Thrive Environmental Wellbeing Blog Post | by, Brian Cohen and DeDee Johnston

We often think of the environment as some “other” place – an undisturbed place where we might go to hike, fish, or view wildlife. We forget that our environment is all that surrounds us. It is the spaces we inhabit. It is the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the land that feeds us.

Humans, as a species, are able to exist because of the ecosystem services that support life. These services that range from pollination to water purification are free to us, and they are also invaluable. Trees, for example, are the lungs of the planet, as they draw in carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and produce oxygen. They filter pollutants from storm water, store carbon, provide shade to regulate heat, and offer habitat for innumerable species. Trees also provide us with beauty, wonder, and awe. In the words of poet Khalil Gibran, “Trees are poems that earth writes upon the sky.”

As you walk around campus this month, you’ll notice yellow tags hanging from many of the trees that capture the hearts of visitors the first time they visit our campus. Take a moment to read about the benefits trees provide and to appreciate their beauty.

March 19-24 marks Earth Week at Wake Forest, a time to show our appreciation for the many services that our planet provides. We celebrate our suburban forests, our waterways, the landscapes that surround us, and our connection to them all. Inspired by Terry Tempest Williams’s quote, “finding beauty in a broken world is creating beauty in the world we find,” this week-long celebration is a time for us to reflect on the ways we can protect and heal the ecosystems that support life. Join us for the following events.

SUNDAY, MARCH 19
Celebration of Spring: Vernal Equinox
2:00 – 4:00 pm | Campus Garden
Kick off Earth Week by celebrating the Spring Equinox at the Campus Garden. Share and enjoy short stories, poems, essays, and songs about our relationship to spring, growth, beginnings, resistance, and healing. In addition to sharing stories, music, and food, you are invited to express your creativity by painting a banner to showcase your love and appreciation for trees. Student organizations are encouraged to register as groups to paint their banners. All materials will be provided by the Office of Sustainability. Banners will be displayed on the Upper Quad throughout the week-long celebration.

MONDAY, MARCH 20
Bike Tune-Ups
12:00 – 3:00 pm | Green space in front of ZSR
We’ve teamed up with Outdoor Pursuits, Ken’s Bike Shop, and the Cycling Club to host a free bicycle tune-up station on campus. Stop by the green lawn in front of the ZSR Library where bike mechanics from Ken’s Bike Shop will pump up your tires, make minor fixes and adjustments, and offer advice on larger repairs that cannot be done on the spot.

TUESDAY, MARCH 21
Just Eat It: Waste-Not Cooking Class
4:00 – 6:00 pm | Campus Kitchen Lounge
Don’t toss it — eat it!  Ever wonder whether or not you should eat something after the “best by” date? Learn more about reducing your food waste while also making something delicious and nutritious. Campus Kitchen, Thrive, and the Office of Sustainability are joining forces for a unique cooking class by cooking with food that might normally go to waste. This class is open to all students, staff, and faculty. Register on the PDC website; space is limited.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 22
Campus Sustainability Awards
4:00 pm | Reynolda Hall Green Room
Join us in recognizing the work of those who have enhanced the culture of sustainability within the campus community at the fourth annual Champions of Change: Campus Sustainability Awards ceremony on March 22. Staff, faculty, and students will be awarded for their work in the following categories: resource conservation, academics and engagement, service and social action, leadership, and bright ideas. We look forward to celebrating the work of sustainable change agents across campus. RSVP here.

THURSDAY, MARCH 23
Leadership Project Rally with Donna Edwards
1:30 pm | Lower Quad
Former Maryland congresswoman and Wake Forest graduate Donna Edwards has spent the last few months on an RV road trip to state and national parks. Her ultimate goal is to raise awareness of parks in communities of color. Students, faculty, staff, and community members are invited to engage with Congresswoman Edwards and learn more about her political life, community activism, and travels on March 23 during a rally on the Mag Quad. Later that day, Edwards will be speaking as part of the Leadership Project at 6:00 p.m.in Farrell Hall’s Broyhill Auditorium. More information can be found here.

