Health Tips Archives | ��

How to Improve Patient Experience: 5 Tips for Healthcare Practitioners

�� — Fri, 10 May 2024 16:26:22 +0000

When patients go to see a healthcare provider, they’re looking for more than just a diagnosis or treatment. Today, they desire and expect an all-around positive experience—from the moment they perform their initial search for care to scheduling their appointment to checking in to receiving follow-up.

Positive patient experiences are not just a nice-to-have; they are essential to the health of both patients and healthcare organizations. Positive interactions with healthcare providers can help build patient trust, which encourages patients to keep coming back for care so they can properly address their health needs.

Additionally, patient satisfaction has been shown to impact healthcare organizations’ bottom line. A study by Deloitte found that hospitals with high patient-reported experience scores have , and profitability is important for an organization’s ability to continue delivering high-quality care.

While healthcare providers such as doctors, physician’s assistants, and nurses are not in control of every element that impacts patient experience (i.e., access to care through insurance plans or affordability of healthcare costs), there are many other factors they can influence, including time spent interacting with the patient, the quality of care delivered, and even healthcare business logistics (if the healthcare practitioner is a practice owner or organization leader).

Below are five strategies that healthcare practitioners can use to improve the patient experience. First, let’s explore the state of patient satisfaction in today’s healthcare system.

U.S. Patient Experience Facts: How Satisfied Are Patients

Studies show that there is great room for growth when it comes to consistently giving patients positive experiences. According to a :

76% of Americans surveyed said they have not had a positive patient experience in the past three months.
60% said they had an outright negative experience.
68% said they believe trust in healthcare has eroded over the past two years.

While data shows great levels of dissatisfaction with the U.S. healthcare system overall (healthcare at the macro level), patients tend to be more satisfied with their actual healthcare providers and the quality of care they receive (healthcare at the micro level).

According to a 2023 patient experience survey conducted by the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) and The Harris Poll:

53% of respondents graded their local healthcare above average (A or B grade).
63% graded the healthcare they received in the past 12 months above average.

As mentioned, while healthcare practitioners cannot impact every aspect of the patient experience (especially those pertaining to insurance and organizational red tape), they can still make a substantial difference in improving patient satisfaction. All practitioners can do is focus on what’s within their realm of control, which may vary depending on their position within a healthcare organization.

5 Ways to Help Improve Patient Experience at Your Healthcare Facility

1. Take Time to Really Listen to the Patient

One common frustration of patients is the feeling that they spent a great amount of time securing and scheduling care only to feel rushed or unheard by their healthcare providers during their appointment. According to T:

66% of respondents said providers seem more rushed than they have been in the past.
30% say that they have felt rushed during a healthcare appointment.
49% of respondents (especially those under the age of 65) said they don’t always feel listened to by healthcare providers.
40% said they at times feel hesitant to speak up during healthcare appointments – especially women, patients under the age of 65, and adults with lower levels of education.

As a healthcare practitioner, you may not be able to control how long it takes for a patient to get an appointment booked, how long they spend in the waiting room, or even how long the appointment lasts. However, you can be vigilant to ensure that the appointment time is being used in the most efficient and productive manner, and that includes giving the patient time to voice any health questions or concerns, and also thoroughly explaining any diagnoses, treatments, medication instructions, and so on.

2. Help Set the Right Expectations with Clear Communication

Nurses, doctors, physician assistants, and anyone else directly interacting with the patient can help create a better patient experience by helping patients know what to expect during and after the appointment. Giving some warning about extended wait times, explaining what medical tasks will be performed, sharing how long it will take to get test results, etc. can help answer patients’ questions faster, ease anxiety, and reduce frustration.

According to The Beryl Institute study, the involve having healthcare providers who listen (96%), communicate clearly (96%), and offer a clear plan of care and rationale for that plan (95%).

There should also be processes in place to help improve the flow of communication between medical staff members, as this can help minimize potential issues in the delivery of care and create a better experience for patients. As an example, some hospitals implement bedside shift reports (BSR) to help ensure nothing falls through the cracks during nurse shift changes. Check out our post that covers three tips for nurse-to-nurse shift changes.

