Spring term has started, snow is gone, and trees are waking from their slumber.
It must be time to announce 2026 Summer Hours!
Regular business hours between June 15, 2026 through September 4, 2026 will be:
Monday – Thursday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Friday: 8 a.m. – 2:00 p.m + 3 paid hours
There is no reduction in the amount of paid time, however the workweek is reduced by 3 hours during summer hours.
Visit the link below for more details.
We’re happy to share that the 2026–27 Kalamazoo College Holiday Schedule is now available on the Human Resources website.
The holiday schedule outlines all College‑observed paid holidays and holiday break days for the upcoming fiscal year. Employees are encouraged to review the schedule when planning time off, coverage, and personal calendars for 2026–27.
👉 View the full 2026–27 Holiday Schedule
As always, the Human Resources team is here to help. If you have questions about holiday eligibility, scheduling, or paid time off, please contact HR at human.resources@kzoo.edu.
We wish you a wonderful year ahead at K!
During the winter months, many of us notice that our usual productivity strategies feel harder to maintain. Shorter days, colder weather, and disrupted routines can affect motivation, focus, and stamina. When this happens, it can be helpful to shift from a strict time-focused mindset to one that also emphasizes energy management.
Time management helps us plan how we use our time. Energy management adds another layer by encouraging us to pay attention to when we have the capacity to do certain kinds of work—something that can matter even more in winter, when energy levels may be lower due to seasonal changes.
Seasonal changes can influence both physical and mental energy. Reduced daylight exposure is associated with changes in sleep patterns, mood, and alertness (National Institute of Mental Health [NIMH], 2023). Cold weather and fewer opportunities for movement can also contribute to fatigue and decreased concentration.
Research shows that chronic fatigue and stress can impair cognitive functioning and productivity, even when time is carefully scheduled (American Psychological Association [APA], 2023). In other words, managing time alone may not be enough when energy reserves are low. Taking energy levels into account when planning our time is essential, as energy—not just motivation—supports our ability to move from task initiation through sustained focus and completion.
Pro tip: For one week, check in with your energy levels throughout the day and jot down brief notes—without judgment. Understanding your natural energy rhythms can support more intentional planning.
Energy management focuses on when and how we use our effort, not just how long we work. This can include:
One example of this approach is the Pomodoro method, which involves working in focused intervals (often 25 minutes) followed by short breaks (often 5 minutes). I’ve found that using structured work intervals helps me sustain focus while also giving myself permission to pause before fatigue sets in. Rather than working until I’m depleted, the built-in breaks support steadier energy throughout the day, reduce the urge to push past my limits and help maintain productivity over time.
Studies suggest that aligning work with natural energy rhythms can improve performance and reduce burnout (Schwartz & McCarthy, 2007).
Energy management doesn’t require a complete overhaul. Small adjustments can make a meaningful difference. These strategies are not about doing less work, but about supporting sustained focus, effectiveness, and well-being—particularly during periods when energy demands may shift.
These approaches recognize that wellness and effectiveness are closely linked.
Energy management encourages a more compassionate view of productivity —one that prioritizes sustained performance over short bursts of output. Instead of asking, “Why can’t I get everything done?” the question becomes, “What is realistic given my energy today?” Research on burnout indicates that self-compassion and realistic workload expectations are associated with better long-term performance and well-being (Maslach & Leiter, 2016). When we approach our work as whole people, we are better positioned to achieve consistent, sustainable results over time.
For some, winter can be a time for maintenance rather than acceleration. Paying attention to energy—rather than forcing output—can support both personal well-being and sustainable work habits.
Reflection: Where might adjusting how or when you use your energy—rather than trying to manage time more tightly—help you feel more balanced this winter?
February is American Heart Month, making it a good time to pause and reflect on heart health—not from a place of alarm, but from a place of awareness. Heart health is closely connected to everyday habits, stress levels, sleep, and access to preventive care. One simple and empowering step we can take is to know our numbers, including blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Blood pressure and cholesterol are often called “silent” health indicators because they can be elevated without noticeable symptoms. According to the American Heart Association (AHA, 2023), un-managed high blood pressure and high cholesterol significantly increase the risk of heart disease and stroke, even in individuals who otherwise feel healthy.
Knowing these numbers provides useful information—not a diagnosis—and helps guide conversations with health care providers about prevention, lifestyle adjustments, or early intervention when needed.