FRIDAY, MARCH 24
Campus Beautification Day
3:30 – 5:30 pm | Reynolda Village Trailhead
Celebrate Arbor Day and Tu B’Shevat, the Jewish New Year for Trees, at the Reynolda Village trailhead. The event kicks off with a tree planting ceremony. Following the ceremony, volunteers will roll up their sleeves to beautify the woods and creek head surrounding the Reynolda Village trail. Afterwards, all participants will enjoy a cookout featuring grass-fed beef burgers and veggie burgers. Register to participate and receive an Earth Week t-shirt and a chance to win prizes for group participation.

MONDAY, MARCH 20 – FRIDAY, MARCH 24
Get Caught Green-Handed
Throughout the week, individuals who are “caught green-handed” making environmentally conscious decisions will receive a sticker or temporary tattoo. Decisions might include riding bikes, taking the campus shuttles, eating at The Pit’s new vegan station, pledging to reduce energy and water use on campus, or using reusable water bottles, coffee mugs, and shopping bags.

Thrive Spiritual Wellbeing Blog Post | by, Virginia Christman

What are we talking about when we talk about spirituality?

Spirituality and spiritual wellbeing are interpersonal, intrapersonal, communal, and sometimes ineffable (beyond words).

The definition can be as varied as the people in the world.  One possible way to define spirituality is purposeful actions that individuals or communities practice in order to expand and deepen awareness and to connect with ourselves, the world around us, and God or a Higher Power.

If spirituality is about connectedness, then my own spiritual wellbeing is connected to the wellbeing of everyone else around me.  If there are those around me that are not well, how can I be truly well without working for their wellness also?

Take a few moments to reflect on these passages from a variety of philosophical and faith traditions:

Bahá’i Tradition of Alleviating Poverty (Abdu’l-Bahá, Foundations of World Unity) Spiritual conditions are not dependent upon the possession of worldly treasures or the absence of them…Each one of you must have great consideration for the poor and render them assistance. Organize in an effort to help them and prevent increase of poverty.

Buddhist Tradition of Alleviating Poverty (Itivuttaka 18) If beings knew, as I know, the fruit of sharing gifts, they would not enjoy their use without sharing them, nor would the taint of stinginess obsess the heart and stay there. Even if it were their last bit, their last morsel of food, they would not enjoy its use without sharing it, if there were anyone to receive it.

Christian Tradition of Alleviating Poverty (1 John 3:17-18) If anyone has material possessions and sees their brother and sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in them? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongues, but with actions and in truth.

Hindu Tradition of Alleviating Poverty (The Ramayana) In the kingdom of God there is no premature death or suffering, everyone is healthy and beautiful. No one lives in poverty and want; no one is without learning or virtue.

Jewish Tradition of Alleviating Poverty (Deuteronomy 4:19-22) When you cut down your harvest in your field, and have forgotten a sheaf in the field, you shall not go again to fetch it; it shall be for the stranger, for the orphan, and for the widow; that the Lord your G-d may bless you in all the work of your hands…And you shall remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt; therefore I command you to do this thing.

Muslim Tradition of Alleviating Poverty (Qur’an 24:22) Those who have been graced with bounty and plenty should not swear that they will [no longer] give to kin, the poor, those who emigrated in God’s way: let them pardon and forgive. Do you not wish that God should forgive you? God is most forgiving and merciful.

Secular Humanist Tradition of Alleviating Poverty (A. Philip Randolph) A community is democratic only when the humblest and weakest person can enjoy the highest civil, economic, and social rights that the biggest and most powerful possess.

Sikh Tradition of Alleviating Poverty (Guru Granth Sahib) Those who remember God generously help others.

Each of these traditions points out that as you consider your own spiritual wellbeing, remember that it cannot be separated from the wellbeing of others.  If you look around and see others who are suffering, working for your wellness means working for theirs as well.

