NEWS AND EVENTS
Upcoming Reminders and Events
Linda Lynch, office assistant with the Center for Brain, Biology and Behavior, is now the main point of contact for biweekly payroll. If you have questions or concerns about your biweekly time entry, you can reach Linda at linda.lynch@unl.edu. Kristen Ohnoutka will serve as the backup contact for biweekly time entries and review. Kristen remains the main contact for employees who are paid monthly.
Nebraska Lecture featuring Eileen Bergt, June 19
The next Nebraska Lecture in the N150 series features Eileen Bergt, assistant director of landscape services, who will discuss the history of UNL’s picturesque gardens. Her lecture is at 3:30 p.m. in the Love Library Auditorium.
Welcomes and Farewells
Gwen Bachman, School of Biological Sciences, is stepping down after 20 years as chair of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee. Gwen is moving to Alaska, where she has a teaching appointment at Matanuska-Susitna College in Palmer. She will be greatly missed.
Mark Pegg, School of Natural Resources, is the new IACUC chair. Mark has been a Nebraska faculty member since 2005. As a fisheries ecologist, he studies issues related to fisheries and aquatic ecosystems. Welcome aboard, Mark!
WELLNESS WATCH
Five Ways to Strengthen Your Mental Fitness
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Here are some tips for adding mental fitness to your daily routine. They are adapted from 5 Tips to Boost Your Mental Fitness by Lidija Globokar, published in the May 17 issue of Forbes. Thanks to Laurie Sampson for this submission!
- Get enough sleep. Sleep is crucial for your immune system to function well, and for your mental health. You should sleep between six to eight hours per night. Even 15 minutes less can make a huge difference in mood and mental acuity.
- Fuel your brain. “Brain food” or “superfoods” help you maintain your mental fitness. Eat nuts like walnuts or almonds instead of candy, and choose green vegetables and fatty fish. Adding just one portion of vegetables and fruit to your daily diet increases your mental well-being and life satisfaction.
- Stress less, laugh more. Create a “joy list” to turn to in moments of despair, sadness or stress. Joy can be found in those little moments when you take time for yourself and will differ from person to person. Make your list long and flexible so you find something you can do immediately or in a very short time.
- Create connections. As humans, we need to connect. We’re not meant to handle life alone, and that’s why it’s crucial to train your relationship muscle. Some do this naturally, but even the most hardcore introvert needs social interaction to get out of his/her mind and build connections. It also prevents you from getting too comfortable with negative thoughts and brings lightness and joy into everyday life.
- Take that “green pill.” Take at least a daily 20-minute walk outdoors to decrease your stress hormone levels.
WATER COOLER CHAT
Summer might be a month away, but grilling season is already here. This month’s water cooler question is: What are your favorite foods to grill? (Bonus points for sharing recipes!) Go here to tell us what’s on your grill. If you have suggestions for future survey questions, you can submit them here.
THE MONTH IN PICTURES
Tiffany Lee, Research Communications, and husband Greg Walklin welcomed a daughter, Nora Belle, on April 29. Nora was 6 pounds, 10 ounces and 21 inches long. Congratulations to Tiffany, Greg and big sister Evie!
At Gwen Bachman’s farewell celebration, Kelly Heath presented her with a certificate of appreciation. Current and past IACUC members wished her well by serving a cake that featured a chipmunk – one of Gwen’s research subjects – and Dairy Store ice cream.
Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee Photo by Gregory Nathan/University Communication
Thanks to all who contributed to this month’s OPEN Book. If you have an item you’d like to submit for the next issue, send it to Ashley Washburn, who is serving as OPEN Book editor during Tiffany’s maternity leave.
