Wellness Wednesday: Boost Your Well-Being on Wellness Day

February 7, 2024 Nilesh Singh, wellness specialist 3-min. read

Yoga in the Garden class participants enjoy an outdoor Mindfulness at the Museum session at the Gregg Museum of Art & Design. Photo by Becky Kirkland.

Wellness Day is a bi-annual event that celebrates and promotes well-being for NC State students, faculty and staff. It is important to take the time to care for our physical, mental and emotional health, to set and strive for wellness goals and to enhance our campus culture surrounding well-being. The next Wellness Day will be held Tuesday, Feb. 13.

Wellness Day is a reflection of our commitment to creating a healthy and supportive environment for our Wolfpack. We know well-being is not a one-day event, but a lifelong journey, and a healthy mind and body are key to academic success. NC State hosts a variety of activities and workshops that cater to different aspects of our well-being. Check out some of the mood-boosting Wellness and Recreation events taking place next week:

Fitness Classes

Hip Hop HIIT: This interval-based workout combines high energy cardio exercises with lower-intensity recovery periods for an effective 30-minute workout.
Partner TRX: Team up for this full-body workout on the TRX Suspension Trainer, where you will work against gravity and your body’s resistance for the ultimate functional workout.
Swiftie Cycle: Ride your way toward improved fitness with varying speeds and resistance levels, hill climbs and flat roads during this Taylor Swift themed workout.
Yoga in the Galleries: Relax and learn about breathing techniques that can help calm the mind and relieve stress at the Gregg Museum of Art and Design.
Yoga Nidra: Experience ultimate relaxation by releasing the stress and tension held in the body, and experience the benefits of meditation to allow your body to restore and balance itself.
F45 and PackFit Training: Try out Wellness and Recreation’s popular training classes for free on Wellness Day. Use promo code WELLNESSDAYFEB13 at checkout.

Fitness classes are free to students and Wellness and Recreation members.

ThriveWell

Relaxation Station: Visit the Wellness and Recreation Center any time between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. to relax, reset and recharge your inner batteries through interactive and calming activities. There will be a tea bar available in the morning to give you an early morning boost.
Inspo-To-Go: Let your creativity blossom with an inspo-to-go kit, giving you the tools to personalize our own inspirational and motivational keychain.

ThriveWell hosted events are free and open to all faculty, staff and students.

Faculty and Staff Workshops

Using Guided Imagery for Wellness and Stress Reduction: Explore guided imagery as a relaxation technique and visualize positive scenarios to cope with stress.
Stress: A Way of Life or a Fact of Life?: Learn to identify unique stressors and cope with challenging situations using practices like positive self-talk.

Faculty and staff workshops are hosted by the Faculty and Staff Assistance Program.

Incorporate Wellness into a Daily Routine

Five minutes of daily meditation can lead to increased relaxation, stress reduction and improved mood by enhancing your awareness and attention in the form of mindfulness. This may look like paying attention to the present moment through your five senses, thoughts and emotions. Mindfulness can also help you cope with challenges, reduce anxiety and increase your happiness, making you more resilient to obstacles you may face. Consider using these breathing techniques when practicing mindfulness:

Alternate nostril breathing is a technique that involves breathing through one nostril at a time and switching sides. This can help you balance your energy, calm your nervous system and sharpen your focus.
Abdominal or diaphragmatic breathing can help you focus on the fullness of each breath, taking in more oxygen and releasing the tensions of the day.

Practicing gratitude has many benefits, including greater life satisfaction, higher levels of optimism and stronger relationships. Positive Psychology suggests writing a thank-you letter to your unsung hero, such as a creative narrative recounting a meaningful moment you’ve shared with them. Research suggests that up to 40 percent of our happiness comes from the intentional choices we make, so focus on activities associated with gratitude to attract joy and spread it to others.