Join the Wellness Café on Sept. 24, 12:30 - 2:30 p.m. in the University Commons Atrium for the launch of the U of A’s new Student Mental Health Action Plan.
What’s the Wellness Café?
The Wellness Café is a place for open dialogue with welcoming conversations on topics important to students – all over coffee in a non-judgmental and caring space. Topics covered will include all areas of wellness and how they relate to thriving in academics.
Why go to the Wellness Café?
Gurleen: This Café marks the beginning of a shared journey in wellness, and is especially significant because of the launch of the U of A’s first ever Mental Health Action Plan. The Wellness Café is about creating a culture shift on campus, where conversations about health and wellness are normal and natural. Students like myself sometimes feel unable to talk openly about their challenges, or even to share the stories of overcoming them.
Navigating life’s daily struggles is not a weakness – it's your resiliency and perseverance. Every few steps forward in your degree as you overcome your hidden challenges is proof of your strength.
Zainab: As a student who cares deeply about mental health, I find the discussions energizing. Talking with like-minded peers who are just as passionate about wellness on campus gives me a sense of belonging and reminds me that I’m not alone in what I’m feeling or experiencing. Participating in the Wellness Café will be about building spaces where students can feel heard, connected and inspired to keep wellness at the heart of campus life.
For me, the Wellness Café is more than just a gathering; it’s a space to come together, connect and share our lived experiences. Sometimes that happens through conversations, and other times through creative expression, like the Wellness Mosaic activity that we’ll be doing to create a community art installation.
What better way to start the fall semester?
What should I expect at the Wellness Café?
Zainab: When I think about having conversations with strangers, my first thought is often awkwardness and how to keep the conversation going without oversharing. That’s why we’ll have fun bingo games to keep the conversations light and easy!
The Wellness Café will encourage dialogue, but only to the extent that you feel comfortable. There’s no obligation to share or to be an active participant. In fact, I’ve found that starting out as a listener has often helped me ease into the dialogue, especially when my social jitters are at their peak.
Gurleen: Take this Wellness Café as the opportunity that you feel you need. Here are some ways to engage:
- Enjoy snacks and a breather – school is stressful and busy, this is understandable.
- Connect over resources and experiences – people are walking similar paths at times, and it can be helpful to engage and learn from them.
- Learn about new projects or plans – if you want to know how to engage with campus through different opportunities, this could be a way to connect. There’s no pressure to engage in a specific way. If cute stickers and prizes excite you, then that’s a valid reason to show up!
How can I make the most of the Wellness Café as a student?
Gurleen: It's all about support and connection. I know many students and people in general need baseline support and connection for growth in academics, careers and health and wellness.
I encourage every student to:
- Share some aspect of your story judiciously with the intention for impact.
- Get inspired by others’ stories and learn practical ways to thrive in academics while balancing life.
- Build momentum by continuing these conversations and creating your own spaces for personal Wellness Cafés with people you interact with.
Zainab: The Wellness Café celebrates our campuses coming together to strengthen mental health supports for students. And like any good celebration, it comes with wholesome, stress-busting games plus snacks and swag to enjoy along the way.
To make the most out of the experience, come with an open mind and curiosity to explore diverse ways to support your own wellness and that of your peers.
Life can get busy, and often we forget to take the time to have meaningful conversations about wellness and well-being. These gatherings are great spaces to slow down, reflect and listen to one another. In the process, we discover both our shared experiences and the diverse perspectives that shape them.
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