At NC State, your well-being is a priority. That’s why, in 2020, the university introduced wellness days based on a recommendation from the Student Mental Health Task Force to help our community pause, reflect and recharge. Wellness days are a chance for students, faculty and staff to focus on what matters most: their health and well-being.

Wellness days are a great opportunity to take a meaningful break. Whether it’s 10-15 minutes of deep breathing, a lunchtime walk or a quick fitness class, small actions can make a big impact. It’s all about choosing what works for you.

Here are some activities employees may enjoy during the Feb. 17 wellness day: 

1. Download BetterYou, an app-based wellness coach that empowers you to enhance your social, physical and mental health. Visit the University Human Resources website to learn more about the app.
2. On the wellness day, faculty and staff will have free access to the Wellness and Recreation Center. Simply visit the member services desk, present your employee ID and sign the waiver.
3. Attend a free yoga class from 11 to 11:45 a.m. at the Wellness and Recreation Center. You don’t have to be a Wellness and Recreation Center member to participate. Register to attend the yoga class.
4. Register to attend a virtual stretch break from 12:05 to 12:25 p.m.
5. Sign up to go on a walk with the Faculty and Staff Walking Club.
6. Register and attend one or both of the Faculty and Staff Assistance Program webinars below.
   1. Improving Social Wellness To Boost Mental Health from 11 a.m.to noon
   2. Time Management Principles from 2 to 3 p.m.
7. Take a stretch break at your desk and follow our new guided video. 
8. Take a free yoga class in Partners Building I at 1017 Main Campus Drive, Suite 2580, from 12:15 to 1:05 p.m. Please bring your own mat.
9. Read our instructions on how to practice diaphragmatic breathing at your desk. 

Disclaimer: University or department-sponsored/organized wellness activities are permissible during work hours with manager/operational approval. Talk to your manager to determine if there is an appropriate time you can join a wellness day activity. Participation in wellness activities is entirely voluntary. Wellness activities not sponsored by the university, college or division should occur on your personal time, not during work hours. Injuries that occur due to voluntary activities outside the course and scope of employment are generally not covered by workers’ compensation. Participants in university-sponsored wellness activities should sign a waiver prior to participation.

This post was originally published in University Human Resources News.