Thrive Physical Wellbeing Blog Post | by, Kate Ruley

Mindfulness has gained quite a bit of attention in recent months, and for good reason. Our society is becoming so fast-paced that we are not always engaged with our immediate surroundings and activities. The mindfulness movement encourages us to take a step back and make the state of being mindful more of a regular habit, rather than constantly multitasking or juggling several activities at one time.

Nowhere is this more apparent than with our eating. Have you ever watched a child eat? They have a precious innate ability to listen to their body’s cues for things like fullness, taste and hunger that many of us lose as adults. Children are natural intuitive eaters. Ellyn Satter, a well-known researcher, author, dietitian, and family therapist is an expert in feeding and eating. According to Satter, “Eating Competence is being positive, comfortable, and flexible with eating as well as matter-of-fact and reliable about getting enough to eat of enjoyable food. Even though they don’t worry about what and how much to eat, competent eaters do better nutritionally, are more active, sleep better, and have better medical tests. They are more self-aware and self-accepting, not only with food, but in all ways. To be a competent eater, be relaxed, self-trusting, and joyful about eating, and take good care of yourself with food.”

Satter goes on to describe a basic framework for eating naturally:

Feed yourself faithfully. Reassure yourself you will be fed. Structure is the supportive framework for taking care of yourself with food.

• Take time to eat.
• Develop a meal and snack routine that works for you.
• Include foods you truly enjoy. Don’t worry about lists of food-to-eat and food-to-avoid.
• Make eating times pleasant. Relax. Pay attention. Take your time.
• Experiment with new food when you get ready; take it slowly.

Give yourself permission to eat. Reassure yourself: “It’s all right to eat. I just need to sit down and enjoy.”

• Eat what you want. Your body needs variety and your soul needs pleasure.
• Eat as much as you want. Your body knows how much it needs to eat.
• Go to meals and snacks hungry (not starved) and eat until you truly feel like stopping.
• Pay attention to your food. Taste it! Enjoy it!
• Eat it if it tastes good; don’t if doesn’t!

Notice as you learn and grow. Becoming a competent eater is a process, and it takes time. As you combine structure with giving yourself permission to eat, you will find your eating falling into place.

• You feel good about your eating and are reliable about seeing to it that you get fed.
• You get better and better at eating as much as you are hungry for.
• You eat fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and other nutritious foods because you enjoy them, not because you have to.
• Having “forbidden foods” at meals and snacks makes them ordinary foods to eat in ordinary ways.
• Big servings don’t make you overeat. You eat it all if you want to, not if you don’t.

Eating in this mindful manner not only improves our overall wellbeing it frees us to develop a positive relationship with food, one based on nourishment and love. By doing so we can enjoy eating in a much deeper more meaningful way allowing us to reap the physical and emotional benefits of the foods we enjoy.

Thrive Occupational Wellbeing Blog Post | by, Allison E. McWilliams

Great mentoring relationships are a gift. Effective mentors pour into our lives with wisdom, with opportunities, with feedback on our

Allison E. McWilliams
Director, Mentoring Resource Center
Alumni Personal and Career Development

strengths and weaknesses, and they give us dedicated, safe space to take risks and to reflect on key learning moments. The truth is, none of us can be successful alone. We all need a support system to push us when needed, to lift us up when we inevitably stumble, and to cheer us on as we succeed. And, we don’t just need one mentor to do all of this for us, but a network of mentors, a team of people in our corner.

Why a network? Several reasons. First, effective mentors perform two critical functions. The first type of mentor performs career-related functions. These mentors help with socialization to a new organization or job function, give feedback on professional skill development, and help with career planning. The second type of mentor is the psychosocial mentor. This person helps the individual explore his or her identify, values, beliefs and how he or she is creating meaning in his or her life. As you can see, these are very different functions that easily could require multiple mentors. You might get lucky and find one person who can perform all of these roles, but it’s not likely.

As well, careers have changed, and it’s no longer common to stay at one organization for thirty years (or more) until retirement. Individuals are expected to take a more entrepreneurial mindset towards their own careers, seeking out developmental opportunities where they can. A diverse set of mentors will create more opportunities than a singular mentor can do alone. Additionally, a more diverse set of mentors provides a more diverse world view, creating greater opportunities for learning and for growth. Finally, a truly effective mentoring relationship is a deep investment of time and emotional resources. Having more than one mentor ensures that no one individual must carry the weight of that investment, alone. 

