I probably don’t have to remind you that Valentine’s Day is coming up this week. You might already be tired of hearing about it or seeing heart-filled content online. Even so, I like to think of Valentine’s Day not as necessarily revolving around romantic love, but as a fitting opportunity (or even excuse) to practice caring for yourself and your loved ones. Thoughtful gestures are great all year long, but why not make a point of (re)claiming Valentine’s Day as a day to celebrate love of all kinds?
Here are some activities to consider adding to your calendar this week (or this month) that might help you incorporate a little self-care into your schedule. Valentine’s Day or not, I think we could probably all use a little extra care as we make our way through the last stretch of the winter and move firmly into the middle of Winter term.
Until February 16th, the Isabel Bader Center is hosting a Chinese Folk Art Exhibit, “Liu Shiming: Spirit of Daily Life,” curated by Daria Murphy, a PhD candidate in the Department of Art History and Art Conservation. Liu Shiming’s sculptures are sure to add beauty and resonance to your week, especially as the Lunar New Year unfolds. To me, some quiet time to contemplate art – solo or with a friend – is a great way to refresh and disconnect from your work. Admission is free daily from 10 am to 4 pm.
If you can’t make it to the Isabel or want to add even more art to your calendar, the Agnes Etherington Art Centre and Union Gallery are conveniently located in the heart of campus and open during most school days. A nice art and body break could be a perfect love letter to yourself. Admission is free.
Though the February Free Mason Jar Meal program organized by Student Wellness Services has already been distributed, signing up for March 13th’s jar can be a nice way to book some self-care into your calendar. If dinner is already made, why not take the opportunity to unwind with your favourite show, movie, or podcast? Registration opens 1 week in advance of March 13th. Mark your calendars, they go fast!
And finally, the group fitness classes available through the Athletics and Recreation Centre can be a fun way to get active and let loose at the end of a long day (or week). Most classes are $5 with registration opening promptly at 6:30 pm on Sunday evenings. Keep an eye out for classes marked SGPS. They’re free for graduate and professional students!