3. Leverage Platforms for Digital Patient Engagement

Today’s patients are more than just patients – they’re healthcare consumers, which means they’re comparing their healthcare options and opting for providers who offer the best value and experience. A 2022 survey by Accenture revealed that than they were in previous years, and the practice is especially common among younger generations (Gen Z and Millennials).

One way that healthcare providers are staying up-to-speed with consumers’ changing wants and needs is through digital transformation. More healthcare providers are recognizing the need to invest in digital patient tools that can help patients take various actions throughout their journey of finding, obtaining, and continuing care.

According to a 2023 study by Experian Health, patient say the include:

The ability to schedule appointments online or on a mobile device (76%)
Online/mobile payment options (72%)
Digital options for managing healthcare (56%)

Additionally, more healthcare providers are starting to explore the use of technologies, which allow clinicians to obtain patient health data updates in real time outside the clinical setting.

By investing in digital patient engagement technologies, you help put your patients in the driver’s seat for managing their healthcare. This not only gives them the autonomy they crave as modern-day, digitally focused healthcare consumers, but it also encourages them to stay on track with their healthcare needs.

4. Offer Telehealth Appointments

The COVID-19 pandemic was a major catalyst for the rising use of telehealth in the United States. According to a report by McKinsey & Company, in April 2020, to levels that were 78 times higher than levels in February 2020, with the new volume of telehealth appointments making up for nearly a third of outpatient visits. By February 2021, telehealth use stabilized to levels that were 38 times higher than 2019 levels.

While virtual appointments were initially used as a replacement for in-person appointments out of necessity during the pandemic, telehealth has become part of the new normal in healthcare. According to a report by the American Medical Association (AMA), nearly three quarters (74.4%) of physicians , which is nearly three times the percentage from 2018.

While there are situations where in-person visits will be a more appropriate care option, physicians and practice owners should not dismiss the value of telehealth, especially for purposes such as chronic disease management and behavioral health. They should also not ignore the fact that more patients have grown accustomed to having the option of telehealth. Making telehealth appointments available to patients (when it is appropriate for quality care) can provide them with a higher level of convenience, help increase access to care, and align with their evolved healthcare expectations in a post-COVID world.

5. Send and Review Patient Satisfaction Surveys

You can’t improve the quality of your care if you don’t know what needs improving. You can gauge patient satisfaction by sending surveys to patients following their care. This gives you a transparent look into the true sentiments of your patients, identifies potential areas of improvement, and shows your healthcare customers that you are committed to delivering the best care possible.

Make sure to review the data in a timely manner (and on an ongoing basis) to ensure that no issues or complaints fall through the cracks. The more timely your reviews, the faster you can fix issues that are putting a damper on the patient experience and potentially affecting business.

Continue reading the �� blog for more helpful information and tips for
current and prospective healthcare practitioners

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Decompression Session: 7 DIY Home Spa Tips

Courtney Eaves — Tue, 09 May 2023 16:38:24 +0000

In this Decompression Session, we’ve created an easy list of 7 steps to create your own day spa at home. We all deserve to self-indulge, but massage appointments and facials are expensive and require planning. Instead, get yourself set up to stress-down in the comfort of your own home. Anyone can have their own little oasis.

We’ll talk about how to set the mood, items you’ll need, and how to set up your space so you can have an off-the-cuff unwinding session whenever you need one.

1. Set Your Spa Space

Everyone’s home is different, so where you choose to locate your DIY spa will depend on your rooms and layout. One obvious choice is the bathroom because you may want to do your spa time in the tub. This is also optimal because the bathroom is typically a small space where it’s easy to enclose. But because most bathrooms are on the smaller side, this is also a limitation if you’ll want to spread out.

If you’re going to use a room you’re in a lot, like your bedroom or the living room, choose a section of it to be your dedicated spa space. You want to be transported, so transform a section of the room for privacy and peace.

If you choose a larger room, delineate your spa space. If you have a curtain or divider, great, but if not, face yourself in a direction that clears your field of vision of anything that stresses you out. Make sure your computer is out of view, for example. Silence your phone and place it out of reach. Even just setting up a blanket and placing a candle nearby will have a space-creating effect.