So where, and how, does one build his or her mentoring network? There are several key steps in this process:

1. Get to know yourself. Spend some time reflecting on your strengths and opportunities for growth. What is it that you are missing? Before you ask anyone to invest their time in you, it’s important that you are clear on what your needs are.
2. Set some goals. Once you have identified your needs, then set some clear developmental goals for yourself. How will these goals help you to meet those needs? What steps will you need to take to make them happen?
3. Identify the individuals you currently know who can help you to accomplish those goals. Chances are, there already are several individuals in your network who can serve in this role for you. Be clear on what you are asking for: “I’m looking for someone to serve as a mentor to me as I take on a new project management role, and as someone who has successfully managed several projects, you clearly stood out to me as someone who would be a great fit. I would like to meet with you once a month for the duration of the project and share my goals, challenges, and successes, and seek out your feedback and wise counsel.”

Don’t get caught up in finding the “perfect” mentor; no such thing exists. The number one, hands-down, best qualification of someone to be your mentor is someone who is willing and able to invest the time in you. That’s it.

Finally, as a mentee, you build great mentoring relationships by doing several simple, but important things:

• Keep your commitments. Show up when you say you will, on time and prepared.
• Be willing to share and to listen. Mentoring is a two-way conversation.
• Ask for feedback and resist the temptation to defend yourself.
• Take ownership for your growth and development. A mentor is there to facilitate your growth and development, not do the work for you.

Developing great mentoring relationships is one of the most valuable steps we can take on our journey of occupational well-being. It is an investment in ourselves and others. It is, truly, a gift both given and received.

By the Safe Office (Benson 129, montplbf@nullwfu.edu, urgent 24/7: 336.758.5285)

The Safe Office is excited to announce the launch of the Red Flag Campaign for the month of October in partnership with the LGBTQ Center, Women’s Center, Intercultural Center, and University Counseling Center and in recognition of October as Relationship Violence Awareness Month. The Red Flag Campaign promotes awareness and skills through a bystander intervention strategy to address and prevent sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking on college campuses. Activities and visuals on campus throughout the month of October will encourage friends and campus community members to say something when they see warning signs (“red flags”) in relationships of all kinds.

Everyone deserves to be in safe and healthy relationships; healthy relationships have trust, support, respect, equality, and fun.

So, are your relationships healthy? We encourage you to ask yourself these questions:

• Are you completely and fully accepted by the other(s)?
• When making decisions, do you have an equal voice?
• Are you emotionally, mentally and physically safe?
• Do the important people in your life support and cherish the relationship?
• Do you feel secure in the relationship when the other is spending time with friends?

In a healthy relationship, the answer to all of these questions is, ‘yes!’ Relationships may have ups and downs, but healthy relationships consist of individuals committed to each other and willing to work to communicate effectively and listen to each other’s desires.

What are some of the red flags that a relationship is unhealthy?

• Physical violence of any kind, to any degree, and for any reason
• Forcing or bullying one to participate in an unwanted sexual act(s)
• Threats, insults, or humiliation
• Controlling who one can and cannot spend time with and when
• Monitoring phone, email, social media accounts, or other personal information and passwords
• Forcing one to buy or pay for things
• Threat of outing one or sharing a secret if they leave the relationship
• Causing academic/club/sport performance to suffer for the relationship

If you notice these flags in one of your relationships, know that you are not alone and there are resources available to help.

If you’re concerned for yourself:

• Get to a safe place
• Acknowledge that you are in an unhealthy relationship
• Acknowledge that you deserve to be treated with respect and care
• Commit to taking action towards leaving the relationship
• Get professional help (e.g. Safe Office, University Counseling Center, University Police)

The Red Flag Campaign encourages bystanders to recognize healthy and unhealthy relationships, and if you’re concerned for a friend, there are resources for you, too. It is never easy to see someone we care about hurting, but here are some tips for helping a friend or loved one in an unhealthy relationship.