Blood pressure measures how hard the heart works to pump blood through the body. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 2024) notes that long-term high blood pressure can strain the heart and damage blood vessels, increasing the risk of heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease. Stress, sleep disruption, diet, and physical activity all play a role, which is why heart health is closely linked to overall wellness.
Cholesterol levels reflect how fats move through the bloodstream. While cholesterol is necessary for the body, imbalances—particularly high LDL (“bad”) cholesterol—can contribute to plaque buildup in the arteries (National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute [NHLBI], 2023). Regular screening helps identify potential risks early, often before symptoms appear.
Access to preventive care makes knowing your numbers easier. Through ASR Health Benefits, many preventive services—including routine screenings for blood pressure and cholesterol—are covered without employee cost sharing when obtained through in-network providers. Preventive care is designed to identify concerns early, support long-term health, and reduce the need for more intensive treatment later (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services [HHS], 2023).
Removing cost barriers to preventive care is an important wellness support, allowing individuals to seek routine screenings without financial hesitation.
Heart health is influenced not only by medical factors but also by stress, workload, relationships, and access to care. Research shows that chronic stress is associated with higher blood pressure and increased cardiovascular risk (American Psychological Association [APA], 2023). Wellness, therefore, is not just about numbers—but understanding them can be a meaningful starting point.
Knowing your numbers isn’t about perfection or fear. It’s about information, access, and choice. Preventive screenings, when paired with supportive benefits and informed conversations, can help us take small, proactive steps toward long-term health.
Reflection: What health number—or question—has been sitting in the background for you, and what support might help you approach it with more clarity?
When we think about wellness, physical and mental health often come to mind first—but financial wellness plays a significant role in both. Research consistently shows that financial stress is linked to increased anxiety, sleep disruption, and difficulty concentrating at work (American Psychological Association [APA], 2023). Supporting financial wellness is not about achieving perfection; it’s about having access to information, tools, and guidance that help reduce uncertainty and support informed decision-making.
Financial well-being is increasingly recognized as a core component of overall health. According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB, 2022), financial well-being reflects a person’s ability to meet current obligations, feel secure about the future, and make choices that allow enjoyment of life. Even modest planning and budgeting supports can help ease stress and improve day-to-day functioning.
One way we can support financial wellness is by making intentional use of Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs). FSAs allow employees to set aside pre-tax dollars for eligible health care or dependent care expenses, which can reduce taxable income and help manage predictable costs such as copays, prescriptions, and childcare. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS, 2024) notes that FSAs are designed specifically to help employees manage out-of-pocket expenses more efficiently.
On a personal note, I used to struggle with making copayments and covering medical services before reaching my deductible. That challenge became even more pronounced when the employer medical reimbursement arrangement was reduced and eventually eliminated. Over time, I realized that my medical expenses were unavoidable—and if I wanted to ensure I could pay for the care I needed, I had to plan for it intentionally.
Using an FSA gave me a way to set funds aside specifically for those expenses. Knowing the money was already allocated helped remove the stress of figuring out how I would pay for necessary services, and the added benefit of reducing my taxable income made the arrangement even more valuable. I started cautiously, initially contributing only the rollover amount because I was concerned about forfeiting unused funds. As I became more comfortable and familiar with my actual expenses, I realized I needed to set aside more—and I have not forfeited any FSA contributions to date.
Periodically reviewing FSA balances and planning for anticipated expenses can help us reduce last-minute financial stress and make the most of this benefit. For many, FSAs can serve as both a budgeting tool and a way to support ongoing health and wellness needs with greater peace of mind.
Financial wellness also includes preparing for the future in a way that feels manageable. Studies show that access to financial education and guidance can positively influence both retirement readiness and workplace productivity (TIAA Institute, 2023; U.S. Department of Labor [DOL], 2023).
The College’s retirement savings program now includes access to free financial guidance and affordable planning services through HUB Investment Partners. These services are available to help employees evaluate savings strategies, review investment approaches, and align retirement planning with personal goals—regardless of career stage.
To support financial wellness and make guidance more accessible, Coleman Fox from HUB Investment Partners will be on campus February 18–19.
During these one-on-one sessions, employees may ask questions about their retirement accounts, explore whether consolidating previous retirement plans is appropriate, and receive personalized planning guidance. Spouses or significant others are welcome to attend.
