MAY CONTAIN NUTS Healthy, ‘well’-thy, and wise
Wellness Week brings a wealth of information about having a balanced lifestyle
“How you doin’?” The common answer is “good” — or “well” for the grammatically correct. But is this really the case? Perhaps in a superficial sense, yes. But from a health standpoint, the answer may not be so fitting. For me, I know that this semester has taken quite a toll on my sleeping and eating habits. I’ve succumbed to the age-old truth that you have to pick two: sleep, grades, or friends.
The Undergraduate Association, in addition to many health-focused groups on campus, are here to remind us to take care of ourselves and maintain a healthy lifestyle. This week, the UA Committee on Student Life (CSL) is hosting Wellness Week, during which the UA and other clubs on campus showcase and host a variety of events about general well-being. According to Cecily C. Koppuzha ’12, the organizer of Wellness Week, the purpose of the event is to “show students how to keep everything in perspective. It’s important to check up on yourself every once in a while and maintain a healthy balance to your life.”
Some perks to Wellness Week are discounts at the produce market in Stata, free group classes like yoga and spinning, and free breakfasts every morning from 8:30–10 a.m. in the Student Center.
Throughout the week there will be various events that students should check out. Here are a few that I think are noteworthy:
Bubble Fest
If popping bubble wrap, blowing giant bubbles and watching them float away, or blowing bubbles with fruity pieces of gum sounds like fun, this will be an event to check out. MIT’s chapter of Active Minds, a national mental-health awareness organization, is hosting Bubble Fest to promote stress relief. Taking place on the Student Center steps on Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Bubble Fest is a fun way to blow your problems away, if only metaphorically.
What’s up Doc?
Does the thought of food only come up when your stomach starts growling? Or do you perpetually make plans to exercise that never materialize? The Student Health Advisory Council (SHAC) will be hosting three specialists in nutrition, stress management, and fitness/personal training to help students figure out how to balance health with professional success. A drop-in event from 5–8 p.m. on Thursday titled “What’s up Doc?” will be held in the conference room opposite Baker Dining. Stop by, ask any questions, and pick up some free stuff!
Iron Nerd
We’re a school that spawned Iron Man and subsequent generations of Fe-rocious minds. The MIT Triathlon team hosts “Iron Nerd” on Sunday from 9–11 a.m. to see who among us is mentally and physically strong. With participation generally between 50 and 80 students, Iron Nerd is a free triathlon event that culminates with prizes. Students swim 200 meters in the Zesiger Center pool, run a lap around Amherst Alley, then bike around the alley. Sign-ups take place throughout the week.
Whether you let off some steam through some of the activities or learn how to manage your health better, you will hopefully come away with a happier sense of self after Wellness Week. So the next time someone asks, “How you doin’?” you can respond “well,” and mean it in every sense.