2. Make Your Spa Playlist

Day spas all have a familiar vibe, and it starts with music. New Age instrumentals are a go-to for a relaxation mood soundtrack, but there are many different types of easy listening you can opt for. Think ambient sounds over familiar tunes, and melodic over percussive. You don’t even have to go with music — white noise and nature sounds are all excellent sonic background to use in creating your own personal sound bath.

For tried-and-true meditative music, we love Music for Airports by Brian Eno, or the repetitive piano solos of Philip Glass. But you can also opt for recordings of whale song, waterfalls, Gregorian chants, or even thunderstorms — whatever brings you peace.

How much you curate your audio experience is up to you. If you want to take the easy route, you can simply search “spa music” online or on your music app. But you can also create your own playlist of songs to move you through a relaxed state. If you want to create a 30- or 60-minute experience, pick something with brighter tones or a little liveliness for the end of the playlist to ease you back into reality and wake you up back into your body.

3. Ohm Your Aroma

Now that you’ve got your soundscape settled, figure out your smell-scape. A soothing smell can take you away — . Much like your playlist, you can choose a smell with known relaxing qualities like lavender, or you can make it personal by choosing a scent you associate with nostalgia. For example, choose a forest-scented candle if you grew up in the Northeast and have fond memories of the smell of pines.

How you permeate and perfume your spa is also your choice. You can choose candles, which have the dual benefit of soft light (more on lighting below). They come in almost any scent you can think of, from flowers to birthday cake. If you want a headier ambience, you can invest in some incense or an essential oil diffuser. Or go natural — actual flowers, herbs, or plants can add essence, or sachets of potpourri.

Whatever you choose, a good rule of thumb is to keep it relatively subtle. A strong smell might overwhelm your experience and distract you from disappearing into full relaxation. Another thing to avoid is too many different competing smells. If you’re using a bath bomb or scented lotions, try to use candles or oils that complement them. You can experiment with your aromas until you find the right mix — all part of the fun of home spa creation.

4. Find Your Light (or Dark)

Obviously, you want soft lighting for your home spa. Since you’re at home, you might mostly have lighting that is practical and too bright for home spa purposes. If your switches don’t have built-in dimmers, you can just supplement your spa with its own lighting.

We already mentioned candles, and one or two lighted wicks might be all you need for your home spa. The movement and shadow of a and won’t over-light your space. Another option is simple natural light. There’s no reason your spa time can’t be a daytime experience, and indirect sunlight is lovely, revitalizing, and free.

If you want to invest in some pro-level spa lighting, there are a range of products available, from infrared-light therapy lamps to color-changing mood cubes. Or, if you want to try no lighting, there’s always the sensory deprivation option — complete darkness. This requires little more than turning off the lights and closing the blinds. (Get blackout curtains if you really want to go for it.) Just make sure your setup is safe so you won’t trip over anything in the dark.

5. Make a Grocery Run

A trip to your local supermarket has everything you need for your home spa perishables. From DIY face masks to a refreshing spa beverage, stock your fridge with a few essentials. If you decide to become an expert, you can find lots of recipes online for face peels, hair masks, and the like. We’ve just listed a few ideas below to get you started:

Cucumber Water: All you need is a cucumber and some filtered water. Slice the cucumber and float the disks in water overnight in the fridge. Place a glass next to your bath or mat, and save a few disks for your eyelids.

Egg White Face Mask: Just one ingredient, that’s it. Separate, whisk until frothy, and apply. Then leave it on for 10-15 minutes and rinse, and then call all your friends to tell them you’ve got egg on your face.

Bath Salts: All you really need is epsom salt, an inexpensive ingredient you can find at most grocery stores. Just add a cup to the tub and soak. If you want to get fancy, you can find recipes to add ingredients for additional aroma and body benefits.

These are just a few of the easiest DIY treatments. Check online for more recipes and ideas.

6. DIY Massage Tools and Techniques

Here’s where you might want to do a little self-educating and invest in a couple of basics so you can work out the knots on your own. An inexpensive yoga mat and foam roller are worthwhile investments. To get the most out of your massage and make sure you’re doing it correctly, find a good online video tutorial. (Search “foam roller tutorial” for a bunch of options.)

