Dear Wellness Community,
A warm welcome to all new residents, fellows, partners, and families to UW Medicine and to a beautiful Seattle summer!
Congratulations on reaching a significant milestone! As you settle into a rhythm and many things new, take a moment to pause and celebrate. Reflect on your gifts and the paths that led you here. You may wonder about this phase of your life and how it will shape you. You may feel some sadness moving away from friends, family, familiar routines and worry about what lies ahead. The Wellness Team is here to support you as you embark on this adventure.
Feel free to reach out to say hello, connect to resources or get additional support. Check out our Wellness web page.
As new medical residents and fellows, you are in one of the most dynamic cities in the country. Seattle has so much to offer. Beyond the hospital walls, you will find a city brimming with natural beauty. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking views of Mount Rainier, the serene waters of the Puget Sound, and the lush greenery of the parks. Embrace the rich cultural scene, savor the culinary experiences and the unique blend of the great outdoors and innovative technology and research this region boasts.
What will your adventure be? Pack your gear, find the route, bring a friend, and build memories!! No matter what path you take, hope it sparks joy. This summer issue shares resources as we honor BIPOC Mental Health Awareness, shares ideas for summer fun, including farmer’s markets, outdoor movies, festivals, runs and more.
Contents
Hurrah!!
- Thank you, Dr. Anne Browning, and the Well-Being Grants Team! We used the funds to equip some of the H ward team rooms at Harborview with lightboxes. As one resident shared, ‘It really does make a difference when that afternoon slump starts to hit and it’s been a run of cloudy days, there’s just something about that shine ✨ that gives you a little more perk to keep you going.” Dr. Mack Holmberg (Chief Resident) and Dipti Chrastka launched this project in Dec 2023. Thanks, Dr. Harrington and Dr. Jennifer Best for your support.
- Order a Name and Pronunciations Name Tag!! Celebrating Dr. Sudiptho.R.Paul who started the Name and Pronunciations Initiative project. This project highlights the importance of our names and helps improve communication. For more information, click here! Order your name tag at no cost. Credit to Nora Coronado for this share!
Summertime and the feeling is Suntastic
- Pick a short hike with an epic view from Washington Trail Association or enjoy an urban hike.
- Visit a local farmers market and try cooking with something new.
- Join a Seattle-area beach clean-up or simply dip your toes in the sand at a Seattle beach.
- Watch an outdoor movie, with Seattle Center Movies at the Mural.
- Take a Washington State ferry to a Puget Sound locale new to you.
- Volunteer for a worthy cause this summer through Whole U.
- Summer at SAM presents activities and experiences that combine visual art, music, and community. Summer programs at SAM’s waterfront location feature a range of activities and experiences that explore place-making, cultural confluences, and learning from our local environment.
Cultural Explorations
- In Honor of National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month here are some amazing resources and in recognition of the unique mental health challenges that minorities face, here are some helpful resources and a BIPOC toolkit that you can use. Additional resources here.
- This year we also honor the incredible work of advocate, author, and trailblazer Bebe Moore Campbell.
- Embrace our city’s ethnic diversity and cultivate a deeper understanding of cultures that contribute to the vibrancy of Seattle. Come join our community this summer in these dazzling festivals.
Henri's Corner
Tunnel Running
- Jack and Jill Marathon: Join us on July 27th and 28th. Ranked as one of the top 10 Boston qualifiers in the country. One of the most beautiful courses in the U.S.
Mindfulness Minute
- Befriending your inner voice. When that negative inner voice gets switched on, it’s hard to think about anything else. Psychologist Ethan Kross talks about that voice in your head and about how to keep our negative emotions from morphing into chatter. Thank you, Amy Wheat for this share!
- More from Tara Brach: Tara introduces this guided meditation based on the acronym RAIN that awakens self-compassion and de-conditions the suffering of being at war with ourselves.
Wellness Corner Quick Links
Gems from Treasure Valley
- Float the Boise River. It almost seems as if the Boise River were made to float down. At the starting point, you can rent tubes or even grab a bite to eat at their snack shack Prior to your float.
- Take a leisurely walk through the Botanical Gardens. The summer is the perfect time to see our stunning Botanical Gardens in bloom. With awesome events every summer there is always something fun to do here.
- Enjoy the gentle sounds while picnicking at the Boise Baroque Music Festival on August 11th, 18th and 25th at Chateau des Fleurs in Eagle Idaho.
- Browse the Boise Farmers Markets – now through October 26th you will find fresh local seasonal vegetables and fruit, many types of locally raised protein, breads and pastries, honey, jams and sauces, fresh-roasted coffee, and a delicious selection of ready-to-eat foods.
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), Howard Schafer (hischa5@uw.edu), and or Amy Wheat (amywheat@uw.edu).