Psychological wellness and social connection work hand-in-hand to create an environment of resilience and empowerment. Let's start the conversation, create awareness, and work toward prevention by focusing on thriving. Here are just a few of the many ways Sewanee fosters emotional growth and the concept of flourishing.
Sewanee Cares is our guide to identifying challenges and acting in a thoughtful, caring manner. We believe that we will be most effective with shared vocabulary, values, and expectations for behavior. It takes all of us supporting one another to create a caring community. We believe awareness creates a meaningful life.
Happiness Hygiene is a series of workshops designed to help students develop practices and habits that lead to resilience and a life well-lived. Using movement, art, dialogue, and reflection, students will better understand how to create daily practices to improve well-being, cultivate happiness, and understand the science behind it all.
Sewanee is excited to be partnering with JED Campus—a nationwide initiative designed to empower schools with a comprehensive, customized framework to enhance student mental health on campus. Funded by the SAMHSA grant, JED will be embarking on a multi-year strategic collaboration with the University of the South to create positive, lasting change here on the Mountain.
Goat Yoga is scheduled during finals week as a way for students to reduce stress and anxiety. This innovative approach to yoga promotes strength, flexibility, calm, alignment, and balance. Along with getting professional yoga instruction, students will have goats surrounding them (and frolicking on them). What could be better?
The Wellness Center and Sewanee Dining Services are collaborating to provide family-style dinners at various spots on campus. Theme houses and Greek houses will host a dinner each month, and it's open to anyone on campus. If you need a quiet alternative to other activities on campus, you'll love family dinner. We provide the tools, ingredients, and instruction—you provide the appetite.
As part of a growing initiative to provide resources to our campus, the Wellness Colloquium offers open lectures throughout the year. The lecture series will address topics like proper nutrition, spiritual wellness, physical activity, self-compassion, and mindfulness. Join us as we educate faculty, staff, and students on the importance of stress management and vitality.
With 13,000 acres of forest on Sewanee's Domain, there's plenty to do. If you're not looking for the intensity of mountain biking or climbing, join us for some forest therapy. This slow walk is led by a certified nature therapy guide and covers roughly a half a mile in two hours. Participants learn to be present in the moment and develop a meaningful relationship with the world surrounding them.
The Flourishing Fair is an annual event that brings students, campus partners, and community organizations together to promote mental health and student well-being. We provide tools and tips for improving mental and physical health, introduce health resources on and near campus, and empower students to be proactive and confident in caring for themselves. We're fighting the stigma of mental illness and having a little fun along the way!
