Connecting gratuity to well-being

Stress and anxiety rises in students as the semester continues bringing along midterms and more. The overwhelming amount of expectations that we have set for ourselves slowly takes over as the weeks go on. But this can be stopped and subdued with a little self-care and love. Gratitude comes from the Latin word “gratus” meaning pleasing and thankful. Gratitude is a feeling of appreciation shown through kindness, gifts or love.

Gratitude comes from within. A self-value through one’s own reflection. Reflect on what you’re grateful for through a gratuity journal. Gratuity journals are shown to improve overall happiness in just two weeks. Writing an entry at least three times a week has the most effect and will help you reflect on the happiness in life. Connecting gratuity to your well-being can help bring joy in your life. Take time for mindfulness and live throughout your days knowing that you did enough and that you still have more to give.

Join us on for a variety of events in which we are reflecting on ourselves and our mental health. During Rowan Campus Rec’s Stress Less week we will be offering a variety of different activities that can help you take care of yourself during finals. Join us on Thursday, December 13^th for Succulents & Self Care where we will be planting succulents in the L-Shape Room of the Rec Center. On Friday, December 14^th we are hosting Smoothies & Movie so you can take a study break and enjoy a smoothie and a holiday movie. We will also have the group exercise room at the Rec Center open from 6-10pm that night as a meditation space. To close out finals, we will have Snack Stations from 5-9pm in the Rec Center lobby on Monday the 17^th and Tuesday the 18^th where you can stop by and grab a snack and a coffee to recharge you for that final push to make it through the week. For a full list of Stress Less events visit our website and be sure to check out all our free group fitness classes happening finals week as well. 

Loving yourself and others as selfless and as fully as you can will bring about a true sense of happiness in your world. “No matter the stresses in your life, you gotta take a step back and realize there’s a lot to be grateful for.” - Jasmin

-SM