INTRODUCTION
The Associated Students Commission on Student Well Being (COSWB) is committed to the general well being of UCSB undergraduates, with a particular emphasis on mental well being. Its purpose is to increase awareness, educate, advocate, and serve as a reference point for student social services. COSWB creates programs that provide a positive and comfortable environment for everyone on campus in order to stay true to our values of appreciating and preserving student well being. Some events COSWB hosts include, but are not limited to, Yoga, Free Fitness Tuesdays, self-defense classes, food demos, movie screenings, and guest lectures. COSWB also loves to get involved with other BCUs and organizations that share its message.
WELLNESS CLASSES AND OTHER COSWB EVENTS
COSWB helps keep the student body healthy by hosting classes ranging from a weekly HIT (High Intensity Interval Training) classes to yoga to self-defence. They also offer classes to help students establish and maintain lifelong healthy eating habits.
PARDALL CARNIVAL DIY PLANTS AND SAMPLE CLASSES
COSWB introduced itself to the student community at the Pardall Carnival, the beginning-of-year event that brings together students and the IV community. They invited students to stop in at their table and create their own DIY plants and/or take a free 25-minute sampler HIT fitness or yoga class.
FREE FITNESS CLASSES
COSWB’s free fitness classes started at the beginning fall quarter and continued throughout the year. A free drink from Blenders made the workout extra rewarding.
“POP THE STRESS AWAY” AND “GRATITUDE AND POSITIVE THINKING”
In October COSWB hosted “Pop the Stress Away” event in the Santa Catalina Fiesta Room to teach students stress-management techniques. Later that same week they offered a second event called “Gratitude and Positive Thinking.” “Gratitude and Positive Thinking” was taught by Adventure Programs Director Rod Tucknott.
FREE FLOWER GIVE AWAY
COSWB brightened up the Arbor giving away free flowers and wishing everyone good luck on their finals. ‘Cuz COSWB loves UCSB students!
FREE YOGA
COSWB has provided free yoga classes for several years, including popular outdoor classes in Little Acorn Park. The classes were moved inside during inclement weather—much needed rain here on the Central Coast—but continued indoors. Students at all levels were invited to participate:
“Come relax and work your mind and body with our amazing instructor, Stephanie. Beginners welcomed and No experience needed. We will explore a variety of practices that improve your strength, coordination, balance, endurance, and flexibility. You will release stress, calm your mind, develop your ability to concentrate, and emerge refreshed and renewed. This is FREE for all students, and snacks/drinks are provided.”
FOOD FOR BODY AND SOUL
Encouraging healthy eating habits is fundamental to COSWB’s mission. Whether it’s a matter of suggesting nutritious snacks to keep minds sharp for finals, strengthening the body, or drawing attention to the connection between good eating habits and general mental health, COSWB was there, often in partnership with the AS Food Bank and IV Food Coop.
COSWB spread the word through Facebook, tabling, and by participating in events that provided students with the information they need. They also provide recipes and shopping tips!
BOARD BONDING
The COSWB board bonded even more than they already had thanks to UCSB Adventure Programs that facilitated and awesome ropes course. You can definitely reach farther working as a team!
COWSB board at UCSB Recreation Center
MEDITATION SESSIONS
The monarch butterflies return to the Butterfly Grove on the mountain side of the Ellwood bluffs each year. COSWB hosted a guided Butterfly Meditation circle there during winter quarter. Students also headed out to the cliffs to enjoy the calming waters of the Pacific Ocean. A second session was offered at the Acacia Counseling and Wellness Center in May right around midterms. And why does COSWB host these sessions? The COSWB Facebook site has the answer:
“Meditation reduces stress.
It improves concentration.
It encourages a healthy lifestyle.
The practice increases self-awareness.
It increases happiness.
Meditation increases acceptance.
It slows aging.
The practice benefits cardiovascular and immune health.”
HOMESICK? COSWB HEARS YOU
COSWB invited students to get together during winter quarter:
“Are you feeling homesick from moving away to college? Don’t worry, you are not alone! Homesickness symptoms may vary from person to person, but in general, homesickness can leave you feeling upset and distressed, and nostalgic for home. Homesickness can affect people of all ages in almost any situation, so don’t be ashamed if you’re longing for home.
If you find yourself in this situation, come de-stress and hang out with your peers for a free DIY sesh! COSWB will be providing materials for you to make scrap-books and write letters to your family back home. Snacks and drinks will also be provided. Hope to see you all there!”
Indeed, COSWB is interested in the health of the whole person, both physical and mental. And in being realistic about the challenges students face when they come to UCSB.
SPRING IS HERE!
COSWB greeted spring with an invitation to explore UCSB’s greenhouse in April. Participants learned all about how UCSB’s unique greenhouse functions and the processes behind it. They also planted their own plants to take home with free pots and plant seeds provided by COSWB!
COLORING, PAINTING AND TIE DYE WITH COSWB
Students were invited to, “take a break from midterms and the impending doom of finals to Color!” Art supplies and refreshments were provided! During spring quarter hosted “An Afternoon of Painting” and Tie Dying with COSWB” to both destress and give students some creative outlets.
QUICK WORKOUT WORKSHOP WITH COSWB
Student are busy! So knowing how to fit a short, effective workout into a day can be critical. This workshop was led by one of the RecCen’s weight training instructors. Participants received a free jumprope to get warmed up and a handout that details quick and effective workout combinations.
KEEPING UP WITH THE MEDIA WITH COSWB
As spring quarter rolled to a close, COSWB wanted to be sure folks were caught up with “THE biggest show on television right now.” Time for a marathon session of “Game of Thrones” in the Anacapa Formal Lounge. The first three episodes of season 6 were served up with “ice-cream, drinks, and dragons.” Well, maybe just imaginary dragons.
DOG THERAPY DAY
COSWB set up a table at the pre-finals “Dog Therapy Day” held on the Student Resource Building (SRB) lawn.
END OF THE YEAR ZEN WITH COSWB
COSWB finished out the year hosting a “Zen Study Zone.” Not only did they provide a relaxing and peaceful study space, but they also provided 2 massage chairs, bearing balls, hot towels, and tranquil sounds to help calm the stress of finals coming! It was a transcendent experience and a fitting close to a very busy year!
ENDNOTES
As you can see, students participating in COSWB shared a host of knowledge and skills that will help their peers stay healthy and happy well beyond their years at UCSB. They took the initiative to do this and used student funds in the best possible ways to make their visions real starting every week with an important reminder.
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