2024 Krost Symposium Presents: Dimensions of Wellness-Healthy Habits, Happy Life

You're happier when you feel well. And feeling well makes you happier. Everyone knows that. But what are actual steps you can take toward being well, feeling great, and living your best life?

That's exactly what this year's Krost Symposium at Texas Lutheran University will explore. Dimensions of Wellness: Healthy Habits, Happy Life is a two-day event focusing on eight main aspects of wellness: emotional, financial, social, spiritual, occupational, physical, intellectual, and environmental. It will cover everything from getting plenty of exercise and quality sleep, to developing an emotional support system, to expanding a sense of purpose and meaning in life and making wise financial decisions.

The symposium kicks off at 7 p.m. in Jackson Auditorium on Wednesday, October 9, with a keynote address by cultural sociologist Dr. Felicia Wu Song, author of Restless Devices: Recovering Personhood, Presence and Place in the Digital Age, a book which explores how our digital habits shape how we relate to time and space, to ourselves and others, and even to God. Dr. Song's presentation will be followed by a meet-and-greet.

Thursday brings a challenge with it. Designated a No-Device Day, the entire TLU community will be invited to fast from their electronic devices. For some, this may mean just setting their phones aside. Others may choose to power down their computers and take a full break from all devices. Some may simply opt to spend the day away from social media. Worry not: There will be plenty to do around campus to keep everyone busy!

On Thursday morning at 9:30, there will be a panel discussion in Wupperman Little Theatre with a stellar lineup of guests. Matt and Eliesha Cavanaugh are a dynamic duo in the world of mortgages and experts in finance. TLU alum Kelly Lively, owner of Faith Inspired Training (F.I.T. Athletics), is a certified personal trainer and nutrition coach who leads her clients toward transformation from the inside out. Tri-Rice Van Buren, another TLU alum, owner of Believe Your Strength Elite Fitness (BYS Elite Fitness) is a certified personal trainer focusing on overall fitness and functional movement for people of all fitness levels. And Youth Pastor Raul Bustillos, a recent TLU graduate will offer insight in many areas, especially spiritual wellness.

Following the panel discussion at 10:30 a.m., head over to the ASC for a Wellness Fair. Get your blood pressure and body mass index checked, pause for a chair massage, make your contribution to the Gratitude Wall, and visit booths to learn about sleep, healthy activities offered on campus, and more.

Plan to come to the Party Barn at noon for lunch and laughs with comedian Jonnie W., who combines music, off-beat standup, and a skewed view of the world to "bring the funny" to the stage. Admission is free and box lunches will be provided to the first 150 to arrive.

Thursday wraps up with the grand finale, a No-Devices event on the library lawn at 6 p.m. Come for some good old-fashioned fun-we've got corn hole, Jenga, tug-of-war, pumpkin carving, and more. Have snacks and make new friends-all without smart devices. The music starts at 8 p.m., when Jeremiah Roby's worship band will come play in the chapel until 9:30, so hang out and enjoy the evening!

The idea of taking a break from devices and prioritizing wellness will take some getting used to for most. But living your absolute best life? That makes it worth the effort.