Bobcats FIRST

The Mindful Monday for this week is about clutter in our space and in our mind. We often turn to shopping and spending money when we're feeling unfulfilled. Buying things can trigger a rush of dopamine that makes us feel good for a moment, but that good feeling can quickly wear off when we're surrounded by the burden of "stuff". The clutter from the things we bought can remind us of poor choices, and when we're feeling down again, it reminds us that the material stuff didn't really...

The Mindful Monday for this week offers tips for how to be a better communicator. We've all met people who are really good at making conversation, and they make the people around them feel welcome with their openness. These people are sometimes called "super-communicators", and there are several traits they share that anyone can practice. First, they know what kind of conversation they are having, so they tend to respond appropriately. Is it a practical conversation that calls for...

The Mindful Monday for this week is a reminder about positive self-talk. Do you ever feel like your internal voice is your own worst critic? No one speaks as negatively to us as our own mind, especially when we are under stress. That chatter is a trick -- it makes normal feelings of stress feel catastrophic, and it makes us feel like failures. Try a different approach by giving your internal voice a third-person perspective. Instead of "You aren't good enough," try this: "[Name], what...

The Mindful Monday for this week is a reminder that rest is productive, and sometimes we just need a five-minute reset. When you're feeling overwhelmed by everything on your plate, you can start to feel stuck and unable to get anything accomplished. Pause. Put your phone down and step away from what you're working on. Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. Use a few minutes to reset physically. Drink some water, roll your shoulders, stand up and move around. When you're ready...

The Mindful Monday for this week is a reminder to play! When did we stop playing? It was probably sometime in our teenage years, when we got the message that it wasn’t cool anymore to play and be silly. But when we were kids, we didn’t worry what everyone else thought. The joy of the moment blocked out everything else. Psychologists believe that play is just as essential for adults as for kids. When you see a puddle, jump in it. When you have the chance to color, do it! When we let...

The Mindful Monday for Sept. 14 reminds us to check in on a friend during National Suicide Prevention Month. Talking to a friend about mental health – whether you’re sharing your own struggle or asking about theirs – can be awkward. But it can make all the difference and can even save a life. “Seize the Awkward” encourages all of us to put aside our cringe and our fear and be there for our friends. You don’t have to have the perfect thing to say – just saying you care is a great start...

Join us for International Dot Day, a celebration of creativity, encouragement and resilience. Dot Day is based on the children's book, "The Dot" by Peter H. Reynolds. Stop by the Den on Tuesday, Sept. 15, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. to create a dot that represents how you plan to "make your mark" on the world. In collaboration with the Art Department, these dots will be transformed into a collage that displays the collective creativity of our campus.

Although the weather is still hot, cold and flu season is already here. We have seen a steady increase in COVID-19 cases on campus over the last couple of weeks, so we encourage all members of the Georgia College & State University community to take some simple prevention measures so we can stay healthy during the fall semester.Regular hand-washing is the best prevention measure. Wash hands thoroughly after touching surfaces like desks and door handles.If you feel sick, wear a mask...

Question Persuade Refer (QPR) is an evidence-based, nationally recognized suicide prevention training that is accessible and appropriate for everyone. A goal of our QEP, Bobcats FIRST, is to train as many faculty and staff as we can to strengthen our community's safety net against the tragedy of suicide. We will host a training for any interested staff or faculty on Thursday, Sept. 10 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. in MSU 130. Please RSVP at this link to let us know you are coming: QPR Staff...