Unwind and Grow: Replenish Energy and Build Connections

A Wellness Retreat For UNH Employees 

When was the last time you put yourself first? When was the last time you took time for yourself? For many people, those questions may be difficult to answer. It is very rare we set time aside just to take care of ourselves and practice mindfulness. As our schedules get more and more hectic, and life gets in the way, we lose sight of what we need to be the best versions of ourselves.  

Health and Wellness has recognized this and decided to put together a spring wellness retreat for UNH employees on March 18th. The description of this event reads: “The only expectation is that you use this day to put yourself first so that you can offer yourself ease, comfort, and energy replenishment.” There are sessions occurring all day, but you can pick and choose which ones you attend, or attend them all. The schedule is as follows: 

• Welcome/Check-In: 8:30am – 9:00am  

• Session 1 (S1): 9:00am – 10:15am 

• Break: 10:15am –10:30am 

• Session 2 (S2): 10:30am –11:45am 

• Lunch On Your Own: 11:45am – 1:00pm 

• Session 3 (S3): 1:00pm – 2:15pm 

• Break: 2:15pm – 2:30pm 

• Session 4 (S4): 2:30pm – 3:45pm 

The day will take place in the Hamel Recreation Center (HRC). There are various sessions that will take place. Descriptions of each session are: 

• You Can’t Pour From an Empty Cup: Wellness to Replenish Your Energy: This session is designed to provide participants an opportunity to look at their personal wellness and give them better ways to cope with stress. Participants will learn about the 8 elements of wellness and be guided through activities to make them more aware of how full their lives are, and where they can actively bring more balance to their wellbeing.  

• Beating Burnout. This session will discuss the complex nature of burnout and dismantle the oversimplified definition of “being burnt out”. Participants will be introduced to Dr. Jancita Jimenez’s 3-step process for beating burnout, which assesses their own burnout and how to actively replenish themselves.  

• Partnering with Yourself to Find Ease from Stress. This session will allow participants to face and ease their stress, rather than minimize it and push it away. Participants will also learn the science behind stress and how to use mind-body connection to experience stress relief.  

• Intuitive Eating: A Non-Diet Approach to Eating. Participants will be introduced to the 10 principles of intuitive eating, and learn practical skills to apply it into their own lives.  

• Self-Compassion Yoga and Meditation. Participants will be introduced to the science behind self-compassion, and will utilize breath, yoga postures, and meditation to practice ways they can be more compassionate towards themselves. No prior yoga experience is necessary, and the HRC will supply all equipment. 

Taking time for yourself is one the most beneficial things you can do. Making yourself a priority will not only improve your own life, but will allow you to be a better friend and loved one to those around you. Clear your schedule on March 18th and take care of yourself, because you deserve it. You can register for the event here!