The Alfaisal Wellbeing Office (AWO) successfully launched and expanded the “Alfaisal Wellbeing Tiny Habits Series,” a university-wide initiative designed to encourage practical, sustainable wellbeing habits among students, faculty, and staff throughout the 2025/2026 academic year.
The initiative began in October 2025 with two student-focused sessions delivered by counseling psychologist Dr. Rawan Alganas. The first session, “Starting Strong: Navigating Your First Year at University,” was held on October 8, 2025, and supported first-year students as they transitioned into university life. The session focused on building confidence, adapting to new academic and social environments, and developing healthy routines that support both academic success and personal wellbeing.
A week later, Dr. Alganas delivered “Preparing for Tomorrow: Creating Your Future,” a session that encouraged students to reflect on their long-term goals, values, and personal growth. The discussion emphasized resilience, intentional decision-making, and self-discovery, reinforcing the importance of using university years as a foundation for future success.
In November 2025, the series expanded its focus to faculty and staff through “Balancing the Scales: Finding Harmony Between Work and Life.“ The session addressed the importance of maintaining balance between professional responsibilities and personal wellbeing. Practical strategies on stress management, setting boundaries, and building sustainable habits were shared to help attendees better navigate daily challenges.
As part of its Ramadan wellness programming, AWO also organized a special “Wellness at Noon” event titled “Fasting is Wellness: Talk & Treat” on February 17, featuring internationally recognized sports nutrition expert Carol Stoffella. The event combined evidence-based discussions on fasting, nutrition, metabolic health, and longevity with interactive wellness activities, including complimentary InBody assessments, exercise prescription opportunities, community engagement activities, and the Ramadan Wellness Newsletter.
Mental wellbeing remained a central focus throughout the academic year. On May 4, 2026, the series hosted “Making Sense of Stress: How Perception Influences Anxiety,” an interactive session led by psychotherapist Karen Cunningham, who brings more than 20 years of international experience supporting individuals through stress, anxiety, and life transitions. Karen explored how personal perceptions influence emotional responses to stress and how small shifts in awareness and mindset can improve coping strategies and emotional resilience. The session concluded with an interactive Q&A, allowing attendees to openly engage in conversations on anxiety, stress management, and mental wellbeing.
The series concluded with its final session, “Your Financial Wellbeing: The Building Block,” held on May 11, 2026. This session welcomed Dr. Mara Catherine Harvey, Founder and CEO of SmartWayToStart.com, former Private Banking CEO, and internationally recognized advocate for financial literacy and financial wellbeing. Dr. Harvey discussed the important connection between financial literacy and overall wellbeing, emphasizing how financial confidence, capability, and long-term planning contribute to personal stability and independence. Attendees gained practical insights into investing, avoiding common financial mistakes, and developing healthier financial habits that support long-term wellbeing.
Through the “Alfaisal Wellbeing Tiny Habits Series,” AWO has built a platform for open conversations on wellbeing and equipped the Alfaisal community with practical tools for healthier living. By bringing together experts in psychology, therapy, nutrition, and financial literacy, the initiative reinforces Alfaisal University‘s vision of wellbeing as a multidimensional concept that includes mental, physical, emotional, social, and financial health.
For additional information, presentation slides, and photos for each session, please visit the Alfaisal Wellbeing Office website.
