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

Sessions begin Wednesday, January 18th, from 5:30 pm - 6:15 pm. For locations, please see the KU Events Calendar.

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 are as follows:

• January 18th, 25th
• February 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd
• March 1st, 8th, 22nd, 29th
• April 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th
• May 3rd

Accommodations

People with disabilities are encouraged to attend KU-sponsored events. If you require a reasonable accommodation in order to participate, please contact the Emily Taylor Center for Women & Gender Equity at emilytaylorcenter@ku.edu.

On Saturday, January 21st, from 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm, join Emily Taylor Center for Women & Gender Equity in Burge Union Forum A for a Winter Welcome Week self-defense workshop facilitated by Em Hull (she/her), a KU alum and certified Krav Maga instructor.

Our self-defense workshop is presented using a holistic framework that emphasizes both physical and psychological techniques that work well for people regardless of age, size, or strength.

Em will share the realities of violent crimes and victim selection processes, while, at the same time, empowering participants with knowledge of basic self-defense techniques free of victim-blaming.

No prior martial arts experience is necessary. Please wear comfortable clothing and bring a bottle of water. 

Registration is recommended.

Accommodations

People with disabilities are encouraged to attend KU-sponsored events. If you require a reasonable accommodation in order to participate, please contact the Emily Taylor Center for Women & Gender Equity at emilytaylorcenter@ku.edu.

Liberate Your Research with Nadine Naber, PhD

How We Show Up in Our Research

Wednesday, February 1st, 2023, 12 pm - 1 pm, via Zoom

This session will help to identify academic anxieties, allowing us to reveal how we can heal around our relationship to our research.

Asserting Individual Values

Wednesday, March 1st, 2023, 12 pm - 1 pm, via Zoom

This session will re-center us in our personal value-systems by articulating our individual theories, methods, and interventions.

Applying What We've Learned

Wednesday, March 8th, 2023, via Zoom

This session will bring us into centered focus around our work so that each of us is better equipped to achieve our unique research, writing, and teaching goals.

Co-sponsors

Spotlight on Care is co-sponsored by The Commons; IPSR Center for Compassionate & Sustainable Communities; Spencer Museum of Art; Center for Teaching Excellence; and the Environmental Studies Program with additional funding support from Office of Faculty Affairs; Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging; and Office of Graduate Studies  

Accommodations

People with disabilities are encouraged to attend KU-sponsored events. If you require a reasonable accommodation in order to participate, please contact The Commons at thecommons@ku.edu.