WellNest: ‘Sport, mental health, social wellbeing, and nutrition are all equally important’

The student organization WellNest launched in June, and the project’s posters are on display at the sports building. The participants aim to support each other in leading a healthier lifestyle.

WellNest regularly hosts open events for students interested in a healthy lifestyle. On 19 October, WellNest students joined together for a yoga class, followed by a hot chocolate social.

The old gymnasium across from the Sports Building, where the yoga class takes place, smells of sweat and rubber. Albina Gitman, the founder of WellNest and an Arts and Culture student, greets everyone in the hall. The students set out their mats and yoga gear as the instructor starts playing calming music, signalling the start of the session.

The chatting and laughter soon give way to focused concentration. The participants stretch their upper bodies, some glancing at others to make sure they’re getting their poses right. Soon, only the instructor’s voice fills the hall. “Don’t pay attention to others; follow your own rhythm”, she says firmly. Intense poses that stretch the back and leg muscles are followed by simpler seated exercises. With soothing sounds in the background, the room becomes an oasis of calm.

Hot chocolate

After the yoga class, it’s time to chat over a cup of hot chocolate in the Erasmus Sport café. Gitman welcomes students and ensures everyone gets a cup of tea or hot chocolate. For those who participated in the class, drinks are free, Gitman says. “Erasmus Sport is sponsoring us, so all events are free until December, and we’re also in talks with the Student Wellbeing Programme for further support.”

WellNest is a student community that organises lifestyle events and sports activities. “You don’t need to become an official member; you can follow us on WhatsApp or Instagram to stay updated and join events that suit you”, Gitman explains. WellNest primarily focuses on promoting a healthier lifestyle through four pillars: sport, mental health, social wellbeing, and nutrition. “If people incorporate each of these four elements into their lives, they will lead healthier, better-balanced lives overall.”

A distinctive combination

According to Gitman, WellNest stands out from other campus initiatives like the Student Wellbeing Programme because of its combination of these four elements. “The Student Wellbeing Programme is a support platform that focuses on mental health. We also offer mental health workshops but incorporate elements like sport, social life, and nutrition, which are often missing from most campus initiatives.” Applying these four elements is the essence of every WellNest activity, which Gitman sees as the key to a balanced life. She is also in talks with the Student Wellbeing Programme about potential collaboration, believing both organisations could greatly benefit from each other.

In the future, Gitman wants to keep activities as accessible as possible. “If there’s a fee, it’s only to ensure people show up and don’t cancel at the last minute.” In addition to monthly yoga classes, WellNest is planning a Halloween event soon.