News of the Industry
TECH WELLNESS
Tech Wellness Week
By Clara X
From January 26th to 30th, the Resilience and Wellbeing: Technology Committee at Emma Willard School planned activities throughout the week to address the evolving role of personal devices, digital content, and social media.
It was announced in Morning Reports on the Friday prior to the week, with activities engaging students to raise awareness on tech use habits, speeches sharing data on technology’s merits and drawbacks on attention spans, AI’s effect on the environment, and personal stories from faculty and students.
According to an article by Pew Research Center, “Connection, Creativity and Drama: Teen Life on Social Media in 2022”, Emma O’Donnell shared, “71% say it makes them feel like they have a place where they can show their creative side. 67% say these platforms make them feel as if they have people who can support them through tough times.” However, studies also revealed technology’s power on poorer attention span and reduced inhibitory control. This information was shared with the community as well.
On the other hand, the AI engine’s environmental impact is significant. “A request made through ChatGPT consumes 10x the electricity of a Google Search,” Fiona Kelly shared. “2.1 billion people don’t have access to safe drinking water and sanitation, according to UNICEF,” she continued, “AI only makes this problem worse.”
As a result, the committee created the Tech Wellness week to encourage students to take a step away from technology and focus on self-well-being. A BINGO card was distributed by the end of the Morning Reports with small day-to-day activities or habits students can try throughout the week, such as charging the phone somewhere out of reach. The dining hall was also designated as a cell-phone-free space. During advisory of the week, students searched up their screentime and discussed among each other what role technology played in their daily lives. There were Opt-in Cell Phone Charging Lockers placed across campus as well.
Additionally, on-campus group activities were held, from faculty members bringing over their dogs in “Come play with dogs in the READY Center during lunch” to a whole set of crochet gears in “Fiber Arts Slow Stitch with Sarah in READY from 6-7 pm.” Students are excused from study halls to attend those activities.
Moving forward, the Tech committee hopes to build healthy tech habits that continue to benefit the community in the long term.
MENTAL WELLNESS
Combatting The Winter Blues
By Alexa F.
While winter comes with cozy traditions and festive moments, it also challenges students' ability to stay positive and their overall well-being.
As winter settles in with shorter days and grayer skies, motivation seems to hibernate. Such an all-consuming feeling specific to the season is commonly referred to as “The Winter Blues,” when balancing academics with social lives and personal well-being raises an acute fatigue. “I think it has to do with the change in light and cold, and, combined, it triggers a response in the brain to conserve energy,” said Maela N’dolo ’26.
“You come back from winter break and you just don’t want to be doing work,” said Fiona Kelly ’26. She finds January and February to have always been a rough push to get to spring break, especially with fewer major school traditions to liven spirits. “The world feels heavy for people,” Kelly continued, questioning the importance of schoolwork when many other prevalent issues require attention in the world outside of school.
Both N’dolo and Kelly note the importance of habits, friendship, and social connection during the times when winter blues weigh the heaviest. “Go to the movies, hang out with friends, make hot chocolate, or go to the gym,” N’dolo suggested.
Counselor Ms. Sarah Mlynarczyk takes a slightly different approach. “I believe it is a good time for introspection; looking at our inner experiences, thoughts, and feelings either through journaling or in conversation with others,” said Ms. Mlynarczyk. The winter blues look different for every person, and finding out how to “intentionally [address] them” is key to finding beneficial ways to counteract the blues, she added.
If the winter blues ever feel as if they could be more, Ms. Mlynarczyk recommends reaching out to a trusted adult or one of the counselors at school for a clinician's perspective. While experiencing a depressing mood is common, there is a form of clinical depression called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) that can only be diagnosed by a licensed clinician.
Shorter days, colder weather, and increased academic pressure can lower students' mood and motivation, but with some active awareness and healthy habits, students can navigate the winter season with more self-care, positivity, and success.
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