Ambassadors Emma Herber and Raven Pierce about how to find your people at W&M, how social interactions can and should make us feel, and what we do to care for our social well being. Have a wonderful and safe LDOC!

Resources:
Nod app website
8 Dimensions webpage

We at Ways to Flourish hope you've had a rejuvenating Thanksgiving! Today, we're forging on with our 8D series by talking to Wellness Ambassadors Lily Dines and Marion Biondi about physical wellness, one of the most well-known (but neglected!) dimensions. We chat about how physical wellness encompasses more than just exercise, how important sleep is while in college, and what ways we like to care for our physical well-being.

Resources:
Campus Recreation webpage
8 Dimensions webpage