Weekly Wellness Newsletter - Winter - Week 7

Winter Quarter, Week 7

We’re keeping the lights low but the energy high! ✨

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With beautiful weather on the horizon, it’s the perfect time to get outside and get moving. Regular physical activity has been shown to boost mood, build strength, and sharpen brain function. One of the biggest misconceptions about exercise is the idea that unless you’re running 5Ks or bench pressing 300 pounds, it doesn’t count. In reality, small amounts of movement each day can make a meaningful difference. Below are a few simple ways to incorporate more physical activity into your schedule.

Try a 10-minute Workout at Home:
- As students, our schedules can fill up quickly, between classes, jobs, internships, and other commitments, finding time to work out can feel nearly impossible. The good news is that staying active doesn’t require hours at the gym. There are plenty of quick YouTube workouts, as well as resources like the American Heart Association’s Ten-Minute Workout, that you can fit in between daily responsibilities.
Register for an On-Campus Class:
- UChicago offers a variety of on-campus opportunities to help students stay active. The FitChicago program provides group fitness classes at Ratner, all led by certified instructors. If you prefer team activities, UChicago features a wide range of Active Sport Clubs, from Archery to Taekwondo. Undergraduate Student Government has put together a list of Fitness studios in Hype Park that offer discounts to UChicago students.
Take a Walk Around Campus:
- Start by setting a realistic goal that fits into your daily routine. If you don’t have a large block of free time, try breaking your activity into smaller segments throughout the day. For example, take a short walk during lunch or step outside for a few minutes while you’re on the phone. Small, consistent efforts can add up and make a meaningful impact.

John has been with Student Wellness since 2002 and recently celebrated his 24th anniversary on February 1. He serves as the Assistant Director of Training and says his favorite part of the role is interviewing and selecting doctoral-level trainees each year to join the team. He appreciates the fresh energy and new ideas they bring to the team!

One of John’s biggest wellness tips for students is to never underestimate the importance of sleep. He encourages students to aim for 6–8 hours each night, emphasizing that sleep is a critical time when the body repairs and restores itself. Limiting screen time before bed can also improve sleep quality.

John is also a strong believer that physical activity doesn’t have to be a miserable experience to be effective. He recommends keeping fitness routines simple and manageable, such as walking or jogging on the treadmill and incorporating light weights to support both strength and heart health. Check out below to learn more about John's role at Student Wellness and other professionals on the Mental Health Services Team.

Education: BA, DePaul University; PsyD, Illinois School of Professional Psychology; Clinical Internship and Postdoctoral Fellowship, The Chicago Counseling and Psychotherapy Research Center

What Type of Workout Do You Enjoy?

Everyone approaches their fitness routine a little differently…and personally, I’m all about a great at-home YouTube workout 🧘‍♀️

This quiz looks at everything from how much time you spend exercising to your post-workout meal 🍗 to determine your ultimate workout style. Are you a classic gym bro, a Pilates professional, or something in between? Let’s find out how you get moving!

The Power of ✨Yoga✨

In this TED-Ed video, the speaker explores how yoga can support both physical and mental well-being, as modern yoga practices are still rooted in three foundational elements: breathing, physical postures, and contemplation.

The original meaning of the word yoga is defined as “yoking” or restraining of the mind by focusing on external objects. By directing attention to breath, movement, or a single point of focus, yoga encourages mental clarity and emotional steadiness. Student Wellness also hosts drop-in Restorative Yoga classes that are open to participants of all experience levels!