Feel free to play the video tutorial as you roll out your back, or just memorize the steps and do it peacefully to your playlist. You can also do very simple, like lying on your back with your neck at rest and holding your knees, which helps release your lower back.

If you don’t want to move at all, download or stream a body-scan meditation to guide you through a mindfulness exercise from head to toe. You might want to turn the thermostat up a degree or two before you begin a prone exercise, or get under a lightweight blanket, since your body temperature may drop slightly in a resting state.

7. Take Your Spa with You

Now that you’ve got your basic home spa setup, you should be able to relax at home. But since you don’t need much, and most of it is portable, you can pack your spa and take it with you if you travel or want to keep it on hand for a quick chillout anywhere you can find a private space. Enjoy the peace, and namaste!

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Decompression Session: Mind Games to Keep You Sharp & Stress-Free

Courtney Eaves — Mon, 20 Mar 2023 21:08:49 +0000

In this Decompression Session, we’ve compiled some off-the-beaten-path ideas for mind games—the good kind! Some of these games are designed to reduce stress, others to build mental acuity in a fun way.

At minimum, they are all enjoyable activities that you can have in your wellness arsenal for when you need them. Think of them less as brain teasers and more as brain pleasers. There are no chores or mental gymnastics here—no heavy lifting for the cranial muscle. You do enough of that already! But these are all productive and healthy ways to release your stress or unleash your creativity—or both!

And, because we’re WCU, we’ll include a little science for each. Here are some ways to give your brain a little playtime:

Get an Adult Coloring Book

Adult coloring books became a “thing” several years back, and the trend has staying power. And why not? Coloring isn’t just fun… it has , like mindfulness and stress relief. When you’re coloring, your mind is focused on the visual task and puts other nagging thoughts and worries to the side. It’s a satisfying creative activity that anyone can do, so if you’re one of those people who says, “I can’t draw,” good news—no artistic skill is required.

Want to take it a step further? Pick a page with objects that are familiar, and use the wrong colors for them. Color an apple purple, a tree blue, or a fire engine gray. Inverting the way your mind has something memorized (e.g., colors, habits, objects) . Plus, you’ll have your own Picasso-esque opus to show for it.

Play a Solo Board Game or Puzzle

We typically think of games as a group activity, but there are many you can play by yourself. You can choose a game that requires some concentration or one that feels more mindless. The good news is both types of games are mindful.

Puzzle games that exercise your reasoning and logic are made fun by the emotional reward of winning. Many types of puzzle games are already on your radar. Sudoku, crosswords, and mazes rank among the most common, but there’s no shortage of number- and word-game types, so you can mix it up if you want to go off-the-beaten-puzzle.

For something more visual, jigsaw puzzles are an obvious match, but you can also find pattern-finding and shape-solving games that will engage your eyes, fingers, and brain. Most of these come in different levels of difficulty, so if you’re looking for a snack-sized task you can choose an easy one, or you can start a more difficult puzzle and complete it in installments.

Want something a little more gamified? Buy yourself a board game for one. Single-player board games come in lots of genres—solve a mystery, build a world, choose your own adventure. Board games are designed to be fun, and they’ll keep you engaged with a story-based goal.

You can find digital versions of many games and puzzles online, but we recommend you invest in the IRL versions. Give the blue screen a rest and interact with something tactile. , exercising this critical part of the brain communication system.

Build a Model of Something You Love

We love this option for someone who wants the satisfaction of a longer project that can be achieved in small increments. The other great thing about building a model is that you don’t have to be a train enthusiast to get into it. There is an almost endless variety of model themes and scales to choose from.

Always wanted to visit France? Get a model kit of Notre Dame and bring the iconic Parisian landmark to you. Love to nerd out on Star Wars? There’s a Millennium Falcon kit for that. If you don’t want the additional mess of modeling glue, just buy a large Lego kit and start there.

The best thing about building models is the brain loves it. . We’re wired to derive pleasure from building something tangible, so crafting a Rube Goldberg device or a miniature Craftsman cabin is great for your mental health.

