Congratulations, UChicago students - you made it to finals week! This week is all about taking a break. We know, that's not something you hear too often here at UChicago, but we are here to tell you to take an actual break this summer!  

According to recent studies by the World Health Organization, there is currently an emerging epidemic of overworking. According to the study, overworking has biological and behavioral changes. Overworking causes chronic stress, which leads to a steady increase in stress hormones, which then impacts biological changes like heightened blood pressure and high cholesterol. in addition, folks who are overworking tend to engage in healthy and protective behaviors, such as sleeping, exercising, and eating healthy foods, less.

With all of that being said, there is emerging data to support the importance of taking intentional and restorative breaks (both long and short) and its role in protecting health and wellbeing. Actually, rest is a fundamental part of your long-term wellbeing. In fact, Forbes lists the following benefits of intentionally resting and unplugging: 
- Healing your body.
- Reducing stress.
- Boosting creativity.
- Improving productivity.
- Enhancing decision making.

So, this summer, how can you take a break and recharge? Check out this summertime bucket list.

Take a break from your finals to find out what tea you are!

Take 10 is an initiative intended to encourage all members of the UChicago community to rest and connect with others. Join us to participate in Take 10 events from 12:30 PM - 2:30 PM across campus on odd-week Thursdays this quarter! We hope you drop by and take 10! 

Restorative yoga classes at UChicago Student Wellness will help ease tension and melt your worries away. Using props like blocks, bolsters, and blankets, you will relax into postures that are held for several minutes at a time. We use mindful breathing and meditation techniques that are sure to leave you calmer and more grounded than when you walked in the door. Join us at the Student Wellness Center on Tuesdays from 4-5 PM. 

20 Minute Still sessions allow you to take a moment to pause and join the Office of Spiritual Life for twenty minutes of facilitated meditation to still the mind. Twenty Minutes Still takes place on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 8:00-8:20am in Bond Chapel.

Yoga Classes from Spiritual Life are offered in both a virtual and in-person modalities on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays during Winter Quarter. Check out the most updated yoga offerings here. 

Wellness Coaching allows students to examine their strengths with a wellness coach to navigate transitions and achieve desired changes they’d like to make in their lives. Interested students may schedule a 90-minute session with a Student Wellness coach or a 30-minute session with a TimelyCare wellness coach. Visit this page for more information.

Let's Talk provides easy access to free, informal, and confidential consultations with therapists from UChicago Student Wellness. No appointment is necessary. In-person sessions are held throughout Autumn Quarter on Mondays and Fridays. Let's Talk has more information.

Buddy Up offers graduate and professional students the opportunity to join a network of peers wanting to meet with students across campus. Students are paired up with a new buddy every two weeks. Students may register here or email Carolyn Banner at cbanner@uchicago.edu with questions.

Food Security Resources provide short-term support for students experiencing difficulties with food access. Please reach out if you or someone you know is worried about running out of food, skipping meals, etc. Graduate and Professional Students can contact Student Support Service studentsupport@uchicago.edu, and Undergraduate Students can contact the Center for College Student Success ccss@uchicago.edu. You can also apply for grocery vouchers here.

FitChicago offers an array of fitness opportunities for you seven days a week. Everything from foam roller classes to Zumba! Check out the Winter Quarter class offerings and schedule here.