Table 1.

Qualitative results from the feedback survey. Grant recipients were asked the following qualitative question in a survey: “How did the Well-Being Education Grant impact you?”

Stress Reduction
The educational course that I used the grant was for conflict resolution and management. Conflicts are inherent part of our lives, daily lives and learning to deal and manage them well significantly lessened my stress.
The Well-Being Grant provided support for me to explore meditation through a formal course. This course helped me prioritize mind-body wellness during times of anxiety.
One on-one coaching greatly improved my sense of perspective, reduced stress, and boosted productivity
Provided an opportunity to learn something new and a dedicated time to rest/relax/recharge
Provided me with mindfulness tools to feel more grounded and less stressed
I signed up for an app-based coaching program that integrated well with my busy schedule. It taught me exercises (as short as two minutes) that helped me manage my burnout.
Through the class that I was supported by the grant, I could relieve stress and tension. It was very helpful for finding peace of mind and energy in daily life.
decreased acute stress, learned strategies to manage stress effectively moving forward, made me feel like MGH values my work/life balance and invests in my well being
I had a concentrated experience of wellness and yoga in a warm and beautiful setting. I feel renewed, refreshed and restored.
The Well-Being Grant afforded me an opportunity to try a new kind of art activity (glassblowing), which I otherwise would not have been able to. This was an incredible way to completely step away from my research work and concentrate on a very physical activity that required intense focus and concentration. This was particularly helpful given that I was in the process of applying for some funding, which was rather stressful, so the mental break was much needed.
I have started some of these practices and intend to incorporate them into my routine. I have already noticed an impact in handling stress at work and home.
Well-Being/Self Care
Allowed me to pursue music lessons which greatly impacted my day to day joy and wellness
It had a very positive effect on my well-being. I enjoy the funded activity so much; it energizes me, and I also get to make new friends.
Helped set aside time for self-care
It provided an opportunity to consider self-care and develop those skills. It also felt like a good faith effort by my institution to support me as an employee.
Provided access to an online course that focused on tools for growing personal resiliency. I have ongoing access to the materials so can continue to benefit from it. Appreciated that I was able to choose something that spoke to me, i.e., the grants allow a tailored support
Improved sleep
It provided me with a dedicated time and space to focus on a mindful activity that otherwise always falls to the bottom of my priorities.
This was a fantastic opportunity that I am incredibly grateful for. I had been struggling during the COVID pandemic and the Well-Being Education Grant gave me the opportunity to pursue a passion of mine and provided me with coping skills that I will carry through the rest of my training. Thank you.
It covered the costs of taking music lessons, which was a great scheduled reprieve from work and a chance to refresh.
Social Connection
The grant supported enrolling in music production lessons, with several benefits. It relieved significant financial stress in pursuing extracurricular; it led to new social experiences; and it shifted the ongoing tenor of downtime towards creative - rather than consumptive- activities.
It allowed me to explore a hobby of mine I otherwise would not have been able to. I look back fondly at the opportunity to connect with people during the watercolor painting class especially during these last few weeks when I have been so busy clinically.
I had the chance to reconnect with my love for music through the grant, I was able to meet new people who shared similar interests and passions, which helped me foster new connections and establish a wider social circle. It also helped me enrich my knowledge of music, and I learned several different techniques to enhance my growth as an amateur vocalist.
It was a fantastic opportunity to be in community with others and reflect.
It has been so, so great to practice yoga in person with other people, after 3 years of practicing in front of a screen. Thank you.
Doing the yoga classes in person also connected me with others and instilled a sense of community, which I had been missing since the pandemic. I am grateful to have had the chance to focus on both my physical and mental health thanks to this grant!