SLU Wellness Days
Saint Louis University supports the flourishing of all students, and Wellness Day supports this vision by offering a break in the academic semester for SLU students to prioritize self-care and foster a sense of belonging.
What is Wellness?
Wellness can be defined as a dynamic and multidimensional concept that refers to the active pursuit of activities, choices, and lifestyles that lead to a state of holistic health, according to the National Wellness Institute. It goes beyond the absence of illness to encompass a proactive and positive approach to living. All of us can foster wellness in areas of physical, mental, social, environmental, intellectual, spiritual, financial, and occupational wellness.
Wellness Days support the following key Ignatian values for our community:
- Cura Personalis (Latin meaning “care for the [individual] person”) - A hallmark of Ignatian spirituality (where in one-on-one spiritual guidance, the guide adapts the Spiritual Exercises to the unique individual making them) and, therefore, of Jesuit education (where the instructor establishes a personal relationship with students, listens to them in the process of teaching, and draws them toward personal initiative and responsibility for learning).
- Cura Propria (Latin meaning “care of oneself’) - The coining and use of the term originated at the 2021 “Commitment to Justice Conference” at which Debra Mooney, Ph.D., offered it as “A New Ignatian Virtue Necessary for the Promotion of Justice and the Universal Apostolic Preferences.” Significant reserves of spiritual, psychological, and physical energy and wellness are so important in being effective educators, students, and ‘people for and with others’ that self-care is an honorable and essential Ignatian value.
- Becoming Contemplatives in Action - This Ignatian principle emphasizes the need to be grounded in our beliefs, purpose, and vision as we work to promote the good of ourselves and others. When we allow ourselves to enter deeply into reflection, we can pursue our daily activities with greater depth and meaning.
Wellness days are intended as an opportunity for our community to rest, reflect, and renew their spirits in ways that support their overall wellness. Ultimately, this makes us stronger and healthier individually but also communally, making our Catholic, Jesuit mission more vibrant and meaningful.
Wellness Day Events
Feb. 11, 2026,
Free STI Testing
9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Student Health Center (Marchetti Towers)
Free STI testing will be provided at the Student Health Center in partnership with the St. Louis City Health Department. Students are encouraged to schedule an appointment by calling 314-977-2323. Walk-in appointments will be available on a limited basis.
MTGFo Activity Day
10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Marchetti East Lobby, Marchetti West Lobby, and Grand Forest Quad
The MTGFo team invites students to take a break on Wellness Day through a series of interactive wellness activities. Three stations will be available, each focused on a different aspect of wellness. The crafting station offers an opportunity to relieve stress through creative activities, including making flowers and stress balls. The hydration and fuel station highlights the importance of balanced nutrition and hydration while allowing participants to build a healthy snack bag. The "minute to win it" station focuses on social wellness through cooperative and competitive group games.
Mindfulness Training
10:30 a.m., 11 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., Center for Global Citizenship, Rooms 122 and 124
Join a 30-minute mindfulness session focused on strategies to help recenter and manage stress in the moment.
Popcorn Stop with the SIC
11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Busch Student Center 319
The SIC invites students to take a break and grab popcorn to refuel during Wellness Day.
Mental Health Celebration
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Center for Global Citizenship
The celebration will feature interactive tables, campus resources, and community partnerships that support mental health and wellness.
Wellness in your Pocket
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Center for Global Citizenship
Stop by the BFN Wellness Day table to pick up a small comfort item to take with you. Attendees can grab phone card holders with built-in fidgets and small stuffed animals, simple tools designed to support calm and focus during a busy day. Whether heading to class, studying, or taking a quick break, these pocket-sized items offer a moment of relief and support well-being on the go.
Mass and Holy Hour for Peace
Noon to 1:30 p.m., St. Francis Xavier College Church
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has called for participation in a Holy Hour for Peace. The community is invited to attend Noon Mass, followed by the Holy Hour. Those gathered are encouraged to pray for reconciliation amid division, for justice in the face of violations of fundamental rights, and for consolation for those experiencing fear or loss. All are welcome to spend time in quiet prayer and reflection as part of their spiritual wellness.
Cookies and Beads
1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Busch Student Center North Lobby
Join the Student Activities Board for DIY Mardi Gras beads and Crumbl cookies. Follow the Student Activities Board on Instagram (@slusab) for a surprise announcement during the event.
Duo Touch Therapy Dogs
1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., Pius Library Main Lobby
Take a moment to relax, recharge and enjoy some stress relief. Stop by and hang out with Duo’s Touch Therapy Dogs.
Graduate Student Yoga and Healthy Snacks
5 p.m., SLU Rec Center
The Graduate Student Association invites graduate students to a yoga session with healthy snacks. Registration is required.
Digital Detox Challenge
9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Pius Library Main Lobby
Ready to unplug? The Department of Communication (CMM) is hosting a Digital Detox Challenge to help students cut screen time and recharge during Wellness Day. Participants are encouraged to put down their phones and minimize device use for the day. Follow @slucommdept on Instagram for instructions on how to officially join the challenge. The student with the lowest screen time will win $50 in Billiken Bucks.