Wellness Day Ideas for Employees

NC State began holding wellness days in 2020, after the Student Mental Health Task Force recommended adding the days to the academic calendar. Wellness days allow staff, faculty and students to reflect on their health and well-being.

Although employees don’t get paid time off on wellness days, NC State encourages you to find meaningful ways to fit wellness into the day. Taking 10-15 minutes for deep breathing or stretching, attending a fitness class or walking during your lunch break are meaningful ways to participate in a wellness day. 

Here are some activities employees can enjoy during the Sept. 17 wellness day: 

1. Attend the free Employee Wellness Wednesday fitness class from 5:15 to 6 p.m. at the Wellness and Recreation Center. You don’t have to be a Wellness and Recreation Center member to participate in the class. Employees must register to attend. 
2. Go on a walk with the Staff and Faculty Walking Club from 11:30 a.m. to noon. The club meets every Tuesday.
3. Hang out with some awesome therapy dogs from Canines for Service at Stafford Commons from 10 to 11:30 a.m. 
4. Register and attend one or both of the Faculty and Staff Assistance Program webinars below, or watch a previously recorded webinar.
   1. Avoiding Burnout: Self-Assessment Methods and Strategies for Self-Care — 10-11 a.m. 
   2. The Sandwich Generation: Balancing Your Personal Life With the Needs of Your Older Parents or Loved Ones — noon-1 p.m.
5. Stop by Room 1700 in Research Building IV at 909 Capability Drive on Centennial Campus to play pickleball between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. 
6. Take a stretch break at your desk and follow this guided instruction. 
7. Take a break and practice diaphragmatic breathing at your desk. 
8. Bring a snack to share with colleagues, get together with them to craft or play board games over lunch or take time to get to know each other in a meaningful way. 

This post was originally published in University Human Resources News.