Discover Yourself Challenge
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Our wellness theme for 2022 is Discovery! As part of this theme, UB HR’s Wellness and Work Life Balance team developed a Wellness Challenge meant to guide you through the process of self-discovery.
The road to self-discovery is not an easy one, but the process is rewarding. Discovery can mean so many things for most people…you could find a new hobby or volunteer your time to make a difference in our community. Maybe you want to visit a new place or invest in your own future! Maybe your focus is on your health or practicing self-care.
Each week of the challenge will focus on a different discovery theme. We will help you explore each weekly topic in depth as we lead you to create your personal vision. The journey will culminate in the creation of a Vision Board.
This is a seven-week challenge which runs from March 21, 2022 until May 8, 2022. The first 75 people will receive a free wellness journal.
WEEKLY CHALLENGE THEMES
WEEK 1: DISCOVER YOURSELF
Additional Resources
Before you start reflecting on the questions posed to you in the journal, here are some articles and videos we suggest you explore:
- Increase Your Self-Awareness With One Simple Fix
- 9 Tips to Help You Kick Off Your Self-Discovery Journey
- Hurdling the Psychological Barriers Keeping You From Your Health Goals
- Everyone is Essential: Managing Self-Care in the Pandemic
Additional Journal Prompts
Once you finish reflecting on the questions listed in Week 1 of your wellness journal, use the notes area at the back to consider these as well:
- What do you love about yourself?
- Three things you’ve never done, but would love to try.
- Where have you always wanted to travel? Who (if anyone) would you take with you?
- Where in your life do you need to be more fearless?
WEEK 2: ENHANCING YOUR SOCIAL SUPPORT
Week 2: Enhancing Your Social Support
Description: Sometimes when things get rough, we may not want to admit that we need help. You don’t have to try to handle everything alone. A social support system can be beneficial for your mental wellbeing. This week we focus on enhancing your social support and building boundaries.
Additional Resources:
Before you start reflecting on the questions posed to you in the journal, here are some articles and videos we suggest you explore:
Once you finish reflecting on the questions listed in Week 2 of your wellness journal, use the notes area at the back to consider these as well:
Additional Journal Prompts:
- How do you approach difficult or uncomfortable situations? Do you tend to lean in or avoid?
- How do you share your feelings with the people who care about you?
- What is the most meaningful way someone could express that they cared about you? Do you show yourself, love, in the same way?
WEEK 3: CHANNELING YOUR CREATIVITY
Week 3: Channeling Your Creativity
Exploring your creative side can feel challenging if you feel like you don’t have artistic abilities. But, being creative can mean different things to different people. You can be creative through different hobbies like journaling, dancing, or knitting! This week, we'll explore our creative juices and learn how to channel them to bring joy to your life.
Additional Resources:
Before you start reflecting on the questions posed to you in the journal, here are some articles and videos we suggest you explore:
How Creativity Positively Impacts Your Health
9 Ways to Channel Your Inner Creativity
5 TED Talks to Push You Through a Creative Block
Don't Fear the Electric Pressure Cooker
Once you finish reflecting on the questions listed in Week 3 of your wellness journal, use the notes area at the back to consider these as well:
Additional Journal Prompts:
- Write about anyone or anything that has inspired your creativity and artistic passion.
- Has anyone ever limited your creativity? How did you feel?
WEEK 4: PRIORITIZING YOUR HEALTH
Week 4: Prioritizing Your Health
There are so many aspects when we think of the word health – it can refer to physical and mental health, nutrition, exercise, sleep and so many other things. Good health lays the foundation for other aspects of your life. If you feel good about your physical and mental health, it makes your other goals more attainable. This week’s reflections will help you think about your health more holistically and see how it impacts other aspects of your life.
Before you start reflecting on the questions posed to you in the journal, here are some articles and videos we suggest you explore:
Additional Resources:
11 Simple Ways to Adopt a Healthy, Sustainable Eating Pattern
Wendy Suzuki: The Brain-changing benefits of exercise |TED
Additional Journal Prompts:
Once you finish reflecting on the questions listed in Week 4 of your wellness journal, use the notes area at the back to consider these as well:
- What is one step you could take right now to get you closer to a positive state of mind?
- Is there a type of physical activity you enjoy?
There are so many ways you can stay active on campus:
You can join our free on campus fitness classes
WEEK 5: BUILDING PURPOSE
Week 5: Building Purpose
Finding your purpose is a personal journey. According to a 2014 Carleton University study, people with a sense of purpose had a 15 percent lower risk of death, compared with those who said they were more or less aimless. And it didn't seem to matter when people found their direction. It could be in their 20s, 50s or 70s. Purpose generally comes when people start putting others’ needs ahead of their own. Even giving back to others through random acts of kindness can lead to a great domino effect of your good deed continuing to be passed along. Giving back through volunteerism is a great way to find a purpose. In fact, a 2017 study supports the beneficial effects of volunteering on mental and physical health, life satisfaction, social well-being and depression. This week, we will focus on finding and building your purpose.
