This semester I am teaching an undergraduate biology course on biofeedback, self-regulation, and intergenerational resilience. One of the books we read is Robert M. Sapolsky’s Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers. The book’s thesis is that humans experience chronic stress in ways that animals like zebras
In Shakespeare’s Macbeth, there is a scene that is sometimes deleted from productions, and the change in the audience’s behavior according to whether it is there or not can be noteworthy. At the beginning of Act 2, Scene 3, comes what is known as “The
Since I began teaching 15 years ago, I’ve noticed more and more students self-disclose aspects of their mental health in the classroom each year. Initially, I thought this was a consequence of the COVID-19 mental health crisis affecting the recent cohort of college students. I’ve
Hey, you. Yes, you. When was the last time you told your students, colleagues, or (gulp) administrators how thankful you were for them? Or jotted down a gratitude list as you went about your workday?
Feeling stressed, worn down, or burned out? If so, you’re far from alone.
According to a February 2023 survey of more than 900 faculty, many are often or always physically exhausted (33 percent), emotionally drained (38 percent), or worn out (40 percent). Another study, the
Mental health concerns have emerged as a heightened concern, gaining recognition among faculty members and becoming an integral aspect of academic discussions. This shift in focus has been particularly notable in the wake of the ongoing pandemic, prompting educators to find ways to support student
A few years ago, while reviewing a student’s feedback on one of my course evaluations, I came across a profound observation. The student described the class, like many science courses, as “stoic,” yearning for more humanity in the learning experience. It struck a chord with
An ancient practice that has been adapted to modern times, meditation has a variety of definitions. The Tibetan word for meditation, gom, literally means “to become familiar with,” as with the mind (our thoughts, states of mind, emotions). Meditation methods generally take two forms: focused
The increasing prevalence of stress and overload among students in higher education continues to be a point of concern for educators, administrators, and mental health professionals alike. In this essay, I will first discuss the core elements
This article appears in The Best of the 2023 Teaching Professor Conference (Magna Publications, 2023).
When I began researching the impact of mental health challenges on student learning, one of my first steps was to interview a couple of friends from the counseling center
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