LiveWell
Supporting students in achieving a balanced and healthy lifestyle.
October 2010
wellness.ucsd.edu
Get in THE ZONE!
What’s So Funny?
How laughter saves lives
Back to School Beat the blues
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New to Price Center Plaza
BEATING THE BACK-TO-SCHOOL BLUES (YES, YOU CAN)
The summer comes crashing to a close, and it’s time to open the books. To some of us, this can be a depressing time. The academic school year—waking up early, running around campus all day, and studying all night—is not always a “picnic,” nor “a piece of cake.” But there are plenty of ways to make your day more tasty. ake up happy. Sometimes a little morning incentive makes all the difference: W tea, cereal, stretching, music, singing in the shower. Say “good morning,” and smile at yourself in the mirror when you brush your teeth. et in The Zone. This new wellness programming space in Price Center Plaza is G a one-stop shop for garnering good feelings. From Therapy Dogs and Tai- Chi to healthy snacks and cozy naps, The Zone is the ultimate destination for a quick recharge. And you can fill your water bottle at The Hydration Station!
e mindful. You might be pondering over the past or fretting over the future. The B thing is, neither one of these circumstances actually exist in the present moment. You only have to be in one place at a time: the here and now. When you keep your attention focused on the reality what’s happening NOW, you operate much more effectively.
ake care of yourself. Get those seven hours of sleep every night. Move your body T and circulate your blood. Eat enough vegetables, fruits, and healthy proteins. Remember that any toxins you dump into your body also pollute your mind... and that’s a terrible thing to waste.
eep a positive attitude. What you think becomes what you feel and what you K feel becomes your experience. Visualize success and believe in your ability to get things done well. Every challenge is another opportunity to impress yourself!
What is The Zone? Glad you asked. The Zone is a space for snack-sized Wellness programs designed to introduce resources and build skills for students to flourish. Brought to you by The Office of Student Wellness in collaboration with Recreation, Student Health Services, Counseling and Psychological Services, and the Sexual Assualt and Violence Prevention Resource Center, The Zone is a one-stop wellness shop that helps you thrive in every dimension. We offer “snack-sized” wellness programs that fit into any schedule! And with no additional costs or contracts, it’s easy to drop in and discover something new. Examples of programs include Laughter Yoga, stress relief, personal safety, money management, Tai Chi, healthy cooking, meditation, therapy dogs, biofeedback, health checkups, nap-ins, and a weekly open mic! Our fresh daily menu brings you an improved sense of balance, increases fulfillment, nourishes mind and body, releases tension, and creates fun social opportunities. And that’s not all…The Zone is a green space; LEED-certified for construction with sustainable, non-toxic materials, energy efficiency, and innovation in design. The Zone is located in Price Center Plaza between Jamba Juice and The Box Office, and open Monday to Thursday from 10:00 am to 7 pm, and Fridays from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Visit our website for more information and a detailed calendar of events!
zone.ucsd.edu
Come sample our fresh daily variety of hand-picked
wellness offerings!
HAPPY HOUR Don't miss our fabulous cocktail-free party.
From snacks and music to crafts and games, this hour is for you. Stop in, relax, and recharge your battery! Every day from 12:00-1:00 p.m.
THERAPY FLUFFIES Come pat your favorite pup!
Research shows that petting a dog can put an instant smile on your face, so we bring you the world's sweetest and most loving canine companions. Thursdays from 1:00-2:00 p.m.
LAUGHTER YOGA Join renowned Laughter Yoga instructor Michael Coleman for 30
minutes of side-splitting giggles. It's a highly efficient way to have fun, burn calories, make friends, relieve stress, and massage the internal organs. Laughter is the fruit of the soul, and ripe for the picking! Fridays from 3:00-3:30 p.m.
MEDITATION HOUR In the midst of all the coming and going and doing, just being
is one of the single most powerful practices you can possibly develop. Meditation helps to bring your thinking mind into line, increasing your effectiveness in every area of your life. All you have to do is show up. Tuesdays from 10:00-11:00 a.m.
MINI YOGA WORKSHOP Increase flexibility and stamina while toning your muscles in
this half-a-yoga workshop! Mondays from 4:00-4:30 p.m.
TAI CHI This ancient martial art balances and strengthens the body's energy flow,
providing more clarity and focus to your day. Fridays on the lawn from 3:00-4:00 p.m.
NAP-INS Running low on energy? A power nap in The Zone can work wonders in your
day. Bring a friend and take a load off. Teddy bears and blankets provided at no extra charge. Tuesdays from 4:00-5:00 p.m.
SOAPBOX SESSIONS The hottest open mic on campus! If you have something to
share, step up. All genres and styles are welcome, from music to poetry to comedy and everything in between. Thursdays from 6:00-7:00 p.m.
o S s ’ t ? a y h n W n u F If you happen to stroll past The Zone on a Friday between 3:00 and 3:30 p.m., you will see a group of people inside, giggling hysterically. You will wonder what’so funny. The answer is, nothing. They’re laughing for the sake of laughter itself and the physical and mental benefit that’s in it. Laughter Yoga was started with a handful of participants in 1995 by Dr. Madan Kataria at a park in India. It has since grown into a worldwide phenomenon with more than 6000 laughter groups in about 60 countries! The concept is simple and contagious. Deep breathing and silly games combine to increase the supply of oxygen in the blood, boost the immune system, recharge the metabolism, and leave you feeling fresh and energized. Laughing, especially for “no reason,” undermines the thinking mind that tends towards frumpiness in high stress environments (UCSD, anyone?). It awakens the natural mechanism of joyful play that exists in each of us. And laughter has no language or cultural barriers; it truly brings people together. In fact, the impact of laughter is so profound that participants report an increased ability to cope with stress, relief from chronic pain, and a reduction in depression. The first encounter with Laugher Yoga may feel a bit strange, like any new skill. But then something clicks and you’re rolling in genuine, heart-expanding chuckles. It might just become your favorite Friday afternoon activity. Come and see!
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The LiveWell Blog (A fun read that’s guaranteed to feed your mind.)
The LiveWell Blog is updated weekly with articles and news bulletins to keep you thriving!
Productivity and time management Loving and honoring the real you Maintaining a body that is healthy, happy, and strong Balancing your budget Living green Getting the most out of career resources and opportunities Awakening to your purpose and passion Cultivating healthy relationships & much, much more!
Words of Wellness Healing is a matter of time, but it is sometimes also a matter of opportunity. -- Hippocrates
Office of Student Wellness Student Services Building 5th Floor, Suite 562 (858) 822-7618 Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 am to 4:30 pm wellness.ucsd.edu