Tell us about the Wellness Club’s mission

The club’s mission is to provide tools and resources for our Chicago Booth community on such topics as stress management, work/school life balance, fitness activities/relaxation retreats, promoting employer wellness programs and providing fun, casual, networking opportunities.

What are examples of Wellness Club signature events?

We usually host a quarterly free massage event at Gleacher 455. We worked with a local massage vendor who would provide students with a 15-minute massage before their final exams. We often run a yoga-focused event every quarter as well. We’ve done hot yoga, sky/sunset yoga, and aerial yoga, among other types. We also have an annual outdoors event. We’ve toured the Chicago Botanic Garden and hiked in the Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve and Starved Rock State Park. We also host mental relaxation events like tea ceremonies at the Chicago Japanese culture center.

What other past events were highlights for you?

We love to partner with other clubs to run events. For example we host regular coffee chats with the Full-Time Wellness club. We also co-hosted a wine event with the Partner Club where we went on a one-day tour of five wineries in Michigan. We ran a pasta making class with the Food Club and another event with families where they could bring their kids to paint pottery.

Booth's Wellness Club Members at a yoga class
Wellness Club yoga event

What has the club focused on recently?

We’re constantly thinking of new ways that we can bring events to people during this time. We’ve been focused on a weekly newsletter, a monthly challenge, and a variety of events. Our newsletter typically has interesting health facts, tips, and resources for taking care of yourself.Our past monthly challenges have included a submit-your-favorite-exercise challenge and a contest where students submitted their favorite recipes and voted for a winner.

We co-hosted our most recent event with the Full-Time Coffee Club. We learned to make Dalgona coffee at home, and then caught up with each other over our drinks.We are currently in the process of planning a virtual cooking class and virtual yoga class. We continue to focus on events that promote a healthy lifestyle and a social community, which is especially important this year.

What other wellness resources are available to students at Booth?

Booth’s Director of Student Wellness, Carrie Lydon, publishes a Wellness Wednesdays newsletter with advice and information, and can direct students towards resources. Students have access to 24/7 counseling services, as well as wellness coaching, meditation and more through UChicago Wellness.

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