Top blog posts of 2021

Thanks so much for reading, keep taking good care of yourselves over winter break, and email us at wellbeing@jhu.edu if you want to make suggestions or pitch us topics for 2022. 

1. 12 elements of a healthy relationship. When relationships are healthy, they promote emotional and social well-being. When relationships are unhealthy, you may feel drained, overwhelmed, and invisible. Learning to identify the former can help you avoid the latter. (See No. 6 on this list for more info.)
2. Things to do for fun during COVID. We’ve come a long way since February 2021, in terms of COVID safety (thank you vaccines!) and our abilities to socialize. But most of these suggestions still hold up as fun things to do.
3. How video games can be a healthy COVID escape. Originally published at the International Arts + Mind Lab, this piece from SOM alum Richard Sima explores the health benefits of gaming during quarantine and beyond. (If you’re interested in more posts from alumni, visit this page.)
4. The “red zone” of sexual assault and why it’s different in 2021. The ‘Red Zone’ is a period of time that typically occurs during the start of the fall semester through Thanksgiving break when a majority of sexual assault occurs on college campuses. This post explains why that is, how it played out a little differently in 2021, and how you can help reduce incidences of sexual assault and support survivors.
5. JH Needs U COVID Well-Being Grant. This call for student-led ideas to promote COVID safety prompted some great ideas, including the five winners. (These two mask fashion videos are our personal favorite.)
6. What are some relationship green flags? Green flags are indicative of healthy behavior in relationships and thinking about them can help you navigate healthy communication, trust, and respect in all types of interpersonal dynamics.
7. Emotional self-care in 2021. Originally published on March 11, 2021 (the one-year anniversary of when the WHO declared COVID a global pandemic), this guide offers strategies for promoting physical, mental, and emotional health during an ongoing crisis.
8. What is self-compassion? Looking for a way to battle impostor syndrome? Try treating yourself with attention, kindness, nurturing, and care.
9. The Stress and Depression Questionnaire. Since it first launched in November 2018, 3,795 students and trainees have made use of this confidential, convenient, and safe way to learn more about stress and depression.
10. How to deal with COVID burnout and fatigue. While the COVID landscape has changed a lot since this piece was first published, sticking with recommended safety precautions is still important, especially as we head into winter break amidst the rise of the Omicron variant.