“Laughter is the Best Medicine”
The Center for Student Wellness and Counseling Services (CSWCS) invites NEOMED students to join them in a week-long Destress Fest Dec. 3-7. The week-long event, while providing fun activities, will focus on the four spheres of vitality introduced to students earlier this semester: Mindset, State of Being, Social Being, Stress Response. All events will take place noon and 1 p.m. daily in the area outside the Watanakunakorn Auditorium (except where noted*).
Here is the line-up for the week featuring headliner:
Monday, Dec. 3: Jason Alan Magician/Mentalist*
Jason Alan provides a high energy show jam packed from start to finish with powerful magic, hilarious audience interaction and memorable moments! Jason and his wife will entertain in the Bistro for a full hour with their strolling show. They are local, energetic, puzzling, 100% clean and of course, magical!
Tuesday-Thursday, Dec. 4-6: Reiki Therapy
‘Closing Line’--Relax your state of mind and indulge in a few minutes of Reiki healing session and channel energy to restore your emotional well-being. Private sessions are available first-come, first served, no registration required.
Wednesday, Dec. 5: Hot Beverage Bar
‘Punch line’--turn that frown upside down! Back by popular demand hot beverage bar! Stop by and create your own hot beverage along with fun toppings! Cocoa and tea are antioxidants and have wonderful health benefits in addition to helping to calm mental and emotional distress
Wednesday, Dec.5: Late Night Breakfast sponsored by Student Affairs
‘Funny Food Bites’--The Annual Fall Late Night Breakfast will be held from 9:00 p.m. -10:00 p.m. in the NEW Center Atrium! Come join us for a study break and enjoy the breakfast feast! Your favorite breakfast foods will be served. Please register for the event on Presence at https://neomed.presence.io/event/fall-late-night-breakfast As an added bonus, members with the Musicians In Medicine group will be serenading you with holidays songs as you enjoy the feast!
Thursday, Dec. 6: Chair Massage
‘Feature’--Calm your frame of mind and indulge in a 10-minute chair massage to reduce tension, strengthen your immune system and lower your blood pressure. Chair massages are available from 11:00 a.m. to 1 p.m. on a first-come, first served basis
Friday, Dec. 7: Therapy Dogs
‘Closer’--Stop by and visit with your favorite team of pet partner therapy dogs. End the week with the mental health benefits of lifting spirits, lessening boredom, anxiety, or depression and increasing socialization and communication.
Monday-Friday, Dec. 3-7: Comedy through the Ages
‘Showcase’-- enjoy comedic clips shown via the TV monitor which is sure to trigger a smile or chuckle! Take a minute or two to watch your favorite comedians or vine compilations!
Mindfulness activities such as snowflake and ornament creations, hidden picture puzzles, coloring pages, and stress reduction reference tools will be available all week long.
Did you know?
The “Laughter is the Best Medicine” phrase has been traced back to biblical times. In most recent history, the attribute and origin of this phrase goes to American publisher and humor writer Bennett Cerf (1898-1971). Studies show that humor decreases stress hormones and increases immune cells and infection-fighting antibodies, thus improving your resistance to disease. Laughter triggers the release of endorphins, the body's natural feel-good chemicals. Endorphins promote an overall sense of well-being and can even temporarily relieve pain.
Jason Alan Magic and Mentalism is co-sponsored by: Center for Student Wellness and Counseling Services, Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Student Affairs, and the President’s Division.
-Submitted by Dana Whittlesey