Stare Into Negative Space

Ever heard the expression “turn a negative into a positive”? All you need is your eyes. The term “negative space” refers to the space around an object. You’ve probably seen drawings that create a dual image by using the negative space, like the that shows both a vase and the profile of two faces, depending on what you choose to look for.

Looking for negative space involves a higher-level cognitive recognition. Next time you stare off into space, choose an object in the middle distance, and then refocus our eyes on the space around it. This might seem odd at first, because our minds are trained to focus on solid objects, for very practical reasons, like not walking into coffee tables. But what about the space that object occupies? What about the space you occupy? Pretty soon you’re seeing your world in a different way.

In fact, drawing negative space is a training technique often used in art schools. So if you want to take it a step further, grab a pencil and sheet of paper and draw the space around something, and then watch the object emerge. It’s more challenging than you think, but over time, you might find you get an even more accurate drawing by rendering it according to the negative space.

Let’s Play Again…

Most of the mind games above are worth repeating. Some of them will be completed over a longer period of time, and others may be quick exercises that you enjoy enough to return to again and again. Feel free to find (or invent) your own brain activities to keep things interesting!

Continue reading our Decompression Session posts for more health tips for students.

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Decompression Session: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

�� — Wed, 25 Jan 2023 02:05:00 +0000

You know the feeling. That little voice in your head that tells you that you’re not enough, that you don’t deserve your success, that you’re an imposter—and it’s only a matter of time until everyone figures it out.

Sound familiar? Most of us will suffer a crisis of confidence at one time or another, but periods of self-doubt take many forms and have many causes. One of them is “imposter syndrome.”

What is imposter syndrome? It’s that nagging feeling that our successes are unearned and despite our achievements, we’re not actually the “real deal.” It’s not a good feeling, and it can get in the way of your ability to enjoy your victories, and even keep you from pursuing new one.

Ironically, imposter syndrome is often of an ability or accomplishment such as getting a promotion or an award, and it’s particularly common among high achievers. It’s an intruder, coming to steal your moment—don’t let it!

We have some tips on how to overcome imposter syndrome (in college, at work, in relationships, or anywhere) and embrace your confidence. But first, let’s look at a few interesting facts about imposter syndrome, including some high-profile syndrome-sufferers, and some actual imposters from history.

Celebrities with Imposter Syndrome

Maybe finding out some of your heroes and some of our national treasures have confessed to imposter syndrome will help you understand it’s the syndrome, not you, that’s the fraud. Below is just a short list of who thought they weren’t enough:

Serena Williams
David Bowie
Maya Angelou
Sonia Sotomayor
Tom Hanks
Lady Gaga

Do a little of your own research and you’ll find the list goes on and on. Most of us will find at least one (if not all) of those listed above is anything but an imposter. So next time you feel like you’ve succeeded in spite of yourself, remember that you’re in good company—some of the most prolific and innovative individuals among us have felt the same and continued to do great things anyway.

Famous Frauds: Real-Life Imposters

In contrast, let’s think about what a true imposter is, because they do exist. The bona fide con men and con women, frauds and hucksters, notorious pretenders with stolen identities. (We think you’ll find you identify more with the list above than this one.)

: Also known as Anna Sorokin, Delvey posed as a wealthy heiress and socialite and conned hotels, banks, and friends out of hundreds of thousands of dollars. Her story inspired the Netflix series
: This trickster successfully pretended to be a doctor, lawyer, and airline pilot before he was finally caught by the FBI. His autobiography was the inspiration for the Steven Spielberg film
: This imposter claimed to be Anastasia, the daughter of the assassinated Tzar Nicholas, after the Russian Revolution. DNA testing proved otherwise after her death.
: A deft impersonator, Chadwick adopted many false identities in her lifetime, including claiming to be Andrew Carnegie’s daughter, to swindle banks for money.

There are many more throughout history. As you can see, there’s a big difference between dishonesty and self-doubt.

