October 9, 2024
Why Wildcat Pause Day matters
Wildcat Pause Day offers every Wildcat a chance to pause and refocus on what matters most: you. The day was created to remind us that our health and well-being are vital to our success and to think about how taking care of ourselves today can lead to a healthier, more productive tomorrow.
The importance of this day became evident when Anna Coke, a junior majoring in regional and community planning, recognized a critical need to give students a mid-semester break.
"Getting tired and burnt out is bound to happen as a college student, so it's important to allow yourself to take a pause so you can be the best version of yourself," Coke said. "Whether it's catching up on sleep, finishing to-do's or being around people, taking a pause can look many different ways because people need different things."
Wildcat Pause Day isn't about dropping everything — it's about using your time intentionally to focus on what will benefit your personal well-being. Taking a pause allows us to reset, so we can return to our roles — whether as students, faculty or staff — with more clarity, energy and balance.
As Provost Jesse Perez Mendez puts it, "Wellness is the foundation for success. When we care for ourselves, we're better equipped to care for others."
At K-State, wellness isn't just a buzzword — it's at the heart of everything we do. It means creating a culture where everyone can thrive, no matter your background or where you are on your personal journey. And it doesn't stop with individual well-being. K-State is committed to being a part of a larger global movement aimed to reinforce the importance of self-care for healthier communities.
"A culture of well-being means supporting students, faculty and staff both inside and outside the classroom," Mendez said. "The commitment of all Wildcats working together to prioritize health and well-being strengthens our entire community, both on campus and beyond."
First Lady Sally Linton is an advocate for making wellness an integral part of her daily life: "Wellness is ever-evolving, but one constant is listening to and honoring what you need at any given time. One key lesson I've learned is to schedule your priorities, rather than prioritizing your schedule." Linton emphasizes the need for balance and intentionality in our daily routines: "For me, that means prioritizing daily exercise, getting fresh air, and taking time to simply 'be.'"
You can join First Lady Linton this Thursday, Oct. 10, for a Well-being Walk, a calming way to reconnect with yourself and others. Just one of the many events scheduled for Wildcat Pause Week.
Coke also emphasizes that wellness isn't a one-size-fits-all approach: "It's about taking care of yourself in all aspects of life. From mental health and self-care to financial well-being and stability, wellness impacts how people live their everyday lives."
How does Coke practice her own well-being? "I take a pause by being creative, watching TV, reading and spending time with people who matter to me."
Wildcat Pause Day reinforces a simple truth: health is not an afterthought but an essential part of success. It's an opportunity to ask yourself, "What do I need right now to be the best version of myself?" Whether that means catching up on rest, organizing your space or moving your body, the key is to carve out time for yourself to make wellness a priority.