By Rita Gigliotti | Edited by Danielle Bissonnette
For many of us (and particularly those of us in education), today’s work environments are more challenging than ever. We're juggling responsibilities and expectations that simply didn't exist pre-2020. And with that, the need for dedicated spaces to support our well-being in real-time has become critical.
A former Forbes council member recently wrote about the ways in which mental health and well-being remain business priorities post-covid, saying that we must "go beyond surface-level initiatives and actually embed mental health support into your workplace culture". I couldn't agree more.
In the past, we've had such spaces, on a much smaller scale, from break rooms to the water cooler. But then, the work culture was completely different when these spaces were established. To meet the needs of today, this space should look like a wellness room.
A Wellness Room is the New Workplace Water Cooler
That's right. Think of the wellness room as the modern-day equivalent of the water cooler. Just as you might pause for a sip of water to refresh your body, the wellness room offers an inviting space for a much-needed mental recharge. Unlike the water cooler, however, its purpose extends far beyond a quick chat. The wellness room is about creating a physical stake in workplace culture that supports self-care, mindfulness, and mental well-being.
A wellness room is a designated quiet space set aside for individuals to retreat, relax, and reset. It offers an intentional break from the demands of the day, allowing employees, students, event attendees, service members, or even auditioning performers to pause and check in on their mental health.
Just like taking a break for a drink of water at the water cooler can be done at any point in the day, visiting a wellness room doesn’t require any specific reason; it’s there to support everyone.
What Exactly is a Wellness Room?
Imagine entering a room with calming music, soft lighting, and comfortable seating—all intentionally created to help you decompress. From practicing mindfulness to relieving stress, wellness rooms are designed to facilitate self-care moments in an accessible, inviting way.
For the wellness rooms that I curate, I always include resources that encourage relaxation and positivity, such as mindful coloring stations, gratitude prompts, and even gentle stretching areas. At my last wellness room for the Virginia Music Educators Association's (VMEA) annual conference, sunrise yoga before the conference was a morning staple. But whether you have a whole hour or just a few minutes, wellness rooms provide a flexible sanctuary to suit your schedule.
Key Features of a Wellness Room
My wellness rooms differ from one location to another, but often include similar elements designed to create a calming, restorative environment. Here are some common features you might find:
The ambiance of the wellness room is peaceful, with soft lighting and décor that helps create a relaxing, reflective space.
Activities like meditation, mindful coloring, gentle stretching, and breathing exercises. My VIP wellness rooms also feature restorative massage services provided by professional therapists.
Calming sounds are often played to foster a sense of peace, enabling visitors to leave their worries behind, even if just for a few minutes.
Yoga mats, cushions, recliners, or a variety of seating options to encourage relaxation and ease.
Positive affirmation cards, gratitude journals, and even informational booklets on mindfulness or stress management.
Experience a Wellness Room at VMEA 2024
If you’re curious about the impact a wellness room can have, be sure to visit the Virginia Music Educators Association Conference in Norfolk, Virginia, November 21-23, 2024. Curated by Rita Gigliotti and Dr. Kathy Mulcahy, this wellness room will be open to all attendees, offering an oasis of calm and a unique opportunity to experience the benefits of a wellness room. If you’re attending, don’t miss out on this chance to experience firsthand how a wellness room can transform your well-being and elevate your event experience. See you there!
Update: To read more about the VMEA Wellness Room curated by Rita Gigliotti and Dr. Kathhy Mulcahy, click here.
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