4 Tips to Overcome Imposter Syndrome

Now that you know more about the history of imposter syndrome, and have a few names to attach to the concept, let’s talk a little about how you can conquer your own self-doubt and reclaim the confidence you’ve so rightly earned. We’ve compiled four tactics to get you there:

1. Talk About Yourself… to Yourself

Talking to yourself and referring to yourself in the third person aren’t typically conversation techniques to aspire to, but it turns out both can help you talk down some unwanted imposter syndrome.

You’ve probably seen a character in a movie or TV show look in the mirror and say something along the lines of: “I’m good enough, I’m smart enough, and gosh darn it, people like me!” While this might play well for laughs, it turns out it actually works. Research shows that to yourself, and in the third person (instead of “I’m good enough,” try “Amy is good enough”) is an effective way to regulate your own thoughts about yourself.

Tell yourself what you need to hear! And while you’re at it, let yourself know your hair looks great today, too.

2. List Your Good Qualities (or Qualifications)

Much like speaking aloud to yourself, you deserve or have earned your success is a proven model for reframing your self-assessment.

Take the example of a job offer. You want the job, and they want you, and suddenly you’re filled with fear that you’re not up to it. Put all those nagging feelings about being underqualified to the side for a moment and write down 10 reasons you are qualified (maybe even overqualified) for the position. Feel free to stray from the greatest hits of your resume here, though they’ll probably make an appearance. “I’m always thinking two steps ahead” can go right alongside “Three years’ experience.”

You can also make other kinds of lists as an exercise in self-confidence. Keep a running list of your achievements, large and small. Keep a journal and write down one thing you’ve accomplished that day. Go back and read it often.

3. See Yourself Through Someone Else’s Eyes

Instead of doubting yourself from the inside, appreciate yourself from someone else’s point of view. Think about it: If you have imposter syndrome, that means you think you’ve fooled everyone else into thinking something you’re not.

Consider it. Do you think the people around you are so easily hoodwinked? That recruiter, who has interviewed hundreds, if not thousands, of people—do you think they don’t have a keen eye for talent? Your mentor who served as your reference—do you think they’re a terrible judge of character? What about your professor who gave you that A on your latest essay—do you think they’re also a fraud?

Think about the people whom you respect, who respect you in return… and respect their opinion of you. If they think you’re worthy, you probably are.

4. Turn Your Self-Doubt Into Self-Drive

Want truly get a handle on imposter syndrome? Turn it on its head and make it your inner motivational speaker. Instead of hearing, “I’m not good enough,” hear “I can do even better.” Turn self-doubt into self-improvement.

Worried you’re not qualified for the job? Become overqualified by seeking out the latest research or developments in your line of work. Concerned that you aren’t as smart as people think you are? Get even smarter by committing to read a book each month. Feel like you didn’t deserve that grade on your exam? Put that knowledge to work in the real world and prove you know your stuff.

Conquer Your Inner Imposter and Go Forth and Prosper!

Instead of letting the syndrome hold you back, use it to push you forward. Outwit it, beat it at its own game, and then watch yourself achieve even more.

In the meantime, congratulations on all you’ve achieved! Your successes are hard-earned and your talents will take you far.

You’re good enough. You’re smart enough. And gosh darn it, people like you.

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Decompression Session: How to Build ‘Happiness Kit’ to Manage School Stress

�� — Thu, 17 Nov 2022 08:00:00 +0000

You can box wine, but can you box happiness? We say yes. Hear us out.

The �� Decompression Session series is all about managing the stress of being a student, and that includes finding healthy, delightful, manageable, and even productive ways to boost your morale when school gets you down. To that end, we thought we’d recommend putting together what we call a “Happiness Kit.”

Who doesn’t love a care package? Maybe you’ve sent one, maybe you’ve received one. But have you ever assembled one for yourself? That’s the idea. Take a box, or a backpack, or even a small drawer and fill it with small delights you can dip into when you need a lift.

Even if you’re not feeling low, getting a little pre-packaged endorphin rush is a great way to break up your study session, combat boredom, or remind yourself that you deserve to treat yourself.