Financial wellness does not require major changes all at once. Whether it’s reviewing your FSA usage, attending a presentation, or scheduling a conversation with a financial advisor, small steps can meaningfully reduce stress and support long-term stability. Accessing available resources is one way we can care for both our financial health and overall well-being.
Reflection: What financial decision or question has been sitting in the background for you, and what support might help you approach it with more clarity?
For over four decades, I believed that the key to productivity was simply trying harder. But what I’ve learned is that practice doesn’t always make perfect—sometimes practice just makes practiced. I told myself that if I could just “stay focused,” “get organized,” or “be more disciplined,” I’d finally feel caught up. But as someone who lives with ADHD, I’ve learned that motivation isn’t always what’s missing—sometimes it’s the system that needs to be changed.
That realization changed how I approach my goals at work and at home. Instead of aiming for a complete overhaul or expecting myself to function perfectly every day, I’ve been learning to build momentum through small wins—tiny actions that are realistic, achievable, and repeatable. In Atomic Habits, James Clear explains that meaningful change is rarely the result of one big breakthrough. More often, it’s the result of small, consistent habits that compound over time.
When I’m overwhelmed, I tend to freeze. For me, the small wins reduce overwhelm because they lower the pressure to “get it all done” at once. They also make it easier to start—because starting is often the hardest part when my brain is juggling multiple priorities at the same time. When I focus on one small step—one email, one form, one five-minute reset—I’m not just completing a task. I’m building evidence that progress is possible, even on busy or scattered days.
Small wins help me interrupt that cycle. Instead of aiming for a perfect morning routine or a completely organized inbox, I focus on one small action that moves me forward. That might mean responding to just one email, setting one timer, or clearing one small section of my desk. The win isn’t that I solved everything—the win is that I started.
One strategy that has helped me turn those small wins into routines is habit stacking—a simple method of attaching a new habit to something I already do automatically. The structure is simple:
After I do [current habit], I will do [new habit].
Here are a few stacks I’ve been practicing lately:
These habits aren’t complicated—and that’s the point. They are small enough to fit into a real workday, even when my brain feels busy or scattered.
What I’m learning is that rest, structure, and sustainable habits aren’t “extras.” They’re the foundation. Over time, these small actions reduce overwhelm because they create predictable anchors in my day. I don’t have to rely on perfect focus or the “right mood.” I just need a routine that supports me.
If you’re trying to build a new habit, I encourage you to start small. Choose one habit that feels achievable and attach it to something you already do. You don’t have to overhaul your whole life—just build one small win at a time.
Reflection: What is one small habit you could stack into your day this week to support your focus, energy, or well-being?
Maintaining a healthy immune system is essential year-round, but it often becomes a particular focus during the winter months, when illness rates tend to rise and routines may feel disrupted. While no single habit can prevent illness entirely, research consistently shows that everyday behaviors—such as nutrition, hydration, rest, and stress management—play a meaningful role in supporting immune function and overall well-being.
Nutrition is a foundational component of immune health. A balanced diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats provides the vitamins and minerals the immune system relies on to function effectively. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin D, zinc, and iron contribute to immune response and tissue repair. Rather than focusing on restriction or perfection, immune-supportive nutrition emphasizes consistency, variety, and nourishment over time.
Hydration is another often-overlooked factor, especially during colder months when thirst cues may be less noticeable. Drinking enough fluids supports circulation, digestion, and nutrient transport throughout the body—all of which contribute to immune health. Hydration can come from water, herbal teas, broths, and water-rich foods. Small habits—like keeping a reusable bottle nearby or pairing hydration with existing routines—can make a meaningful difference.
Rest and sleep are equally critical to immune health. During sleep, the body performs essential repair processes and produces cytokines—proteins that help regulate immune responses. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health notes that insufficient sleep is linked to increased susceptibility to illness and a reduced ability to cope with stress.
Supporting immune health through rest may involve establishing consistent sleep schedules, limiting screen use before bedtime, and recognizing rest as a necessary component of productivity rather than a luxury. When we embrace rest as part of the productive cycle, we give our bodies permission to recover and return stronger.
Stress management plays a significant role in immune functioning. Chronic stress can suppress immune response and increase inflammation, making the body more vulnerable to illness. The American Psychological Association emphasizes that stress-reduction practices—such as mindfulness, physical movement, social connection, and counseling—can positively influence both mental and physical health.
