Love is in the Air: Five Ways to Celebrate Love This Valentine's Day
Love is in the air, sweeping across the country for Valentine's Day on Tuesday, Feb.14. Governors State University (GSU) Jaguars don't have to leave campus to celebrate. Faculty and staff experts say loving others begins with loving yourself. Self-love and self-care are the most important things you can do for your mental health and overall well-being. Here are five ways to explore love and self-care on campus this Valentine's Day!
1. Get creative: Find a creative outlet like music, drawing, or painting to express yourself in a new way—Visit Reconstructed's Paint and Sip to create art from the heart. The Valentine's Day Paint & Sip is Friday, February 10, 2023, 5 – 7 p.m. at E1571 E- Lounge. Email reconstructed@govst.edu for more information. Also, explore creative visual and performing arts on campus by visiting the Visual Arts Gallery or the Center for Performing Arts.
"Love is an art, and you are the masterpiece." - Unknown.
2. Treat yourself: Love is patient, kind, and sweet. Treat yourself to a small gift at the GSU Bookstore, or indulge your culinary delight at the Jaguar Café. The Association of Latin American Students (ALAS) is hosting a Valentine's Day Cookie decorating session on Monday, February 13, 2023, from noon - 1:30 p.m. in the Hall of Honors.
"Love is the greatest refreshment in life." - Pablo Picasso
3. Pause for paws: Returning for her 6th year, Sandy the Therapy Dog will be in the Library's Main Lobby. Come spend time with Sandy and take a break from your doggone stress on Tuesday, February 14, from 2 - 4 p.m.
“Taking time to pet an animal is like a refreshing break from our daily pressure and feeling our hearts again.” - Timothy W. Pedigo, Ph.D. GSU Associate Professor of Psychology in the College of Education
4. Take care of your mind and body. Experts say good health starts in your mind, which may be reeling from cold weather blues and longing for warmer temps this spring. The Counseling and Wellness Center has experts, tools, and resources to empower and support your self-care while you wait for the season to change. Meanwhile, experts remind us to eat nutritious food, drink plenty of water, and get enough sleep; all are crucial for feeling good both mentally and physically.
“Self-care is critical not only for your own emotional and physical well-being, but it greatly impacts the well-being of friends and family. Self-care is an act of love not only to yourself but to those you love the most.” - Freddy Tung, Psy.D., MBA, Director of the Counseling and Wellness Center
5. Take a mindful walk: When temps are above freezing, take a stroll through the theNate, home to 29 inspiring sculptures on 100 acres of green prairie. As you take in the art, take time to be in the moment. Appreciate the beauty of the world around you – right here on campus.
"Exploring the sculpture park reminds me of a line from one of my favorite Rumi poems, 'Let the beauty we love be what we do.'"- Jeff Stevenson, Director & Curator, Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park, and Visual Arts Gallery