If you’re concerned for a friend:

• Tell them directly that you are concerned about their relationship and give specific and objective examples for the reasons why
• Tell them that they deserve to be treated with respect and care
• If someone is in danger, be the person to say, “That isn’t right” and call 911
• Suggest professional help (e.g. Safe Office, University Counseling Center, Campus Police)
• Seek support for yourself (e.g. Safe Office, University Counseling Center, Chaplain’s Office).

Every student deserves to feel safe and supported. If ever you have concern for your safety or someone else’s, please call Wake Forest University Police at 336.758.5911 for immediate assistance. The Safe Office (Benson 129) is available for students 24/7 at 336.758.5285 to confidentially respond to urgent needs, assist students as they evaluate their options, and support them as they begin the healing process for concerns of sexual misconduct (including difficult or complicated relationships). The University Counseling Center (Reynolda 118) is available for students at 336.758.5273 during business hours and by contacting Student Health Service or University Police for afterhours crisis assistance.

To make a report of dating/domestic violence, please contact University Police at 336.758.5591 to file a police report or the Title IX Office (Reynolda 2) at 336.758.7258 to file a University report.

For additional information about the Red Flag Campaign happening at WFU or to talk more about relationships, please contact the Safe Office.

Assistant Director, Student Organizations and Programs

Let’s get social! I was so excited to be given the opportunity to write this post because I truly believe in the power of social engagement – so much so that it is my job!  Studies show that building and maintaining relationships has a direct effect on an individual’s happiness. Social interaction can come in many forms, but it is important for all Wake Foresters to find their niche. Some examples of how I take care of my social wellbeing is by being involved in various committees at work that directly align with my passions, volunteering in the community, exercising with others, meeting friends and colleagues for coffee or lunch, engaging in social media, and by traveling.

As the Assistant Director for Student Organizations &Programs within the Office of Student Engagement here at Wake, my job is to help every Deacon find their place. Our office provides countless opportunities for involvement whether it be joining or starting a student organization, getting involved in the Fraternity & Sorority community, participating in leadership development programs like CHARGE or by attending one of the countless events and traditions planned by Student Union. All of the events we sponsor are open to the entire campus community.

The first few weeks of a new academic year play a major role in an individual’s social wellbeing. I hope that many of you have gotten a chance to start connecting with others and getting involved, but if you’re not quite sure where to start your engagement journey, check out our engagement platform, The Link, that has over 150 ways to get involved at Wake. You can also visit us in the Office of Student Engagement suite in Benson 335

Thrive Environmental Wellbeing Blog Post | -Jim Coffey

In 1947 while visiting the old campus, Dr. Walter Raphael Wiley (BS 1929, BS Med. 1930) and his wife, Monnie Louise McDaniel Wiley learned of the impending move of the University to Winston-Salem.  Mrs. Wiley wanted to establish a symbolic bridge between the old and the new campuses.  Being an avid gardener and loving the magnolias on the old campus she had her nephew, Robert Earl Williford, collect seeds from the magnolia trees on the old campus.  Mr. Williford enlisted the aid of Dr. Budd Smith, professor of biology, and the seeds were mailed to the Wileys in Chesterfield, SC.  Mrs. Wiley planted the seeds in a filled-in swimming pool on their property.

In 1956 when construction of the college buildings in Winston-Salem were underway, the magnolia trees in Chesterfield were about 5 feet tall.  Since 1947 when the seeds were pl
anted, it had taken three transplantings to get good root systems and have the trees ready to move to the new campus.  The administration then housed at Graylyn, graciously accepted Mrs. Wiley’s offer to donate the trees.  She and her son, Walter R. Wiley, Jr. balled the trees, put them in the back of a large station wagon, and drove them to Winston-Salem. They left the trees, approximately 20 of them, with the nursery/landscaping department on the new campus where she said “we unloaded them onto a large muddy hill.” The trees were planted a week later.  Thus began Magnolia Court behind Reynolda Hall.

