![Brooke Pedersen [second from the right] and Luis Reyes [right] hold banners during the Wrap The Woods event.](https://thebluebanner.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/ELIZABETH_PRITCHITT_IMG_3470-1200x804.jpg)
Following instruction, I slowly start to cover my canvas in wide brush strokes of pale blue, unsure whether I’m painting a tropical sea or morning sky. I settle on sky, as the nine of us in unison rinse blue paintbrushes in water and dip instead into titanium white to fluff the edges of a happy little cloud. Make that two – because everyone needs a friend. As I reach for a darker brown and begin to lightly sketch the outlines of mountains, I look up at the curly brown head of hair leading the class, who in a relaxed voice reassures us no mistakes can be made just happy accidents.
The date is Wednesday, Sept. 10, and instead of panicking over the impending first exam of the semester, I’ve taken an hour out of my afternoon to attend a Bob Ross Paintalong hosted by UNC Asheville’s Campus Recreation as part of their Wellness Programs, a broader initiative to support student wellness.
“We have students who love yoga, who love art and who simply love engaging in an activity that is new to them,” said Corey Smith, associate director of Campus Recreation at UNCA. “Our instructors care a lot about the opportunity they have to further wellness on campus.”
After I add the final highlights of snow to the treetops and put my paintbrush down, I speak with Joe Wood, the student wellness leader instructing the class, who explains how relaxing activities such as painting can reduce students’ stress levels at UNCA – a curly brown wig in his hands.
“I see painting as the ultimate relaxation which is the best mindset you could have as a student,” Wood said. “You need to give yourself things so that you can keep moving forward.”
Students have a tendency to work hard all the time, sometimes to the point of crash-and-burn according to Wood. The Wellness Programs at UNCA offer something else to focus on besides schoolwork which Wood said can help mitigate stress.
UNCA’s Campus Recreation made the shift from what they called Group Fitness to Wellness Programs in the spring 2025 semester following Hurricane Helene. The shift was made because they wanted to emphasize opportunities for holistic wellness at a time of recovery, according to Smith.
“Since the shift we have added classes such as art, water aerobics, group fitness boxing, walking and more,” Smith said. “The calendar changes every month as we receive feedback about when people are available and what they are seeking opportunities for.”
Students who report higher academic stress experience diminished mental well-being, according to a 2022 research article published in the Frontiers in Psychology journal on academic stress and mental well-being in college students. Second-year students report the most academic-related distress and lowest psychological well-being due to managing heavier academic workloads and exploring different majors.
Yoga classes are another cornerstone of UNCA’s Wellness Programs, offering students a chance to reset throughout the week.
“Yoga is really important as it fosters mind-body connection while giving your body all the things it needs to stay healthy and keep going as a student,” said Nora Kennedy, four-year yoga teacher with Campus Recreation.
“Especially for students, I think it’s really important to take some time away from everything and give yourself time where your only job is to be there for you and focus on what you need,” Kennedy said.
No previous experience or skills are required for students to attend the Wellness Programs classes. To stay updated on programs happening this fall, follow @unca_campusrec on Instagram or visit recreation.unca.edu/wellness-programs. You must bring your Rocky Card to each session and sign the annual waiver ahead of time.
