Graphic by Asyrique Thevendran/The Gazelle

A guided meditation activity on the Highline kicked-off Wellness Week. The event was organized by Brittany McDaniel and Layla Al Neyadi from Residential Education with the assistance of the Spiritual Life team and Associate Director of Mental Health Promotion Tina Wadhwa.

The guided meditation was followed the next day with tips on how to de-stress and a short mindfulness activity led by Wadhwa. The rest of the five-day program focused on healthy eating and embracing your body and included activities like the screening of “Forks over Knives” and a small activity in which students were asked to reflect on what they liked about their body and why. Pictures with these statements were later shared on social media. Finally, The week wrapped up with the 5K Run/Walk on campus and a reflection on possible ways to change and improve one’s well-being. Wellness week took place from Nov. 23 to 29.

“Although the turn up for the first activity, Meditation on the High Line, was low, I enjoyed the guided meditative exercises because it was nice to just sit on the grass and focus on your inner spirit,” commented freshman Ritu Muralidharan.

These activities were complemented by programing from REACH, a peer support group focused on addressing mental health issues and learning how to deal with them in an effective and healthy way.

“The support group started this semester in response to the need for more counselors on campus”, said Annalisa Galgano, sophomore and REACH co-founder.

Some activities organized by REACH this semester include the Pet-student mixer, the monthly Tranquil Tuesdays and a short dance mixer during the Long Night Against Procrastination event in the Library.

“We are aiming to do bi-weekly events so as a group we are in the eyes and minds of students and they are aware that REACH is there if they need support or help,” said senior and REACH member Krushika Uday Patankar.

“Shifting to a new place, meeting people from different cultural backgrounds, dealing with classes and being surrounded by people who are equally talented as you is difficult and it is okay to ask for help,” emphasized Patankar.