Here’s a list of ideas to pull from, but we encourage you to think of your own…

Your Favorite Movie

Most of us don’t buy a lot of DVDs these days, but maybe make an exception for this one (or invest in a digital copy). What’s that movie you never get sick of watching? Pick something funny or nostalgic. Here are a few WCU staff picks for movies that really hold their happiness value: When Harry Met Sally, Monty Python and the Quest for the Holy Grail, Friday, The Princess Bride.

A Gift Card

For many (if not most) students, money’s tight, and retail therapy isn’t a regular option. Going online to buy yourself something pretty (or funny, or cool, or useful) is a delicacy. So, invest what you can ($100, $50, even $25) for a little future splurge, in the form of a gift card. It can be a to your favorite store, or just a prepaid credit card that you can spend on anything. Stick it in your kit and when the time comes, treat it like free money. And if it will make you happier to get yourself something practical (think a decent piece of cookware or a cooling pillowcase), that’s okay, too.

An Unopened Letter

There are two ways to do this one, and one of those ways requires some outside participation. Ask someone close to you to write you a letter. It doesn’t have to be a high-pressure assignment—it can be as simple as a short hello, a “remember when,” or even just a silly sketch. You can also do this for yourself. Next time you have an odd thought, jot it down, or write your future self a little affirmation. Whether you’re the author or not, seal it and address it to yourself. Then put it in your kit and open it down the road.

Something Delicious

Relatively non-perishable, obviously. You know what you like. If you’re a candy fiend, keep a bag of sour gummies, a box of malted milk balls, some pop rocks—whatever’s your favorite sweet treat—for an indulgent munch when you need it. If salty is more your thing, some microwave popcorn or spicy cheese puffs are good options. Or you can stow away a beverage like a single glass bottle of grape soda, or even a bottled cocktail. Your kit, your palate.

A Treasured Photo

Nowadays most of our memories are digitized, but there’s just something about holding a photo that brings it back. Either pick one out of your online album and print it or, better yet, ask a family member or old friend if they have an old-school pic you can have as a keepsake. Maybe it’s a polaroid of you and your bestie as small children, or your parents’ wedding photo. Nostalgia is a great escape from the pressures of the present.

A Found Object

We all pick up shells at the beach or interesting rocks on hikes. Start keeping an eye out for an artifact when you’re out and about. Something from nature is good (don’t remove anything you’re not supposed to from a protected area), but you can also take home any little thing you discover in your travels – an odd postcard, a discarded toy, a lucky penny. You never know what you’ll come across.

Something to Play With

Include a tangible object: a simple toy or game you can use as a solo diversion. We love a timeless plaything: a deck of cards, a Jacob’s ladder, a yo-yo, a mini jigsaw puzzle. Ideally this is a very simple pleasure and something you can interact with physically without having to think too hard. You’ll be surprised how much fun you can have with something as simple as a rubber bouncy ball.

These are just a few ideas. Swap in your own fun stuff or add to this over time. Just making your happiness kit is an act of self-appreciation and a reminder that you deserve an emotional reward, for any reason whatsoever. It’s fine to be in a bad mood—healthy even—but if you decide you’d rather have a little happy time, you’ll always know where to find it.

Want to share some happiness with fellow WCU students? Come hang out with us on and !

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Decompression Session: 5 Beneficial Foods by Body Part

�� — Sat, 15 Oct 2022 00:09:27 +0000

Our List of Truly Good Eats to Nourish You Piece by Piece

Our latest food-themed Decompression Session takes a look at some foods that can benefit your body, part by part. Attention to nutrition is essential to your overall health – that’s not breaking news – and it’s easy to neglect good eating when you get busy with your studies or long work shifts. We find it fascinating that certain foods have benefits that target specific body parts and organs. .

Some of these foods have already gotten their share of publicity (carrots are good for your eyes; milk is good for your bones), but what about some other options when you’re not in the mood for crudité or breakfast cereal?

To help you show your body some focused love, we at �� picked out a few lesser-known foods that can help your body maintain its health and even help prevent disease or the effects of environment and aging. These sustenances have substance!

Eyes: Egg Yolks

Want to keep your peepers in good health? An omelet or a benedict can help! That’s because egg yolks () contain that is thought to combat macular degeneration – the thinning of the part of your retina responsible for clear vision.