From the Desk of the CWO: Falling back

As we enter November, I have a feeling folks' minds are on three major things: Thanksgiving, getting through exams/deadlines and then winter break. If you are like me, your eye is on that break because you yearn for the opportunity to pause and breathe. This fall has been intense.

I am always intrigued by the pace of the different organizations for which I have worked. Each have had their own personalities and seasons that influence well-being and, in turn, influence an individual's sense of wellness. These seasons can cause stress and as a well-being practitioner, I hope not to convey that stress is good or bad, but that it is a part of life. It's how we respond and react and create habits around that stress that interest me more.

Stress can be a stimulus for great creativity and productivity. It can stimulate a person's innate ability to recognize that they need to balance stress with sleep, activity, social connection and better nutrition. But stress can also stimulate negative responses if left unabated that lead to depression, anxiety and risky behaviors such as drug and alcohol abuse.

This season, we are in between the clock change of falling back and looking forward to a break that can be filled with stress. Even discussing well-being amid everything else going on can be overwhelming.

The Clemson Well-Being Council recently held its strategic planning session to finalize the work of our well-being strategic plan for the University, and there was a moment where we collectively felt, "Holy cow! This plan is huge! Overwhelming! How will we do it?" I had to remind, not only myself, but the team, that we tackle a big, hairy and arrogant goal (BHAG), one step at a time. Doing just one percent of a project or a goal makes things better for an organization, or an individual.

So, if you are feeling a season of stress and yearning for the break that's on the horizon, remind yourself that this is a season. Your stress levels won't stay this way forever. Or, if you do feel stuck in a season of overwhelming stress and aren't sure how to get out, helpful resources are listed below. I encourage you to lean into the present and focus on what you can control. But just like the Clemson Well-Being Council must tackle our strategy one bit at a time, you too, need to tackle your well-being one bit at a time. And the self-advocacy and agency to take that action is all yours. You can do it!

For opportunities to engage in positive stress management, or if you need more significant assistance, check out the resources below for faculty, staff, students and extension offices.

For Students Only:

• Counseling and Psychological Services
• CARE Network

For Faculty and Staff Only:

• The Ombuds Office
• Employee Assistance Program

For Students and Employees:

• Fitness centers
• Group fitness classes
• Get outdoors!
• Get involved in a sport
• Try some mindfulness and meditation
• Relax with yoga