As students, we’re always searching for ways to unwind without straining our wallets. Fortunately, Raleigh and NC State provide plenty of affordable and accessible options to recharge, connect with others and prioritize wellness. This February, in honor of Black History Month and American Heart Month, let’s check out different ways you can explore your wellness through unique, cost-effective experiences, both on and off campus.
Importance of Financial Wellness in Overall Well-Being
Taking time to invest in your wellness doesn’t have to be costly. Financial wellness plays a crucial role in overall well-being. Research links financial stress to anxiety, depression and academic struggles, making it essential to develop strong money management skills.
NC State’s Pack Essentials program provides emergency funding, food security support and financial literacy resources to help students navigate financial challenges. This approach not only supports your overall well-being but also contributes to academic success by reducing stress and promoting a balanced lifestyle. Additionally, students can access financial wellness webinars and tools through the Financial Wellness at NC State page. By taking advantage of these resources, you can build financial confidence, reduce stress and focus on overall well-being without overspending.
Supporting Black-Owned Businesses in North Carolina
This Black History Month, take the opportunity to explore and support Black-owned businesses across North Carolina. Platforms like Black Dollar and apps such as Official Black Wall Street make it easy to discover local retail, restaurants and services owned by members of the Black community. Supporting these businesses is more than just a transaction, it’s a way to invest in local entrepreneurship, reduce economic disparities and celebrate cultural diversity. Extend your support throughout the year at the Black Farmers Market, which rotates between Raleigh and Durham this week, and invest your spending back into the community.
Tourism doesn’t have to mean venturing far or spending money — there are countless hidden gems near campus and throughout Raleigh. From dining to personal care services, discover how your spending can make a difference.
Explore Nature and Creativity at Dorothea Dix Park
Engaging in community events and creative activities is a cost-effective way to enhance your well-being. Dorothea Dix Park is more than just a green space; it’s a hub for community engagement and creativity. Events such as Self-Care Sunday Yoga, Creative Writing Workshops and TeenSpace Career Day offer cost-free opportunities to unwind and foster creativity in a supportive environment.
Participating in such community and cultural engagements has been shown to improve life satisfaction and mental health functioning. Moreover, creative activities can reduce stress and anxiety, contributing to overall mental well-being. In honor of Black History Month, Dix Park is also showcasing their Living in Color exhibit through the end of February in the Chapel; this is a great way to explore self-care and support the work of local Black artists in a cost-effective way.
Celebrate Heart Health with Wellness and Recreation
Let American Heart Month expand beyond the month of February, and attend free events to support student wellness at NC State. One such opportunity is the “Howl and Chill: Find Your Zen” event on March 18, where participants can practice mindfulness in various facets with zen gardens and guided meditation to enhance mindfulness and relaxation. Practices like these can help regulate blood pressure– a leading cause of heart disease in the nation.
While we encourage you to explore physical activity with Wellness and Recreation, movement can boost our endorphins, give us a confidence boost, and provide us with a platform to build new relationships. Try a free group fitness class today to seek these benefits- available to all Wellness and Recreation members.
However you choose to spend this month, we encourage you to make intentional decisions that benefit you and the community in cost-effective ways. By uplifting the voices of local artists, participating in free community events, and targeting your physical wellness, you’re creating the space for you and the community to thrive!
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