Additional Resources:
Before you start reflecting on the questions posed to you in the journal, here are some articles and videos we suggest you explore:
If you are looking to volunteer your time, here are a few helpful resources to help find your perfect match:
Additional Journal Prompts:
Once you finish reflecting on the questions listed in Week 5 of your wellness journal, use the notes area at the back to consider these as well:
- How would you like to be remembered? Are you living that way right now? How could your life be more like that?
WEEK 6: EXPLORING YOUR CAREER
Week 6: Exploring Your Career
Your career is a significant part of your life. Each person is in a different part of their career life cycle – you may be in the beginning of your career and looking to enhance your skills or you may be toward the tail end and looking toward retirement. Some of you may be in mid-career and trying to figure out the next phase and trying to determine what it will take to get there. Depending on where you are in that cycle, there are life skills to learn, opportunities for growth as well as opportunities to build your network. No matter where you are in your career cycle, it is a journey that we are here to support. This week, we will focus on your career life cycle and the resources available to you.
Additional Resources:
Before you start reflecting on the questions posed to you in the journal, here are some articles and videos we suggest you explore:
- The Best Career Path Isn't Always a Straight Line
- How to Find Your Passion and Make it Your Job
- Career Success: 10 Tips on How to Be Successful at Work
- University at Buffalo’s Retirement Website
- Meet with a UB Career Coach
- Meet with a UB Performance Support Coach
Watch our previous workshops and programs:
Additional Journal Prompts:
Once you finish reflecting on the questions listed in Week 6 of your wellness journal, use the notes area at the back to consider these as well:
- Of your daily tasks, which ones play to your strengths, are the most energizing, and bring the most joy? Which ones are the most mentally and emotionally draining?
- Can your career goals be accomplished in your current position or serve your long-term career goals in any way? If not, what is your plan? If so, what do you need to do to get closer to your goal?
WEEK 7: BUILDING YOUR VISION BOARD
Week 7: Building Your Vision Board
A vision board is a collection of images or objects that speak to the future you want to achieve. You can post these images or words on a board so you can hang it as a constant visual reminder of your goals. You can also create a digital vision board that you can use as a screensaver on your computer or your phone. Now that we reached the end of the challenge, it is time to use all of your journal entries to help you create your vision board!
Additional Resources:
Upcoming Vision Board Workshops:
Not sure how to get started on your vision board? You can choose to make your vision board with us to complete your journey of self-discovery. We will provide assistance and collaborate on our vision board creations! These workshops are optional and you can drop in during the available hours when it is convenient for you.
Tuesday 5/3/2022
10:00am-11:30am
Register
Wednesday 5/4/2022
1:30pm - 3:30pm
Register
Subtopic: Focusing on Your Finances
To reach your vision board highlights, financial stability is important in helping you reach them. For instance, highlights like looking to travel somewhere, start a new business or even save for a car require saving. This week, we will focus on your finances and share tips!
Upcoming Virtual Workshop:
TIAA Workshop: Feel More Confident in Your Retirement Planning
Thursday 5/5/2022
12:00pm-1:00pm
Register
Additional Resources:
Before you start reflecting on the questions posed to you in the journal, here are some articles and videos we suggest you explore:
- 3 Psychological Tricks to Help You Save Money
- 5 Keys To Successfully Managing Your Personal Finances
- Ask the Estate Planning Expert
Additional Journal Prompts:
Once you finish reflecting on the questions listed in Week 7 of your wellness journal, use the notes area at the back to consider these as well:
- What is your ideal income? How would your life be impacted as a result of earning this amount?
- Reflect on a past money mistake. How can you forgive yourself for this?
Challenge Schedule
Week | Dates | Challenge Topic |
|---|---|---|
1 | 3/21-3/27 | Discover Yourself |
2 | 3/28-4/3 | Enhancing Your Social Support |
3 | 4/4-4/10 | Channeling Your Creativity |
4 | 4/11-4/17 | Prioritizing Your Health |
5 | 4/18-4/24 | Building Purpose |
6 | 4/25-5/1 | Exploring Your Career |
7 | 5/2-5/8 | Building Your Vision Board |
Intended Audience
UB faculty and staff
Fee
Free
Schedule and Registration
| Date | Register |
|---|---|
| March 21, 2022 - May 8, 2022 | Register for Challenge |
Contact for Questions
Michele Poitras
Wellness and Work Life Balance
Peter Logiudice
Wellness and Work Life Balance