Connect with other Veterans at UVM

In this one credit seminar, student veterans will explore evidenced based strategies to promote their wellbeing. Subjective wellbeing is our individual perception of the quality of our life. What occupies our mind and the behaviors we engage in each day influences how we evaluate our wellbeing.

In class, we will first explore the science of wellbeing. For instance, we will explore how the stress response is activated and how positive and tolerable stressors are beneficial for our health, while toxic stressors can have both short and long term negative effects. We will discuss the science of sleep and the habits we can incorporate into our daily life to promote optimal sleep. To understand depression, anxiety, and PTSD, we will examine the science of how emotions are created, regulated (including mindfulness and meditation and when it works and why it may not for some), and the role of our childhood histories that can explain the risks for negative outcomes in adulthood. However, we will also explore how we can become resilient while coping with past and current stressors to manage our challenges effectively. We will learn strategies to work with our circadian rhythm to promote our health and understand how what we eat and when we eat influences our wellbeing. We will wrap up by exploring why relationship conflicts occur and learn conflict resolution skills to promote better romantic and work interactions.

Lecture notes and the readings for class will be uploaded onto Brightspace. Each student will also be provided a personal workbook to design their unique strategies to promote their wellbeing.

W 2:20pm-3:10pm in WATERMAN BLDG 403 (8/28 to 12/8) CRN 96200

Please message Shamila Lekka Shamila.Lekka@uvm.edu for instructor permission to register online.

Testimonials:

"Wellbeing for Warriors was not only a chance to connect with a few of the other vets here on Campus.  It also provided ways to understand why people react to things the way we do.  It was great to hear the science behind what my mind and body were doing as well as ways to correct them if I wanted to." -Tim Turvey class of  '24

"I was hesitant to take this course at first but am extremely glad I did. The course itself has nearly zero outside work associated with it, helped with my recent transition from active duty, and, even more so, helped me to develop life skills that you cannot gain in nearly the same context anywhere else on campus. More so, Shyam is an amazing individual who comes from a military family, is extremely patient, offers countless tailored resources, and is happy to tailor the course to student’s needs." -Ryan Hawley class of '23