How do students promote well-being at HMS?

"I enjoy tending to my house plants, dabbling in arts & crafts, and taking sunny nature walks with friends." -Kelsey Biddle, Hinton
"Establishing boundaries between my life as an HMS student and my life outside of HMS helps me feel grounded and energized." -Callie Fry, Cannon
"It's all about prioritizing the people and activities that matter most to oneself." -Liz Roux, Cannon
"I try to create space: for myself, for my family and friends, and most importantly - space to do absolutely nothing." -Sarah Lipson, Castle
"Depending on the day, I love to explore Boston and walk around, have a picnic in the Commons, or spend the day at a library." -Marta Williams, Peabody
"I cultivate habits that make me feel more connected to myself, my family and friends, the HMS community, and the city." -Ivo Cerda, Peabody
“Yoga on the quad, walks, running, talking to family, leaning on my mentors, cooking, journaling/meditation and dancing!" -Ruhi Kanwar, Castle
"Finding a daily routine that is grounding but also flexible has been key for my well-being at HMS." -Emily Yang, Cannon
"I enjoy writing, playing music, going on walks outside, going to the gym, and hanging out with classmates." -David Xiang, Cannon
"I love running around Jamaica Pond, swimming, exploring the Isabella Stewart Gardner museum, and trying out new restaurants." -Bebe Thompson, Hinton
"I enjoy running along the Charles, spending time with loved ones, and reading a book by the Public Garden." -Michael Liu, Cannon
"I prioritize time with family and friends, make an effort to get sufficient sleep, and keep up with my passion for fitness." -Sara Rubin, London

Links Organized by Types of Well-being

Physical

Taking care of your physical self can mean a lot of different things. Some enjoy rec sports and team athletics; others focus on low-impact, individualized experiences like yoga. Essential is a mindful and positive relationship towards your body. It is what keeps you going! From the energy you get out through activities to what you’re eating and drinking, here are suggestions and resources for physical well-being.

Student Spaces

Discover places to relax & recreate.

Harvard Facilities:

  • Vanderbilt Gym – Available as a complimentary privilege to all matriculated Harvard University students registered in a degree program. Intramural basketball, soccer & volleyball; group fitness classes; basketball, squash and tennis court rentals; and more.
  • Harvard Recreation – For access to Harvard facilities and recreational classes across all campuses, you may purchase a Harvard Recreation membership.

Student Recommendations:

  • Yoga
  • CrossFit
  • Medicine in Motion – Medical practitioners combating medical burnout through fitness, philanthropy, and interdisciplinary community building. The group promotes healthy lifestyles and wellness, fundraises for medical research and charity, and builds community among healthcare providers. Contact the Harvard Medical School chapter for more information.
  • Hiking in the Blue Hills or White Mountains
  • Biking along the Minuteman Bikeway or the Charles River Esplanade
  • Skiing at Mount Snow or Mount Wachusett
  • Eateries
  • HMS dining

Mental & Spiritual

Mental and spiritual well-being can sometimes become secondary to more pressing and physical asks such as schoolwork, leadership responsibilities, or chores. But it is essential to check in and see how you’re doing on the inside, so that you can make sure you are well supported and can feel your very best. Below are resources and recommendations to help you take care of your inner self, however you see fit.

Harvard University Well-being Services Via Counseling and Mental Health Service (CAHMS):

Harvard Spiritual Life

Financial

Graduate and professional studies are time-consuming and the last thing you want to worry about is your day-to-day finances. HMS offers supports for students that guide them through the financial aid process and assist them in developing financial wellness skills.

Resources

Social

Even when graduate school leaves you feeling isolated, you are not alone. There are so many ways to connect with your peers and so much to explore in the Greater Boston area. Below, you’ll find HMS resources and student recommendations for their favorite places to relax and socialize on campus and beyond.

HMS Resources

  • Get involved in an HMS Student Group! See the full list of Student Groups at the HMS/HDS Student Group Directory.
  • Outings & Innings: Provides various perks and discounts to Harvard staff, faculty, retirees and students, including museum, movie, sporting events and theater tickets. To see a full listing and to sign up for weekly alerts on specials, visit the Outings & Innings website.

Students Recommendations:

  • New England Getaways: Leave the city and explore  with just a 1-2 hour drive. Visit the White Mountains, Vermont, Maine, Cape Cod, Cape Anne, Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket and the Boston Harbor Islands.
  • Favorite places for peace & quiet: Stoneman Healing Garden (Dana Farber), Countway Library (HMS)
  • Shopping: Newbury Street, Harvard Square, Central Square, Coolidge Corner, South End, North End
  • Cooking (including cooking together in the Vandy kitchens)
  • Reading
  • Hanging with friends

Intellectual

Stimulating your creative and intellectual side is essential to overall well-being and builds a well-rounded individual. There are plenty of opportunities to take advantage of within the Harvard community and the Greater Boston area. 

HMS Initiatives

  • Arts and Humanities Initiative: Aims to foster creativity and scholarship in the arts and medical humanities at Harvard Medical School and its affiliated hospitals, to support a community of faculty and students engaged and interested in the arts and humanities, and to enhance patient care through reflection and compassion.
  • BSO (Boston Symphony Orchestra) Medical Card: Using music to heal the healer, this innovative program is designed to engage medical, graduate, and dental students and residents with access to live classical music concerts during their tenure in Boston. In conjunction with the Arts and Humanities Initiative, students can purchase a BSO Medical Card for $5.00 entitling the bearer to two tickets to one concert each week throughout the season (September 1 through August 1). Each school, degree program, and residency department has their own distribution process. For more information, please contact your Office of Student Affairs or Residency Program Administrator.

Museums

Harvard Museums (free for ID Holders)
Boston-area Museums 

To live well is to take a holistic approach to all aspects of life, from nutrition to the arts.

Student Voices Matter

Student voices are at the core of HMS well-being offerings.

Student Well-being Ambassadors (HarvardKey required)

Harvard Medical School embraces wellness as a core value and is committed to helping students enhance physical, emotional, social and spiritual well-being on their path to becoming physicians. Through the Well-Being Program, the Office of Student Affairs (OSA) strives to create a culture that enhances health and well-being as students navigate through the rigorous curriculum of medical school.

To amplify student voices guiding this program, OSA has established the Student Well-Being Ambassadors initiative, in which students from different stages of their medical education play a crucial role in shaping HMS’s wellness program, suggesting new initiatives and implementing them under the direction of OSA leadership.

Advice from Current Students

  • Keep your expectations of yourself and other dynamic and realistic
  • Take care of your physical and mental health
  • Learn to recognize and manage the expectation of achievement, “imposter” syndrome, depression and anxiety
  • Reach out to other students, faculty and advisors when you are feeling overwhelmed or have questions
  • Living with other HMS students can be a good way to build a support network
  • Take the initiative to explore opportunities
  • Choose mentors wisely
  • Give yourself time to adjust to life in Boston
  • Celebrate diversity!
  • Participate in extracurricular activities, including student interest groups, student publications and Harvard programs (e.g., intramural sports, tutoring premeds, dual degrees, cross-registration and events at other Harvard schools)
  • Make time for friends and family by getting out to do things you enjoy with people you enjoy and staying connected despite geographic distance
  • Balance studying, class and sleep

Are there ways you contribute to the HMS community’s well-being that you’d like to see on this list? Email the Office of Student Affairs with your recommendations.