Register now for May Hokie Wellness programs

From: Hokie Wellness

Hokie Wellness offers a range of programs during May. They include:

Mental Health First Aid: This class takes the fear and hesitation out of starting conversations about mental health and substance use by improving understanding and providing an action plan that teaches people to safely and responsibly identify and address issues as they arise.   

• May 3, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. (online): Registration is required.
• May 21, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.: Registration is required. The class will be held at the North End Center.

May 7, 11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m.: Mindfulness, Meditation and Movement (online): Take a break from your day to learn more about the importance of mindfulness, practice meditations, and participate in chair yoga from the comfort of your office. Registration is required. 

May 8, 11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m.: Liven up your Lunchbox (online): Need help with packing your lunch? Learn why a healthy lunch is important and strategies for success. Resources will be provided. Registration is required.

May 9, 12-1 p.m.: Healthy Boundaries for Professionals (hybrid): Explore and practice setting healthy boundaries in the workplace while emphasizing communication and connection. Particular focus in this workshop will be given to support faculty and staff who are often underserved and underrepresented. The in-person workshop will be held at the North End Center. Registration is required.

May 13, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: Six Dimensions of Well-being (online): Learn more about the dimensions of well-being and how to intentionally incorporate each into daily life. You will assess ways in which you are currently tending to each dimension as well as identify areas for improvement with clear tips and action steps. Registration is required.

Walk and Talks with Campus Leaders: Hokie Wellness invites leaders from across campus to join walks throughout the spring and summer. Come for the walk, community, and conversation. No registration is required.

• May 13, 12-1 p.m. - Join Amy Sebring, executive vice president and chief operating officer. Sebring is responsible for the leadership and coordination of the major administrative functions that support the university’s academic, research, and service missions. The group will meet at the stairs to Burruss Hall (facing the Drillfield).
• May 29, 12-1 p.m. - Join Jamie McGrath, director of the Rice Center for Leader Development, which oversees the academic program of the VIrginia Tech Corps of Cadets. The group will meet at the entrance to the North End Center. The walk includes a tour of the Corps Leadership and Military Science Building.

May 15, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.: Employee Appreciation and Hokie Wellness Fair: The event, held at Lane Stadium, will be filled with food, games, music, more than 75 health and wellness exhibitors, and more. Open to all faculty, staff, and non-student wage employees.

Mental Health Media Hour: Join us as we explore examples where TV and film reference mental health challenges and debunk myths and stereotypes about mental health along the way. Each program explores a different theme. Each class will be held both in person at various locations across the Blacksburg campus and via Zoom.

• May 16, 1-2 p.m. (hybrid): Registration is required.
• May 29, 12-1 p.m. (hybrid): Registration is required.

Planning for Baby (online): This program is for those expecting the birth of a child or for new parents of a child under three months of age. Topics to be discussed include benefits, leave, and resources available to new parents. Be sure to choose the appropriate date depending on your employee classification.

• May 20, 12-12:30 p.m. (for staff): Registration is required.
• May 21, 12:30-1 p.m. (for faculty): Registration is required.

May 21, 12-1:15 p.m.: Brain Break with Hokie Wellness: Take a brain break and make a DIY craft. For more details, visit the registration page. The workshop will take place at the North End Center. Registration is required.

May 30, 12-1 p.m.: “Improv” Your Communication: Explore the benefits of learning the foundational aspects of improvisation, and how those skills can be used to enhance communication in both personal and professional environments. The workshop will take place at the North End Center. Registration is required. 

May 31, 12-1 p.m.: Self-care Strategies to Avoid Burnout (hybrid): This workshop examines strategies we can engage with to recognize psychological and physical symptoms of stress. We will also practice identifying actions that can alleviate these stressors before escalating into burnout. The workshop will take place at the North End Center and via Zoom. Registration is required.