GPSS hosts Graduate Student Wellness Week, April 1-5

The Graduate and Professional Student Senate (GPSS) will host Graduate Student Wellness Week from April 1 to April 5. Throughout the week, different events will showcase the wellness resources available on Iowa State’s campus. The dates also coincide with National Graduate Student Appreciation Week.

Although many people think of wellness simply as a good diet and exercise, the GPSS hopes that Graduate Student Wellness Week will help students see wellness in a more multidimensional way. Every day of the week will focus on a different aspect of wellness, including physical, emotional, professional, financial, and social health.

“We planned diverse activities for the week, and we’ve tried to base them on [a graduate student’s] lifestyle,” said Jahyun Kim, a Ph.D. student at Iowa State and a wellness representative for GPSS.

A 2018 study in Nature Biotechnology found that graduate students are more likely than the general population to experience anxiety and depression. In addition, the students who report anxiety and depression feel that their work-life balance is inadequate. Graduate Student Wellness Week will highlight the many resources available to help students manage stress and find balance.

“When you’re in graduate school, it’s easy to forget other things that are important,” Kim said. “But taking care of your wellbeing can help you be more productive at work. I hope students realize that wellness is important, and it’s something they can do.”

To kick the week off, yoga classes will take place Monday, April 1, at 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. in State Gym. Mindfulness meditation classes will also be held at 12:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. in the Memorial Union.

Tuesday, April 2, will include intramural sports in Beyer Hall from 6-10 p.m., as well as a workshop on mindful eating with a dietitian in Carver Hall from noon to 1 p.m.

Wednesday, April 3, features career exploration workshops in the Memorial Union at either noon or 1 p.m. An etiquette dinner will take place in the Tearoom at 5 p.m., where students can eat and network.

On Thursday, April 4, students can attend a workshop on financing and budgeting during their graduate school years, as well as a presentation on travel grants, awards and scholarships.

The week will conclude with games and a potluck on Friday, April 5, from 6-10 p.m.

To learn more about Graduate Student Wellness Week, visit the GPSS website or Facebook page. RSVP for any of the wellness events by clicking here.