Walter R. Wiley, Jr. is an alumnus of Wake Forest University 1964 and married an alumna (1963), Emily Florence Gray Wiley.  Mrs. Monnie Wiley’s granddaughter, Moonie Louise Bittle is an alumna BA in 1985 and MA in 1987.

In 1980, 50 years after he graduated from Wake Forest Medical School and 6 years before his death, Dr. Wiley received a sketch of Wait Chapel with the Inscription:

“ To Walter R. Wiley, M.D., Donor of the Magnolias, on the 50^th anniversary of his graduation from Medical school. J.A. Scales, President, Wake Forest, 1980.”

 By Jim Coffey

Thrive Spiritual Wellbeing Blog Post  | -Office of the Chaplain

Spirituality and spiritual wellbeing are interpersonal, intrapersonal, communal, and sometimes ineffable (beyond words).

The definition can be as varied as the people in the world.  One possible way to define spirituality is purposeful actions that individuals or communities practice in order to expand and deepen our awareness and to connect with ourselves, the world around us, and God or a Higher Power.

How have you defined spirituality in your own life and how does your definition differ from others?  How has it grown or changed during your Wake Forest University experience?

And how would you define or know how to recognize spiritual wellbeing?     

Take a few moments to reflect on this.

Consider that if you did just reflect, you may have been involved in a spiritual practice, a practice that could contribute to spiritual wellbeing.

There are many that argue that the entirety of life is a spiritual experience, but that isn’t necessarily guaranteed.  If spirituality is rooted in connection, then as we come to an awareness of the interconnectedness of life–of our inherent connectedness to other humans, to animals, to nature, to God or the Universe–we have greater potential for spiritual experience.

In other words, taking a walk can simply be physical exercise, or–with awareness and focused intention– it can be exercise AND an experience of spiritual reflection, prayer, or meditation that ultimately expands and deepens our ability to lovingly connect.  The intention and awareness that we bring to an action can transform it into a spiritual practice.  Awareness and intention matter.

Religion is the most common way that these actions have been organized and practiced throughout history so we often conflate religion with spirituality.  Many religions provide rich spiritual experience, however this is not always true.  While we regularly hear people describe themselves as “spiritual but not religious” it is equally possible to be “religious but not spiritual.”  Again, awareness and intention matter!

With this in mind, consider the variety of activities that could be spiritual practices:

• Meditation or prayer – alone or in groups
• Shared meals
• Focused breathing
• Exercising
• Chanting or mantras
• Singing
• Writing
• Taking a walk
• Playing an instrument
• Laughter
• Cleaning
• Cooking
• Serving others
• Walking a labyrinth
• Dancing
• Attending a conference or retreat
• Listening to music
• Engaging in conversation
• Formal worship
• Story telling
• Creating
• Learning
• Sharing
• Gratitude
• Practicing wonder and awe

What might you add to this list?

The Wake Forest Office of the Chaplain is a group of professionals who aim to create opportunities on campus that raise awareness and deepen connection whether on an individual, group, or community-wide basis.

We look forward to connecting and journeying together.
To your spiritual wellbeing!

Thrive Physical  Wellbeing Blog Post 1/20/2016 | -Max Floyd

Every weekday morning at 5am a friend of mine used to meet me on the street at the end of our driveway.  I would tiptoe my way through the house, step out onto the front porch and lace up my tennis shoes while he stretched.  Once I did a little warm up, we would set out into the dark on our morning runs. It was a great time of friendship and fitness.

Morning after morning we went on these runs.  At first we ran only two or three miles. Then, after a month or two we gradually increased the distance to four miles, then five and then eventually six mile runs per morning.  After about a year of doing this, my friend made a statement while running one morning which would change my running experience forever.  He issued a possibility that I never in my wildest imaginations ever thought that I could attain.  He said, “Max, you know that we have been running for a year now and you know what?  We could run a marathon.” Six months later on Thanksgiving morning, my friend and I were at the start of the Atlanta marathon.  3 hours and 22 minutes later I finished.”

