As you settle into this new semester, it's crucial to prioritize your overall well-being as it supports academic success. One key aspect of this is to maintain healthy and fulfilling social interactions. In this newsletter, we will highlight strategies to support your social well-being while balancing coursework and extracurricular activities.

What Is Social Well-Being?

Developing and maintaining connections that allow you to form a community of mutual support

Next: Why it Matters!

Social well-being has a direct impact on mental and physical health, it is extremely important. Strong social connections are associated with reduced stress and less feelings of loneliness, which improve mental health. These connections also serve as a buffer during trying times, which lowers the risk of anxiety and despair. Additionally, social well-being fosters a sense of purpose and belonging, increasing emotional stability and life satisfaction. These factors in turn boost efficiency and participation in daily tasks.

Finally: How to Maintain Your Social Well-Being

Reach Out

• Explore your activities on campus. At the University of Miami, we have over 300 student organizations, and are guaranteed to have at least one that you will love!

Make Connections

• Establishing connections is essential to social well-being because it creates enduring bonds that offer comfort and a sense of acceptance. These relationships support people in overcoming obstacles and improving their general well-being,

Plan Social Activities

• Making time for social interactions is beneficial to mental well-being. Whether in person or virtually, it's critical to actively cultivate connections and relationships and set aside time for bonding.

Seize Opportunities

• You can do simple things such as minimizing time alone indoors, talking to a new person every day, forming a study group in your classes, getting a job on or off campus, or more!

Seek Support

• If you have a specific challenge or feel stress, TELL SOMEBODY. Start by reaching out to family and close friends. They can provide advice, encouragement, and even accompany you in social activities.
• If you're feeling overwhelmed or struggling with social anxiety, schedule an appointment at the Counseling Center. They can provide guidance and support.

Do: Express Gratitude

Practicing gratitude can help to ground yourself, be mindful, build strong relationships, practice positivity and optimism, and more. One way to practice gratitude is to communicate with the people that are important to you why they're important to you, or to thank them for simply being there for you! Take some time to send a gratitude text letting someone you know why you're grateful for them.

Engage With Your Well-Being

• Mobile Flu Vaccination
  • Centennial Village | Tuesday, Oct. 8 | 5:30-7 p.m.
  • Rosenstiel School | Wednesday, Oct. 9 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
    
  • Westbrook Walkway| Thursday, Oct. 10 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
  • Law School | Wednesday, Oct. 16 | Noon-2 p.m.
  • Herbert Wellness Center | Thursday, Oct. 17 | 5:30-7 p.m.
  • University Village | Tuesday, Oct. 29 | 5:30-7 p.m.
• Outdoor Adventures Trips
  • Sunset Mindfulness | Tuesday, Oct. 8 | Register Here
  • Blue Springs State Park Overnight | Oct.11-15 |  Register Here
    
  • Stand Up Paddleboarding Day Trip | Sunday, Oct. 20 | Register Here
  • Stargaze Stand Up Paddleboarding | Wednesday, Oct. 30 | Register Here
  • Climbing League | Multiple Dates |  Register Here
• Substance Use Trivia with Sandler and Project Public Health | Wednesday, Oct. 9 | 6:30-7 p.m. | The Rathskeller
• Don't Worry, Vote Happy: Confronting Voting Anxiety | Wednesday, Oct. 16 | Noon-1:30 p.m. | Shalala Student Center
• Women's Health Activity | Wednesday, Oct. 16 | 6-7:30 p.m. | Centennial Village Courtyard
• Fall Intramural Sports Schedule | View Times and Dates
  • Wiffleball Tournament | Deadline: Wednesday, Oct. 16
  • Flag Football Season | Deadline: Thursday, Oct. 24
    
  • 3-on-3 Basketball Season | Deadline: Thursday, Oct. 24
• Clothesline Project | Thursday, Oct. 17 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | Foote Green
  
• Safe Sex is Great Sex | Thursday, Oct. 17 | 6:30-7:30 p.m. | Lakeside Village Lobby A
• Naloxone (Narcan) Training | Monday, Oct. 21 | 7-8 p.m. | Learn More
• STI/HIV Testing | Wednesday, Oct. 23 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | Herbert Wellness Center | Register Here
• Mental Health First Aid Training | Thursday, Oct. 24 | 9 a.m.-5 p.m. | Counseling Center
  
• Halloween Safety with Sandler and UMPD | Wednesday, Oct. 30 | Learn More
• National College Alcohol Awareness Month (NCAAM) | Multiple Dates and Locations
  • Week 3: Can't Dunk if You're Drunk | Wednesday, Oct. 16 | 3-5 p.m. | Lakeside Canopy
  • Week 4: SandlerFest | Thursday, Oct. 24 | 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. | Westbrook Walkway
  • Week 5: Pregame Safely | Monday, Oct. 28 | 2-4 p.m. | Westbrook Walkway

Check your email every Wednesday for Ibis News to see upcoming events for the week, and view the University events calendar for a complete listing of on-campus events and programs.