(EDMONTON) If there was ever a best month to be an engineer, it would definitely be March. Workshops, competitions, and professional development opportunities-run as part of the annual National Engineering and Geoscience Month (NEGM)-celebrate engineers of all breeds, and promote the profession.
This year, along with the staple NEGM activities, the Faculty of Engineering is launching Engineering Wellness Month initiative aiming to embed well-being into the engineering lifestyle, fostering a healthy work-life balance.
"Engineering Wellness Month is all about creating the space for self-care amidst what can be a high-stress month," said Kimberly Stauffer, Faculty Wellness director. "We want students to invest in their academic life and their well-being."
From a healthy eating workshop, to yoga, to pet therapy, to a colouring competition, the Engineering Wellness Month, which runs from March 2 to 31, caters to all students in the Faculty of Engineering.
"With a variety of activities to promote self-care and wellness, there's hopefully something for everyone," Stauffer said. Here's the schedule of events-stay tuned for updates.
MARCH 2
A Student's Guide to Healthy Eating
12 - 1 p.m., ETLC 2-009
A collaborative effort between Faculty Wellness and Speaking of Healthy Eating, this drop-in workshop focuses on how to develop and maintain healthy eating habits. It covers topics such as serving sizes, portion control and the components of a healthy plate.
MARCH 8
Strategies to Improve Sleep
1 - 2 p.m., Donadeo Building, 8-207
Join University Counselling and Clinical Services and Faculty Wellness to learn about sleep, talk about factors that influence sleep, discover ways to improve your sleep environment and create a great bedtime routine. Plus, learn what to do on those nights you can't sleep.
Take a Break Featuring Healthy Habits
1 - 3 p.m., Donadeo Building, 8th floor
UAlberta Health & Wellness services and the Engineering Students' Society (ESS) provide tips and information on resources to stay healthy and take care of yourself. Join in for coffee, games, snacks and more at the bi-monthly Take a Break with the Faculty of Engineering.
MARCH 9
Yoga in the Solarium
6 - 7:30 p.m, ETLC Solarium
Join the ESS Health & Wellness and LiveWell teams for a free, drop-in yoga class in the Solarium. A bit of yoga can clear your mind, help you deal with stress, and stretch out muscles cramped from studying. Instructors from LiveWell will lead a beginner-level class. Mats are provided. All you need to bring is yourself and some comfy clothes.
MARCH 9 & 10
Paint by Square
11 a.m. - 3 p.m., ETLC Atrium
This open-to-all event is brought to you by Surge Engineering Art Show and ESS Health & Wellness team. Designed to bring out your inner artist, passersby are invited to paint a square on a canvas, resulting in a large picture made up of many small works of art.
MARCH 13
Furry Friends
11 a.m. - 1 p.m., Donadeo Building, 8th floor
Join the Faculty Wellness team and Chimo Animal Assisted Wellness and Learning Society to relax with pets. Dogs will brighten your day and help you chill. These furry friends are trained animals, certified in pet-assisted therapy through CAAWLS.
MARCH 15
Paint Night
6 p.m., Dewey's
Unleash your creativity with fellow engineers as you are guided through a Bob Ross painting video from his Joy of Painting episode. (This event is part of Surge, the Annual Engineering Art Show and celebrates NEGM).
MARCH 20
Sculpey Night (RSVP required)
6 - 9 p.m., Dewey's
Create a sculpture using polymer clay. Just $15 will get you a night of fun with friends and a clay vase to bring home. (This event is part of Surge, the Annual Engineering Art Show and celebrates NEGM).
March 22
Take a Break Featuring CivE
1 - 3 p.m., Donadeo Building, 8th floor
Join the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Faculty Wellness for snacks, coffee and games to relax and unwind in the midst of a busy day.
Concrete Sculpture Workshop
1 p.m., NREF 1-106 Concrete Lab
Brought to you by Surge Engineering Art Show celebrating NEGM, this event fosters creativity. Participants mix, colour and pour concrete to make sculptures, which will be returned to them at the Closing Reception.
Relaxation Superstation
11 a.m. - 3 p.m., ETLC Atrium
Feeling overwhelmed? Come take a break with the Relaxation Superstation and we'll help you unwind. Armed with tea, massage chairs and fun activities, our team aims to help you relax and feel ready to take on your day.
MARCH 23
Colour Me Happy (RSVP required)
4:30 - 6:30 p.m., ETLC Solarium
A creative collaboration of PositiveU and Faculty Wellness, this event lets you have fun by working in teams, colouring amazing complex pictures in a friendly, frantic, live colouring competition. Invite friends to form a team (of two to four people) or register as an individual and we will create the teams on the night of the event.
MARCH 28
Uhelped - Send a Thank you
10 a.m. - 3 p.m., ETLC Atrium
Stop by to create a thank-you treat to express your gratitude to a friend, colleague or someone who has helped you in some way. The initiative was developed by the U of A Counselling and Clinical Services and the Faculty Wellness teams.
MARCH 29
Art Show Closing Reception
5 p.m., Faculty Club
It's the closing reception for the Surge Engineering Art Show, celebrating NEGM. All submitted art will be moved to the club, where attendees can view the art and live performances. Refreshments and good conversation with like-minded people will be provided.
MARCH 31
Pop-up Tea Party
12 - 2 p.m., ETLC Atrium
Join Unitea, Faculty Wellness and ESS Health & Wellness team for a tea party. Stop by for a cuppa and some conversation.