Dear Wellness Community,
Can’t believe it is time to bid goodbye to 2021 and what a year it has been! This year began with some fears and uncertainties and then, for some, a sense of renewed hope.
Most of us got vaccines and boosters too, schools reopened, we were able to gather for summer outings and feast together at Thanksgiving. Sadly, news about the Omicron variant has brought up some uneasiness – it seems like we are in flux again.
Through these changes, we continue to appreciate the sacrifices you make and your tireless work to keep our communities safe. Thank you!! (My dog Kobe is at the right bringing you holiday cheer!)
As we share the warmth and lights of the holidays amid the short, darker days of winter, we are reminded of the ups and downs we all experience. I look forward to enjoying some quiet moments, watching movies, trying out some fun recipes and perhaps reading that book I have wanted to pick up for a while.
This month’s issue has info on fun events in the next month, places to check out holiday light displays, books to read, food to eat, and opportunities to give back. What are some seasonal gifts you look forward to? Be well and we wish you all a very happy holiday season and healthy 2022!
P.S. Some good news! We are excited to share that the Wellness Team will increase capacity by adding a fourth Wellness counselor! We will post the job soon, so if you know of someone that may be a good fit or have questions, please have them reach out to me at: diptic@uw.edu.
This week’s Wellness Corner authored by:
Dipti Chrastka, LMFT
GME Wellness Director
Monday – Friday at Harborview
206.744.0655
diptic@uw.edu
GME Wellness Counseling
Contents
Holiday Dessert Contest!
Hopefully you’ll have some time to bake this holiday season! Send us your favorite holiday themed dessert to win lunch on us! Include the recipe, a picture, and your comments. Due date to submit your entry is January 10th. (You can simply email one of the Wellness ladies: diptic@uw.edu, jkocian@uw.edu, pattylb@uw.edu). We will feature the winners in our February issue!
Need inspiration? Thanks to Julia Kocian for her Hot Fudge recipe here, and Cindy Hamra for her favorite, Bûche De Noël!
Black Lives Matter
- Kwanzaa celebration on Dec 30th with Northwest African American Museum.
- Here’s a source for accurate information about Black history and about the history of African American presence around the world including historical biographies and media.
- Join in on a conversation about advancing racial equity in our community with NY Times bestselling author, Clint Smith. Jan 19th, 2022 at 6pm.
Personalized Book Recs!
Ugly Sweater Skate
Holiday Flicks for the Fam!
December is Universal Human Rights Month
Here are some ideas for volunteering and giving back this holiday season and beyond:
- Volunteer at a local charity. Here’s a long list.
- For MLK Day of Service 2022, volunteer at a local charity through United Way.
- You can donate to a local non-profit by opening a checking account with Seattle Credit Union and Feel Good Checking: when you open a checking account, $20 is donated to a non-profit.
Mindfulness Minute
- With all the news and media, a helpful practice this holiday may be to give ourselves a media break. Check your phone or media less frequently. Challenge yourself to media fast for a day and check on how you feel after.
- Here are two FREE meditation opportunities. Meditation for self-care and self-acceptance, December 24th and 31st at 2pm. Register. Meditation course drop-in, Sundays at 9.45am. Register.
Mindfulness Minute…for Kids!
Here are a few fun holiday mindfulness activities for the young and young at heart – Thanks to Counselor Keri!
- Snow globe shake: Shake a snow globe and notice how the snow falls. Notice how your body feels as the snow falls.
- Bells: Ring a bell and notice the sounds, the vibrations and pay attention to what you hear. Notice the last moment you can hear the bell.
- Hanukkah Yoga: some iconic items translated into a peaceful pose!
Wellness Corner Quick Links
Lights! Lights! Lights!
- Wild Lanterns at Woodland Park Zoo Explore the zoo and enjoy the animal and nature scape lanterns.
- Stroll around South Lake Union and enjoy the FREE interactive illumination. Open through December 31st from 8am to 10pm.
- Enjoy a beautiful light display at Bellevue Botanical Garden.
- Holiday lights around the city. Drive around and find your favorites!
Entertainment
- Take the polar bear plunge to ring in the New Year!
- Winterfest events virtual and in person at Seattle Center with ice sculpting, entertainment, trains and more! Through December 31st.
- Enjoy a game of chess with Seattle Chess Club!
- Join the Dare to Do Wellness Challenge for 2022 (a 22-day wellness challenge) through the Whole U.
- Catch a snowflake and the holiday parade in Bellevue’s Snowflake Lane!
Gems from Treasure Valley
- Christmas in Color: enjoy a drive through millions of lights synced with music! ‘Till Dec 31st.
- Join in the New Year’s celebration with live music, snow sports exhibition and more! Idaho Potato Drop on December 31st at 6pm at the Idaho State Capitol.
- Check out the virtual events above!
Got Feedback for Us?
We’d love to hear it! Share your thoughts about the Wellness Corner, suggestions for future events, discounts or articles to highlight, or anything else you’d like to share. Please email your thoughts to Dipti Chrastka (diptic@uw.edu), Julia Kocian (jkocian@uw.edu) and/or Patty Long-Brohm (pattylb@uw.edu).