Mitchell Hamline Wellness Newsletter – March 2022

Many of us have known about the benefits of walking and movement for our physical and mental health. Despite that knowledge, have you ever thought you didn’t have time because you had too much work to do? And that taking a walking break during the middle of the day was an indulgence that you couldn’t afford to take? But the brain thinks differently when it’s moving versus when it’s still. In fact, we’re better able to think and solve problems when we’re moving. According to research summarized in the second chapter of The Extended Mind: The Power of Thinking Outside the Brain by Anne Murphy Paul, walking while working improves cognitive performance. Moderately intense physical activity enhances executive function.

Just ask the radiologist who more accurately identifies serious health risks (in less time) while walking. Or children with ADHD diagnosis who have improved cognitive functioning when they are in “activity-permissive settings.” Or the psychologist who discovered (both personally and in the lab) that moderate intensity exercise for a moderate length of time increased working memory, problem-solving and decision-making abilities, and better verbal fluency and cognitive flexibility.

Or—in other words—the way we need our brains to function to be at our best in work and school.

So next time that you are trying to solve a problem at work—or process tough information while studying—get up and take a walk. Don’t think of this as taking a break from your work. Think of it as working in a more optimal way for brain functioning. And, of course, enjoy the physical and mental health benefits, too. We can be better employees, students, and colleagues, while engaging in an activity that supports our well-being at the same time.

Article by Natalie Netzel, Education and Advocacy Director, Institute to Transform Child Protection

Pecan Pie Bars (Vegan + GF)

–Vicarious Trauma in Law Students: Building Resilience for a Toxic-Stress Career at 12pm CST (with Jennifer Waltman, PsyD, MBA, LP, Mitchel Hamline Counseling Services)
-Virtual Talking Circle: Exploring toxic stress and traumatic responses in law school at 7pm CST (To sign-up, please email Jennifer.Waltman@mitchellhamline.edu)

–Thriving on a Time Crunch: Evidenced Based Strategies to Improve Performance and Increase Well-Being in Law School at 7pm CST (with Natalie Netzel J.D., Assistant Professor, Mitchell Hamline School of Law)

–Credit and Debt Management for Bar Admission at 12pm CST (with Natalie Daniels – AccessLex)
–Five Habits for Financially Successful Lawyers at 5pm CST (with Natalie Daniels – AccessLex)

–Afro-Latin Dance Workout to Raise Your Spirit at 12pm CST (with Don DeBoer, Latin Dancer & Mitchell Hamline Psychologist)
–Running for Fun (Really!) and Fitness at 6pm CST (with Laura Hermer, Running Enthusiast and Mitchell Hamline Law Professor)

All students, staff, faculty, and members of the MHSL community are encouraged to submit a message of gratitude for anyone in this community by emailing us here!
Submissions will be shared in future newsletters.