All of my life, I have been a sprinter.  Before the marathon, I had never run more than six miles at one time.  Everything changed when a friend came alongside and uttered a possibility.  Someone once said that champions come in pairs.  There is something encouraging about looking across the room, the lab or the track and witness someone who is striving to do the same thing.  There is something about the sharpening which takes place when you have a friend who is willing to go there with you.  There is something life changing when you know that he or she will be there at 5am pulling towards a common goal that most think is too difficult to attain.

So I ask you, who are you meeting with on a regular basis? Who are you stretching and who is stretching you?  Who is in your life right now who has a common goal and is encouraging you to give it your absolute best? Who in your life, rain or shine, will be there at 5am no matter what, ready to run, ready to share, ready to encourage and ready to dream dreams with you?

An old Hebrew proverb says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.”  Who are you sharpening today?  We all need to receive it and we all need to give it.  Champions come in pairs. As Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams”. What are your dreams? And just as important, who shares them with you.  See you on the road.

Thrive Intellectual Wellbeing Blog Post 11/12/2015 | -Z. Smith Reynolds Library

10 Ways to De-Stress in Winston

November on Reynolda campus can be challenging: the weather forces you to stay indoors, the colorful leaves are down, end of semester exams and papers are rapidly approaching, and holidays are just around the corner.  It’s easy to feel overwhelmed with academics and work, like you’re always reading or writing.  But there are plenty of fun ways to de-stress in Winston-Salem and stay intellectually healthy!

1.) a/perture Cinema:  Located on 4th Street, across from Camino Bakery, a/perture always has an eclectic movie selection.  It’s a refreshing getaway from the traditional cinema experience—small theatres, locally produced snacks and beer (for those of age), and indie films!

2.) Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art (SECCA):  This spacious art gallery is tucked away in a neighborhood off of Reynolda Road.  The current exhibit (until January 17th, 2016), “Point and Counterpoint” is a wonderful display of contrasting symbols, paintings, videos, sculptures, and more.  Free to the public, SECCA is an underappreciated partner of the Wake Forest community.

3.) Reynolda House (and Village):  If you’re crunched for time, walk over to the Museum of American Art.  It’s free to WFU students, faculty, and staff.  The current exhibit is on American Impressionism and the Garden Movement.  Reynolda House will be closed for January and February for renovations and restoration, so go quickly!

4.) UNC School of the Arts Performances:  UNCSA features an amazing variety of concerts, plays, and dance performances in the Stevens Center downtown or on its campus.  They’re even performing The Nutcracker in December!  Tickets are reasonably priced for students, so check out their performance schedule if you have a free evening.

5.) Sawtooth School for Visual Art:  Feeling creative and hands-on?  Sawtooth has a great selection of craft, woodworking, ceramics, photography, and other visual arts courses.  Some are even designed for you to bring a friend and a bottle of wine (or other beverage of your choice).

6.) Yoga Classes:  There are plenty of opportunities for yoga around us.  Campus Recreation has a great deal for students, and faculty/staff for the remaining month of class.  There are also studios in Reynolda Village and downtown.  Explore your mind/body connection and go at your own pace!

7.) Old Salem: November 13 – December 19, 2015, Old Salem is hosting Christmas Candlelight Tours.  The Moravian community is even more beautiful with holiday decorations!  Plus, food, drink, games, and give-aways.

8.) WFU Theatre and Dance:  There are always things going on in Scales!  The fall dance concert is approaching at the end of the month and the theatre department just finished a spectacular version of The Importance of Being Earnest.

9.)    Visit Artivity (the art park downtown) and Trade Street:  You can catch a variety of festivals and art gallery open houses in the Art District of Winston-Salem.  Perfect for an afternoon stroll to get off campus with friends.    

10.)   Bailey Park:  Get to know the Innovation Quarter as Wake Forest expands!  Bailey Park has food trucks every Wednesday and Thursday, plus movies and concerts for special events.  A must-see urban greenery for everyone in Winston-Salem.