Wellness & Care

Got the winter blues?

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a mental health condition that causes sadness or depression when the seasons change. It most typically occurs during the fall and winter, when days become short and exposure to sunlight decreases. It is most common among women and young adults. 

Light boxes, also referred to as SAD lamps or light therapy lamps, work by replicating natural daylight. Using a light box may reduce symptoms and provide relief from seasonal affective disorder. 

In our space in the Burge Union, the Emily Taylor Center for Women & Gender Equity (Suite 1040) has a light therapy lamp that is available for student use. Our Flamingo Floor Lamp from Northern Light Technologies provides 10,000 lux of full-spectrum UV-free, LED light. 

Please email us in advance at emilytaylorcenter@ku.edu to make a 20-minute appointment. 

This fall, join the Emily Taylor Center for Women & Gender Equity for Now & Zen Yoga for Women & Femmes. 

Sessions begin Wednesday, September 6th, from 5:30 pm - 6:15 pm. 

Yoga is an ancient practice and meditation that provides many positive mental and physical benefits. Classes will be held every Wednesday for 45 minutes with yoga mats provided. Personal yoga mats are welcome. 

Session dates and locations are as follows:

• September 6th (KU Memorial Union, Big 12 Room)
• October 4th (KU Memorial Union, Big 12 Room)
• October 18th (KU Memorial Union, Kansas Room)
• November 1st (KU Memorial Union, Big 12 Room)
• November 15th (KU Memorial Union, Kansas Room)

Accommodations

The Emily Taylor Center for Women & Gender Equity welcomes and encourages people with disabilities to participate in our events. Please email emilytaylorcenter@ku.edu with any questions regarding accessibility or accommodation requests. 

Join the Emily Taylor Center for Women & Gender Equity for a Hawk Week Feminist Self-Defense workshop with Rachel Piazza on Saturday, 8/26, from 1 pm - 3 pm, in the Ambler Student Recreation Fitness Center's Martial Arts Room.

Feminist Self-Defense workshops are fun, affirming and welcoming to people of all genders, ages and abilities. Sessions provide verbal, emotional and physical strategies based in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to navigate a range of threatening interactions. Students learn through a combination of interactive discussion, role-plays, boundary-setting exercises and hands-on physical self-defense instruction.

Rachel Piazza is a brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and an Adjunct Professor of Women’s & Gender Studies at New Jersey City University. Combining her expertise, Rachel founded Feminist Self-Defense in 2014. 

REGISTRATION CLOSED

Accommodations

The Emily Taylor Center for Women & Gender Equity welcomes and encourages people with disabilities to participate in our events. Please email emilytaylorcenter@ku.edu with any questions regarding accessibility or accommodation requests.