24/11/2024
Denmark
participants
Health & Well-Being Week involves a series of health-related events and activities coordinated by the National Board from November 18th to November 24th (i.e., during the the second week of Social Impact Days).
Health & Well-Being Week is part of a bigger, national-level project associated to the Training & Activities Community of ESN Denmark (led by ESN Denmark's Events Manager together with local Events and Project Managers) to organize ESN causes-related week across the country. During a week of this kind, each section is responsible for organizing events and initiatives at the local level. This national project aims at (a) promoting section collaboration, (b) enhancing reflection and discussion on important topics (e.g., mental health, sustainability, inclusion) in volunteers and international students, and (c) prompt the sections to actively incorporate ESN causes when planning events.
Health & Well-being Week aims at fostering both physical health and mental well-being not only to international students across the country, but also to ESN volunteers. We assigned a different theme to every day of the week, addressing a different health-related aspect or topic:
- Mingle Monday (social well-being, inclusion)
- Take a Break Tuesday (balance)
- Wellness Wednesday (physical and mental health)
- Togetherness Tuesday (social and physical well-being)
- Feel Good Friday (physical health)
- Serenity Saturday (mind-body connection)
- Scenic or Social Sunday (human-nature interaction, togetherness)
Each section could, independently, decide on which day(s) to organize an initiative, depending on their internal resources (e.g., number of active members, partnerships). All sections aimed at connecting the events not only to the overarching "Health & Well-being" ESN cause, but specifically to each of the 7 ESN values. Moreover, the national Events Manager aimed at giving sections freedom to interpret each daily theme as they wanted and organize any type of event they thought could suit the theme well, could foster reflection, and could strengthen collaboration with other sections and/or local partners. This was done not to limit their creativity nor strain their (human) resources, and the national Events Manager just supervised the overall planning and provided guidance when needed.
Lastly, we aimed at improving our social media outreach, so we created a specific template for the sections to use when promoting Health & Well-being Week initiatives.
Here is a more detailed breakdown of the week and of the main events organized at the local level. ESN Denmark promoted local events on their social media via the Health & Well-being Week campaign.
Mingle Monday
ESN Copenhagen organized a Communal Dinner at Folkehuset Absalon, a special place in the city where participants eat together at long tables. It's a wonderful occasion to meet fellow volunteers/students and approach new cultures.
Take a Break Tuesday
No formal events were organized, as we wanted to focus on the importance of giving our body and mind a break, sometimes, and a change for self-reflection.
Wellness Wednesday
ESN Copenhagen took a moment to pause, breathe, and focus on what truly matters, our well-being, via their Mental Health Panel & Journaling Workshop, an enriching evening dedicated to mental health awareness and self-reflection at our. This event featured a panel discussion with a mental health expert who shared insights, practical tips, and answered participants’ questions about maintaining well-being during student life. Participants also received a journal to keep for personal use.
ESN Aarhus had a Yoga for Students session, meant for young people who want to take a break in a constantly moving society, breathe, feel and connect with their body - one hour of yoga flow with a focus on connecting movement with inner peace. Everybody could join - no matter previous experience with yoga. The event is in collaboration with the founders of YogaWave, a young yoga community in Aarhus.
Togetherness Thursday
ESN Odense organized a special Scavenger Hunt: the topic of the hunt was social impact and health and well-being, indeed. Every stop related to a relevant topic like sports, being a good person and having a positive impact on others, living sustainably, whilst also being a social event and giving information about the city the students don't know yet.
ESN Copenhagen planned a Friendship Bracelet Making Workshop, the perfect opportunity to unwind, get creative, and make meaningful connections.
Feel Good Friday
ESN Copenhagen and ESN DTU jointly organized an event with one of their (soon-to-be) partners: Hoppenhagen Fit Club. Hoppenhagen offered a Kangoo Jumping Class and participants could try out bounce boots (yes, just like kangaroos!) and enjoyed a full-body workout packed with cardio, strength training, and pure joy. Whether you were a seasoned fitness buff or just curious to try something new, this event was all about combining physical well-being with building a strong and inclusive community.
Serenity Saturday
More yoga for our students and volunteers, this time in Copenhagen: the local section planned a rejuvenating morning of Yoga and Pilates, perfect for anyone looking to unwind, stretch, and connect with their inner calm in a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere. The event was designed to cater to all levels, from seasoned yogis to pilates newbies.
Scenic or Social Sunday
We once again had many events across the country. ESN DTU and Copenhagen chose the tranquillity of nature and went on a Click and Stroll walk around Jægersborg Dyrehave, a famous deer park on the outskirts of Copenhagen.
ESN Haderslev rather focused on togetherness, by organizing a Board Games Night to play some board and card games and just…be together, something you often need after a long week and before a new one begins.
ESN Aarhus wrapped up Health & Well-being Week with a wonderful Social Media Campaign, to remind our students and volunteers that the focus on physical and mental health should not end after our Health & Well-being Week, but should be something we always care for - and ESN volunteers are there for you when struggling!
Note. To be more inclusive, further promote participation, and give more participants the chances to improve their well-being, most of the events were either free of charge or had a low fee (avg. fee was 20 DKK, i.e., 3 euros).
