Pets can soothe, amuse and distract us. In this episode of the Brewing Wellness podcast, we are joined by Marc Lenci of Cat Colony Crusade, a group that cares for and rehomes feral cats. Lenci explains how animals support our mental and emotional well-being, easing anxiety and offering a reprieve from burnout. Tune in to learn more about the quiet power of the connection between humans and their pets.

Whether you’re already active or just movement-curious, explore the ways physical activity can help release stress, regulate emotions and build resilience. In this episode of the Brewing Wellness podcast, Cristina Santamaria, DPT, a Rumble Boxing instructor, physical therapist and advocate for movement as a tool for healing, shares practical ways to recharge your mind and body this summer.

Whether you’re looking for a complete reset in your wellness routine or some simple tweaks, join us as we revisit our conversation with Dr. Pina LoGiudice, a naturopathic doctor and co-founder of Inner Source Health, in this episode of the Brewing Wellness podcast. Explore how everyday habits shape our physical health and overall energy. Dr. LoGiudice will be hosting two holistic health workshops for the UFT’s Member Assistance Program this summer — stay tuned for details!

Would you like to build greater emotional resilience and improve your communication under pressure? In this episode of the Brewing Wellness podcast, Lexi Mulee, a Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) specialist and licensed mental health counselor, shares practical skills for managing tough emotions, setting boundaries and strengthening relationships, both in and out of the classroom. Join us for part two of this two-part series.

Work and life can both be stressful, but you can acquire practical tools for staying grounded, managing stress and navigating challenging moments with greater ease. In this episode of the Brewing Wellness podcast, Lexi Mulee, a Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) specialist, licensed mental health counselor and owner of Wise Mind Counseling, shares skills specifically tailored to support school professionals’ mental wellness. Join us for part one of a two-part series.

March can feel like the longest month of the school year for educators. That’s why we’re taking a moment to revisit our August conversation with Carleton Archer, the vice president of operations at Vibrant Emotional Health, to discuss the UFT’s partnership with Vibrant to launch the union’s 24/7, year-round mental health support line for UFT members at 866-UFT-FOR-U. Tune in as we discuss the importance of this initiative and answer frequently asked questions about the helpline. Plus, exciting news: The helpline is now available via chat and text!

In this episode, we dive in to the fascinating topics of attachment styles and love languages. Join us as licensed clinical social worker Julia Di Giacomo explains how our early relationships shape the way we connect with people as adults, and how understanding your attachment style can transform your relationships. She also breaks down the five love languages, offering practical tips on how to communicate your needs and strengthen your bonds. Tune in for insightful advice on creating healthier, more fulfilling connections.

Do the short winter days leave you feeling down? Join Dr. Gail Brightwell, a licensed school psychologist with the Positive Learning Collaborative, to learn about the impact of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and how the changing seasons can affect our mental health. In conversation with the UFT Member Assistance Program staff, Dr. Brightwell shares practical strategies and expert advice for managing SAD, as well as self-care tips to prioritize your mental well-being so you can stay balanced through the darker months.