As the holidays and winter break approach, the university’s Faculty Staff Assistance Program (FSAP) has a collection of programs that will help you take time for self-care and emotional wellbeing. Registration is needed, but all programs are free and open to any interested faculty or staff.
“Given the challenges of 2020, it’s especially important this holiday season to slow down, make time for self-care and experience moments of peace and comfort,” says Robin Huskey, manager of education and outreach for Emory FSAP. “While we face loss, disappointment and altered plans, we still have opportunities to create connectedness, new traditions and even some joy to carry us through the winter months.”
One-time events
Mindfulness for Sleep: Tuesday, Dec. 15, at 11:30 a.m.
Do you struggle with calming your mind at bed time? Join us virtually to learn and practice simple mindfulness practices that support your sleep, health, functioning and overall quality of life. Bring your kind intention to protect, enjoy and prioritize your very own sleep. Co-sponsored by FSAP and Healthy Emory. Register here.
Single Mingle Holiday Jingle: Thursday, Dec. 17, at 4:30 p.m.
Come gather virtually with other single employees who are celebrating winter holidays while living alone during the pandemic. Share some cheer, make new friends and know that although you may live by yourself, you are not alone. Register in advance to receive the Zoom meeting link.
Making “Good Enough” Be Enough This Holiday Season: Friday, Dec. 18, at 11 a.m.
Wondering how to make the most of your holiday break amid the stress of the pandemic? Curious how peace and joy can coexist with grief, disappointment or worry? Join us for a virtual panel conversation as we acknowledge 2020’s challenges and highlight strategies and resources for mental, physical and spiritual health during the holidays and winter break. Panelists include representatives from FSAP, Healthy Emory and the Office of Spiritual and Religious Life. This event is sponsored by the Emory University Senate, Faculty Council and Employee Council. Register in advance. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with information about joining the webinar.
Ongoing programs
FSAP encourages employees to also participate in other University-sponsored offerings.
“Connect and Cope With Us” video series
This series of conversations in conjunction with Science Gallery Atlanta explores coping mechanisms and how to develop a resilient mindset with a sense of compassion and kindness. The remaining programs include “Spiritual Healing” on Monday, Dec. 14, with Jordan Braunig, Jewish chaplain in the Office of Spiritual and Religious Life, and “Resilience” on Friday, Dec. 18, with Bobbi Patterson, professor emerita in the Department of Religion. Both programs are at 4 p.m. and shown on Science Gallery Atlanta’s YouTube channel. Learn more and watch previous programs here.
Daily Compassion Meditation Sessions
Take time to refresh your mind and learn more about practicing compassion with help from Emory’s Center for Contemplative Science and Compassion-Based Ethics.
Each hour-long session includes 15 minutes to introduce and explore the weekly topic, a 30-minute guided meditation and 15 minutes for informal discussion and closing. Instructors will offer optional take-home practices designed to allow insights that you find valuable during the sessions to flow into everyday life.
All sessions are led by a certified instructor for the research-based compassion-training program developed at Emory known as CBCT (Cognitively-Based Compassion Training). Learn about session topics and register.
Connect with FSAP
Through the holiday season and beyond, remember that FSAP is always available to support Emory University faculty and staff.
Conditions such as depression (or “holiday blues”), increased anxiety, grief and loss, financial difficulties, substance misuse and relationship conflict are more common during winter months. The challenges of 2020 can compound that by stirring up a variety of emotions, from joy and excitement about the holidays to sadness and loneliness as a result of COVID-19.
If you need support, reach out to the Faculty Staff Assistance Program by calling 404-727-WELL (9355) or emailing efsap@emory.edu.