Empowerment Tip #12: Empower yourself PHYSICALLY by taking a time out from stress this winter break.

Another semester has came and gone and I’m sure your getting anxious for your highly anticipated Christmas break.

As a college student dealing with deadlines and constant testing, it’s easy to forget how to relax.

So this winter break, make a conscious effort to free yourself of worry and stress. Take a night walk to go look at Christmas lights with your family, or a power run in the morning. Drink hot chocolate. Do things you once enjoyed as a child.

Look at the break is a rejuvenation period so you can come back to school refreshed and ready to go.

Campus Recreation hours over the break are as follows:

December 19: noon- 8 p.m.

December 20-23:6 a.m.- 8 p.m.

December 24-31: closed

January 1-2: noon- 5 p.m.

January 3-7: noon- 8 p.m.

January 10-13: noon- 8 p.m.

January 14: noon- 10 p.m.

The HPE will be closed throughout the duration of the break. Group exercise classes and normal hours will continue until Friday, December 18.

If you plan to be in town, check out the campus jogging trails located in the front kiosk of the Rec and in the handbill racks located in the lounge and by the locker rooms.

Remember, you’ve worked hard this semester and deserve to tend to yourself.

Have a wonderful holiday everyone. Talk to you next year!

YOUR inside to Campus Rec- Steph

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

It’s finally staying cold outside and as usual the SFA campus is decorated beautifully for the holidays. The outside air is crisp and fresh and I don’t know if it’s just the pine trees for sale on every corner, but it almost smells like Christmas.

I have been here for three school years now and I don’t think I have seen as many giving hearts around the holidays as I have this year.

Walking around between classes I have noticed many student led organizations with huge stockpiles of toys that have been collected for children in need. It warms my heart knowing that young people feel motivated to make a difference. College students may not have a lot of finances, but we can afford to give a little and I think it’s great.

If you have missed deadlines for some of these toy drives but still want to help it’s not too late.

Campus Rec has partnered with the Nacogdoches County Humane Society, the children’s units of the Nacogdoches Memorial Hospital and the Nacogdoches Medical Center to create a month long donation drive known as the Angel Tree. All proceeds benefit Nacogdoches children and animals in need.

If you have passed through the Rec lately you have probably seen the Angel Tree located in the lobby. If you take a closer look you will find hanging candy canes with attached messages. Each candy cane contains a special assignment. Patrons are invited to take a candy cane and purchase the corresponding item and then bring it back to the Rec and place it in one of the boxes under the tree. This way, there will be more variety and the gifts will be more personalized based on the needs of the sponsoring organizations.

The Angel Tree has only been out for about a week now but has already proven to be a great success.

So, if you have a break between all the tests and projects that are most likely consuming your mind as the semester comes to an end, stop by the Rec and see if one of the gifts on the Angel Tree inspires you. And don’t forget about making a de-stress appointment with Campus Rec’s professional massage therapist, Therese Hosteller (936-468-3507 M-F). Less than two weeks left everyone! We can do it!

YOUR inside connection to Campus Rec- Steph

Empowerment Tip #11: Empower Yourself EMOTIONALLY by booking a massage appointment at Campus Rec.

Finals are coming up and I don't know about ya'll but I am stressed out. Taking physical breaks aren't enough. I need to let my mind rest.

Are you hitting the books hard and ready to relax? Take a study break and Empower Yourself EMOTIONALLY by visiting Campus Rec’s very own massage therapist, Therese Hosteller.

Hosteller is a massage expert with 18 years of experience who offers special prices to Campus Rec members that you simply can’t find anywhere else.

Check it out:

Chair Massage

15 minutes: $12 • 30 minutes: $25

Reflexology

15 minutes: $12 • 30 minutes: $25

Table

15 minutes: $12 • 30 minutes: $25

45 minutes: $40 • 60 minutes: $50

Swedish

30 minutes: $25 • 60 minutes: $50

Sport

30 minutes: $25 • 60 minutes: $50

Trigger Point

30 minutes: $25 • 60 minutes: $50

Deep Tissue

30 minutes: $25 • 60 minutes: $50

With finals coming up, this is Hostellers busiest time of year. So don’t wait! Call Campus Rec at (936) 468-3507 to make an appointment. Or, stop by the Admin Office when you’re through working out. Here are the office hours: Monday- Thursday 8 a.m.- 7 p.m. and Friday 8 a.m.- 5 p.m.

You’ll be glad you did.

YOUR inside connection to Campus Rec- Steph

Wellness Fair!

This has to be the BEST DAY EVER at Campus Rec. It’s the annual Wellness Fair!

In order to promote a healthy lifestyle, all kinds of organizations are here visiting from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

This fair is all about empowering yourself physically, spiritually, emotionally, environmentally, financially and socially.

There are games, prizes and all kinds of free stuff designed to show YOU how to take charge of your life! So far, I’ve collected a t-shirt from CBTx Commercial Bank of Texas, a toothbrush and toothpaste goodie bag from nacogdoches dental, energy vitamins from SFA’s new licensed dietitian, Caroline Sullivan, and I’ve entered myself in a free raffle with Campus Rec Fitness and Wellness. And that’s not the half of it!

If you can't tell, I'm a little excited.

I’ve met all kinds of people and may not even need lunch anymore thanks to Varsity Bookstore and their wonderful cheese plate!

Aside from outside organizations and companies, Campus Rec program areas are here in full force. You can find out your BMI or even get a free massage! Or both-there’s nothing stopping you. Outdoor Pursuits is here talking about how to get involved in their upcoming trips, and of course about sustainability!

So, if you haven’t already passed through the Rec today make sure you take a second to stop by for this spectacular event. It will make your day.

YOUR inside connection to Campus Rec- Steph