Even brief moments of intentional stress relief during the workday, such as deep breathing or stepping away from screens, can support regulation and resilience.
Consider joining us for our next Mindful Monday session:
Stretch & Reset – Chair Yoga for Stress Relief
📅 Monday, February 2, 2026
🕗 8:00 a.m.
📍 Hicks Banquet Rooms East & West
Rather than striving for drastic changes, individuals benefit from focusing on small, realistic actions that can be maintained over time. In workplace settings, this may include taking scheduled breaks, using available wellness resources (such as the Employee Assistance Program [EAP] for confidential support), and respecting personal limits during periods of increased demand.
Benefit Reminder: The EAP is a free, confidential support resource available to employees.
Supporting immune health is not about control or perfection—it is about care. By nourishing the body, staying hydrated, prioritizing rest, and managing stress with intention, individuals can strengthen their foundation for health and well-being throughout the season and beyond.
Reflection: Which small habit—related to nourishment, hydration, rest, or stress—could you gently strengthen this week to support your immune health?
The beginning of a new year often brings renewed motivation to set goals, make resolutions, and pursue self-improvement. While this energy can be positive, it can also lead to unrealistic expectations and self-criticism when change does not happen quickly or perfectly. Practicing self-compassion offers an alternative approach—one that emphasizes kindness, curiosity, and sustainability over pressure and perfection.
Self-compassion involves treating ourselves with the same care and understanding we would offer a friend. According to the American Psychological Association, self-compassion is associated with greater emotional resilience, reduced stress, and improved overall well-being. Rather than motivating change through self-judgment, self-compassion supports growth by acknowledging challenges without harsh self-criticism.
Reframing traditional resolutions is a helpful starting point. New Year’s resolutions often focus on outcomes—such as productivity, performance, or health—without fully considering the emotional, environmental, and practical factors that influence behavior. When goals are unmet, individuals may feel discouraged or interpret the experience as personal failure. A self-compassionate approach shifts the focus from rigid outcomes to supportive processes. Instead of asking, “Why can’t I stick to this?”, we might ask, “What do I need in order to move forward?”
Curiosity plays an important role in this reframing. Approaching goals with curiosity allows individuals to observe habits, energy levels, and emotional responses without judgment. Research suggests that self-compassion encourages adaptive coping strategies and greater persistence after setbacks (Neff, 2023). Curiosity creates space to learn from experience rather than abandon goals entirely when obstacles arise.
Self-compassion is also closely connected to sustainability. Sustainable change recognizes that individuals balance multiple responsibilities—work, caregiving, health, and community obligations—often at the same time. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health emphasizes that well-being is supported by realistic expectations and manageable demands. Applying this principle personally means setting goals that fit within the realities of daily life, rather than competing with them.
Practicing self-compassion does not mean navigating change alone. Therapy and professional support can play an important role in helping individuals reflect, reset, and set goals that are both meaningful and realistic. Through the College’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP), employees and their household members have access to three confidential counseling and support services at no cost.
Working with a trained professional can help individuals clarify priorities, identify barriers, and translate intentions into SMART goals—those that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. Rather than focusing on perfection or urgency, therapy supports a compassionate, sustainable approach to growth by aligning goals with personal values, capacity, and current life circumstances. Utilizing available resources such as the EAP is a proactive step toward well-being and a reminder that seeking support is a strength—not a setback.
Ultimately, self-compassion in the new year is not about lowering standards; it is about changing the source of motivation. When kindness replaces criticism, curiosity replaces judgment, and sustainability replaces urgency, growth becomes more attainable and enduring. As the year unfolds, consider this reflection: What would it look like to pursue your goals with the same patience and understanding you offer others?
Returning to work after an extended break—whether for winter holidays, term transitions, or planned time away—can feel both refreshing and disorienting. While time off supports rest and recovery, re-entry often brings emotional, cognitive, and social adjustments. Focusing intentionally on re-connection after the break helps employees regain a sense of belonging, re-establish routines, and transition back into work with greater ease and wellbeing.
A sense of belonging is a foundational component of workplace wellness. Research shows that employees who feel connected and valued are more engaged, resilient, and productive. According to the American Psychological Association, social connection and psychological safety are key contributors to our mental health, particularly during periods of transition. After time away, even familiar environments can feel momentarily unfamiliar, making deliberate efforts toward inclusion and re-connection especially important.
