Written by Kelly J. Nelson ’10
Students relax doing crafts at the 2009 Chill Out and Wellness Fair. (Photo by Alex Messenger ’10)
Getting a massage, relaxing, and sipping tea were just a few of the options at the ninth annual Gustavus Chill Out and Wellness Fair held Nov. 6, 2009. The goal? Encouraging students and staff to be healthy, happy, relaxed people.
Chaplain Rachel Larson, a member of the 2009 wellness fair planning board, explains how self-improvement leads to other-improvement. “As we each struggle to make our mark on the world, it is crucial to take time to receive care and learn how we can better care for ourselves. In this way we can better care for others,” she says.
The fair managed to offer a relaxing atmosphere despite the hum of 400 or so students and staff who were visiting the many organizations, clubs, student groups, and vendors that come from the St. Peter and Gustavus communities.
Students unwind at the 2009 Chill Out and Wellness Fair. (Photo by Alex Messenger '10)
Along with the plethora of health and wellness information and activities at each table in the banquet rooms, two other rooms were set aside simply for relaxing. The Board Room operated as a massage studio and the Presidents Dining Room offered a tranquil space for visitors to sit and share tea and stories, create meaningful crafts, or chat and nibble on healthy snacks.
Event organizers wanted students and staff to come away with an enhanced appreciation for themselves and some new tools for achieving wellness.
“This event is a perfect remedy for the frantic pace of the semester and offers a wonderful opportunity to relax,” says Anna Swenson ’12 who was a student coordinator of the event with Emily Kuenker ’10. “The Chill Out also reminds us of the importance of taking care of ourselves — mentally, physically, and emotionally.”