Find What Feeds You This Summer
Let’s be honest: the end of the academic year doesn’t always bring relief. The weight of final grades, planning for summer, and the uncertainty hovering over higher ed in Baltimore and beyond can feel like a lot. Because it is a lot.
Recently, I’ve found myself swapping wellness strategies with my colleagues in CELTT and the RLB — everything from the REST acronym to the idea of “filling our buckets” and building small rituals of joy into the day. One concept that stood out to me was the dopamine menu, which is a personal list of small, meaningful actions that help regulate stress, recenter your energy, or just give you a reason to exhale.
Everyone has their own way of navigating burnout, uncertainty, and the emotional work of this profession. Some find solace in structure, others in spontaneity. For me, this little practice of keeping a dopamine menu has become one of those “small shifts” that helps me feel more grounded, especially on days I’m working from campus.
Here’s an example for a little inspiration if you’d like to make one for yourself:
Appetizers (Quick resets):
- A walk around Gordon Plaza and the UBalt campus, letting my eyes land on something beautiful.
- A cold brew from Coffee Olivia.
- Playing a word game on my phone without guilt.
Main Courses (Longer resets):
- An hour in The Walters Art Museum with no agenda.
- Lunch at Mera Collective or Angeli’s Pizzeria, away from my screen.
- Reading something not work-related on the 4th floor window corner of the RLB Library.
Sides (Simple add-ons):
- Switching my workspace to the Faculty Commons — Sometimes just moving to a new table helps.
- Curating a soundtrack on YouTube or Spotify that matches my mood or the task.
- Writing down one thing that went well, even if it’s small.
Desserts (Little treats to savor):
- Snagging a sweet treat from Dooby’s, Marie Louise or Roggenart.
- Finding something new to read from Station North Books.
- Window-shopping or people-watching around Mount Vernon.
You might not need a menu—you might just need a moment. Whatever your version looks like, know that it’s valid, it’s yours, and it’s important. Wellness doesn’t have to be elaborate. Sometimes, it’s just a walk, a coffee, or a quiet hour offline.
And if you need a reminder that your well-being matters: CELTT is in your corner.
