September 24, 2022

Graphic by Kate Formhals

With the semester coming in full swing, it’s easy to lose ourselves in the thick of everything. It is integral to care for yourself physically, mentally and emotionally. The District’s upcoming Wellness Weekend event is the perfect way to rejuvenate your mind and body just steps from campus.

On Sept. 24 and 25, a stroll through downtown provides access to several free events and promotions.

Yoga instructor Lynn Rossy from alleyCat Yoga Studio will host a free energy medicine Yoga in the Park session on Saturday from 10 to 11:15 a.m.

“We are pretty detached from our bodies,” Rossy said, “So helping people to feel that energy they’re made of can put them more in touch with themselves.”

Energy medicine yoga “combines the practice of yoga with the practices of medicine,” allowing you to increase your physical and mental health, Rossy explained.

More resources will be provided at Flat Branch Park on Saturday. Anyone can register for Yoga in the Park on alleycat.com/events. Plus, if you stick around the park on Saturday from 2 to 4 p.m., you can participate in a free Tai Chi lesson from Columbia Tai Chi & Kung Fu.

An objective of Wellness Weekend is to emphasize that your physical health influences almost all other areas of your life. The district’s Step Challenge allows you to get your steps in, sightsee in historic downtown and be entered to win a prize.

The challenge is meant to “help people slow down and notice what resources they have around them,” district executive director Nickie Davis said.

It should be acknowledged that Downtown Columbia is an accessible spot for any resources you need to take a step back from your busy schedule and focus on yourself. Coffee shops like Shortwave and Love Coffee are the perfect places to read, work or meet with friends. As for physical needs, Life is Sweet Massage Therapy, Moon Yoga and Inner Space Chiropractic are great resources.

Esthetician Erika Walljasper at Facial Boutique, housed in KeLani Wellness Spa, provides “holistic skincare and facials” as well as face yoga. A visit to her this weekend will provide skincare advice, free product samples and a face yoga and massage tutorial.

“We are all so busy that if you don’t stop and take time to take care of your body, you’re going to get burnt out,” Walljasper said.

Keep an eye out for even more Wellness Weekend offers from Makes Scents, Nourish Cafe and Serendipity Salon.

A stop by the weekly Orr Street Farmer’s Market on Sunday will give you the fuel you need to start the week. While you’re there, bring your unused, forgotten and expired medications and get your blood pressure checked right behind Wabash Bus Station.

“Everyone needs a little mental health right now,” Davis said.

Put external stressors and expectations on the back burner and take time for yourself from Saturday at 9 a.m. to Sunday at 6 p.m. by taking advantage of the offers and services provided by the district during Wellness Weekend, which we can plan to attend for many years to come.

Edited by Egan Ward | eward@themaneater.com

Copy edited by Grace Knight and Jacob Richey | jrichey@themaneater.com

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