Wellness Week activities help MC students optimize their physical, mental health

Wellness Week at MC teaches students how to care for their physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health.

A substantial amount of peer-reviewed research and national survey data indicate that many college students experience significant stress, burnout and mental health challenges that can affect learning, retention and daily functioning.

For the third year, Mississippi Christian University is offering a weeklong series of events to help students learn how to take care of themselves and cope with the demands and pressures associated with college life.

Wellness Week, a multidisciplinary partnership between the MC Office of Mental Health Services and the MC Office of Student Wellbeing, will host the series from Monday to Thursday, Oct. 5 to 8, on the Clinton campus. It coincides with Athletic Mental Health Week – also known as Peak Week for student-athletes – so MC Athletics has joined the effort this year.

“We get so busy with classes and other responsibilities that we don’t take time to take care of our health,” explained Jenny Crutchfield, director of Mental Health Services at MC. “Wellness Week is a friendly reminder that students, faculty and staff need to take care of themselves, especially when they feel overwhelmed or caught up in the craziness of life.

“We’ve partnered with the Office of Student Wellbeing because it’s important for us to reach the whole student. It’s important for them to learn techniques that they can do to help take care of themselves physically and mentally.”

Carly Gadman, director of the MC Office of Student Wellbeing, said Wellness Week helps MC students understand how much the University cares about every aspect of their wellbeing, whether physical, mental or spiritual.

“Wellness Week leads up to Wellness Day on Friday,” Gadman said, “so our hope is that by engaging in these events, students will be as prepared as possible to rest and reset over the long weekend.”

Crutchfield said Wellness Week activities provide an enjoyable experience for MC students while also teaching them how to take a few minutes each day to pause and focus on themselves.

“Counseling is great, but it’s also important to find little pockets of time to stop, take some breaths, figure out what brings you joy, and learn to take care of your mental health,” she said. “Sometimes we don't realize that some of these things are right at our fingertips and can help us, whether simply taking a walk around campus, doing a craft or playing a game with friends.

“Find those little things that bring you happiness, because if we don't take time for ourselves, that's when we get overwhelmed and stressed and we start to deteriorate. We want students to find things that they can do to help them before they get to that place.”

Wellness Week activities include:

Monday, Oct. 5

“Express Yourself,” 7:30 a.m., B.C. Rogers Student Center front patio (for students); outside the A.E. Wood Coliseum (for student-athletes)

Students can express themselves by writing encouraging messages on cups of their favorite warm beverages to remind them to enjoy the day God has given them.

“We want them to express their feelings in a positive way,” Crutchfield said. “When you have early classes, sometimes it’s hard to get going. We want to give them a nice little treat to start their week and to remember to be thankful for what they have.”

Tuesday, Oct. 6

Massage truck, all day, Pedestrian Street

MC students can feel their tension slipping away when they recline in one of six massage chairs and treat themselves to a relaxing experience.

“People can experience stress in different areas of the body,” Crutchfield said. “A massage is a great way to release tension, relax for a few minutes and take a deep breath.”

Wellness Fair for student-athletes, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., A.E. Wood Coliseum

Organizations from on- and off-campus will provide information on a variety of healthful topics, including physical training, nutrition and mental health, to optimize MC student-athletes’ conditioning and performance.

“Based on a survey of our student-athletes, we created a wellness fair that addresses issues that most piqued their interest,” Crutchfield said. “It’s going to be an engaging event where student-athletes can learn about these different aspects of their health.”

Wednesday, Oct. 7

“Sip and Reset” (for MC faculty and staff), 7:30 a.m., Nelson Hall first-floor foyer

Students aren’t the only people on campus who experience stress. MC faculty and staff are invited to pick up a hot beverage and enjoy some lively conversation before tackling their workday.

Game Night, 9 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., Alumni Hall Upper Commons

Students can participate in two interactive games – Bingo for Balance and Grab the Mic – designed to foster a sense of community.

“As individuals, we were not made to always spend time by ourselves,” Crutchfield said. “Games can be a good way for students to step out of their comfort zone, have a good time and build relationships. A little competition can be good for us, too.”

Thursday, Oct. 8

Bag Bling Bar, 11 a.m., B.C. Rogers front patio

MC students can wind down their Wellness Week by bedazzling their backpacks or decorating their denim by crafting custom-made buttons and other accessories at the Bag Bling Bar.

“Crafts are a nice, relaxing way to sit in the moment,” Crutchfield said. “Students can use their hands and minds to create something that they love while also taking care of their mental health.”