Care: Give and take it, especially in this season
Buckeyes across Ohio State and beyond make others a priority, but sometimes we need to be reminded to safeguard our own wellness.
Brutus and the dogs of Buckeye Paws always bring smiles to our faces. (Photo courtesy of Molly Ranz Calhoun ’86)
Once again, with the joy and reflection the holidays bring, my gratitude for our compassionate Ohio State family is renewed. Your generous spirit remains bright as you pay forward to make a difference at your alma mater and beyond.
Despite the recent festivities, this time of year can be stressful for many. I want to encourage you to apply your Buckeye commitment to caring to yourself. Take time to put your mental health first and seek opportunities to bolster your resilience.
At Ohio State, we prioritize wellness for our students, faculty and staff. I have been so proud of our alumni association team for all the ways they foster well-being among themselves to support our community and each other. We have been energized by a program called SHINE (Support, Health, Inspiration, Nutrition and Exercise). I especially enjoy our wellness walks together, even in the brisk winter months. It’s a wonderful chance for colleagues to connect and recharge while getting fresh air and experiencing all of the change around campus.
Being part of a team — whether through a profession, club or sport — can create a family feeling and give you a support net to catch you when needed. Ohio State’s women’s hockey team embodies all the best of Buckeye camaraderie — including the dedication to having fun that bonds us — which results in big wins on the ice. You’ll read more about this powerhouse in this issue.
Throughout the year, we look to the healing power of interacting with friends, including the four-legged variety. As you read on, you’ll discover the Buckeye Paws therapy dog program. It started as a way to boost the emotional well-being of Wexner Medical Center health care professionals and is now available to the broader university, with expansion to our regional campuses now under way. It’s another example of how Buckeyes show we care.
Rather than asking for official resolutions, I am interested to know how you plan to take better care of yourself in the new year. Feel free to share your ideas for your enhanced health and well-being with me at OSUAAPresident@osu.edu.