One simple but powerful strategy is the use of intentional check-ins. Brief team or one-on-one check-ins provide space for you to share how you are doing, clarify priorities, and re-anchor in shared goals. These conversations need not be lengthy or overly personal; even a few minutes of genuine acknowledgment can help individuals feel seen and supported. Regular check-ins have been linked to improved morale and trust, especially when leaders model openness and empathy (Gallup, 2023).
Easing back into routines is another critical aspect of post-break wellness. Productivity often dips temporarily after time off, which is both normal and expected. Rather than pushing for immediate peak performance, wellness-centered workplaces encourage gradual re-engagement. Re-establishing daily rhythms—such as consistent start times, prioritized task lists, and scheduled breaks—supports cognitive focus and reduces stress. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health emphasizes that predictable routines and manageable workloads play an important role in reducing burnout and supporting sustained performance.
Re-connection also includes restoring social ties. Informal interactions—such as greeting colleagues, sharing brief updates, or participating in team gatherings or staff meetings—help rebuild relational continuity after time away. These moments reinforce the idea that we are not just workers, but members of a community. Even small gestures, like welcoming messages or team acknowledgments, can meaningfully signal belonging and appreciation.
Ultimately, re-connection after a break is not about rushing forward, but about grounding ourselves again—individually and collectively. By prioritizing belonging, engaging in meaningful check-ins, and allowing space to ease back into routines, we can support both well-being and effectiveness. A thoughtful re-entry sets the tone for the months ahead and fosters a workplace culture that values humanity as much as productivity.
Reflection: What’s one small thing you could do today to help your future self feel more connected to our community?
As the year winds down and winter settles in, many people feel a natural pull toward reflection. The end of the year offers a meaningful opportunity to pause, take stock of what we’ve experienced, and create space for intentional beginnings. Gentle goal setting—rooted in self-awareness rather than pressure—can help support emotional well-being, resilience, and a sense of grounded direction as we move into 2026. Below are a few approachable practices to help guide year-end reflection in a mindful and compassionate way.
Reflection often begins not with what we want, but with what we’re ready to release. Letting go can include habits, mindsets, patterns, or emotional burdens that no longer serve our well-being. This could mean releasing unrealistic expectations, overcommitment, or the belief that productivity defines worth. It may also involve acknowledging mistakes, forgiving ourselves, or letting go of unfinished goals that no longer align with who we are.
Releasing is not about perfection or erasing the past—it is about creating space. This gentle step helps us enter the new year with more clarity and less weight, allowing new intentions to take root.
While much attention goes to challenges, it is equally important to recognize moments of resilience and restoration. Consider the experiences, people, or practices that helped you feel grounded in 2025. Perhaps it was a morning walk, a supportive conversation, a creative hobby, or time spent with loved ones. Reflecting on what restored you highlights the life-giving parts of your year—those moments that replenished energy, sparked joy, or offered comfort during stressful times.
These restorative elements can serve as guideposts for how to nurture yourself in the year ahead. They remind us that well-being is often built from small, intentional moments of care.
Reflection doesn’t require long journaling sessions or elaborate planning. Even five minutes of intentional check-in can provide clarity. A simple structure might include:
These quick reflections can be done weekly, at the end of each workday, or whenever you feel the need to recenter. Gentle check-ins help cultivate self-awareness without overwhelming time commitments.
Rather than creating rigid resolutions, many people find meaning in selecting a word or theme to guide the new year. A theme acts as a compass—broad enough to be flexible, but specific enough to provide direction. Examples might include “Growth,” “Balance,” “Clarity,” “Courage,” or “Restoration.”
Your word can inform decisions, help set boundaries, and inspire new habits. It becomes a grounding reminder of the intention you want to carry forward.
Year-end reflection offers a moment to honor where you’ve been and envision where you’re going. When approached gently, without pressure or self-judgment, it can support emotional well-being and create a meaningful foundation for personal and professional growth in 2026.
To help start the new year with intention, all staff are invited to join our January 5th Mindful Monday session at 8:00 a.m.: “Intentional Start – Guided Journaling to Welcome 2026”
Held in Hicks Banquet Room East and West, this session will provide a calm, supportive space to reflect, set gentle intentions, and begin the year with clarity and purpose. No prior journaling experience is needed—just bring yourself and a willingness to pause and reflect.
