Some timely workshops put two realities before us as we navigated “return to campus” dynamics in several stages at Lindenwood University. 1) Screen fatigue was real experience for so many in our community. 2) Without knowing to ask for it, people were displaying a desire for in-person, face-to-face connection (though to be fair, those faces were masked…) We recognized once students returned to campus that they were handling a LOT. Using a lens for mitigating additional stressors as much possible, we piloted a program of running two spaces, drop-in style, twice a week during midterms (week 8 of our term) and finals (week 16). The two spaces offered environmental cues that we hoped would allow attendees to make choices of a space that could be restorative, comfortable—even a form of self-care. Room one was our low input space. Participants were invited to Unplug with a mellow setting: lights were off, sound was low volume and we offered activities like drop in yoga practice, box breathing, meditation exercises, and a VR journey intended to give the brain space, rest, and a creativity boost. Room two was our Unwind space and offered invitation to engage in cooperative or parallel activities: lights were on, slideshows of baby animals ran on all 4 walls, coloring, playing cards, DIY bookmarks were available and conversation was encouraged. Participants could visit one space or both as they desired. Over time we have modified activities offered, and other dynamics of the program and we continue to see a variety of participants which gives us great feedback for what to change and what to keep at the core of our Unplug and Unwind offerings each semester. In this session we will also show and tell about our marketing plans for the event and bring materials for participants to select an activity to work on during the presentation if desired.
