Wellbeing Days 2026

WELLBEING DAYS 2026 26 FEBRUARY TO 6 MARCH

Open to students, faculty, and staff of the Geneva Graduate Institute 

Offer yourself a break during the 2026 Wellbeing Week by participating in some of  our many activities, including :

Study - Career - Wellbeing Series

➔    Perfectionism and the Thesis : Challenge your inner saboteur with Carolina  
➔    Boost your Self Esteem and be aligned with your values with Aline

➔    Values Walk with Annette

Mindfulness

➔    Mindfulness for Procrastinators with Sung Min Rho
➔    Mindfulness for aid workers and activists with Claudia Seymour 
➔    Emotions in Motion –  Mindful Movement with Veronika
➔    Silent Nature Walks led by a student and the GISA Outdoors Initiative

Physical Health

➔    10’000 Step Challenge with the Sustainability Initiative (any day)
➔    Run with the Outdoors Initiative
➔    Basket Ball Evening with the NL1 Women’s Swiss National League

Mental Health

➔    Relaxation Massages
➔    Pet Petting
➔    Digital Detox

Food habits

➔    Nutrition stand with Novae on ultra processed food
➔    Food distribution for students by GISA Welfare

Adventure

➔    Full moon walk at la Givrine and dinner in a cosy mountain restaurant with Eliane

Positive Intention Board

REGISTRATION for some activities REQUIRED.

Activities will be canceled if the minimum number of participants has not been reached.

See the detailed programme* further down

*Programme subject to change.

THURSDAY 26 February to FRIDAY 6 March

Participate in the following activities whenever it suits you during Wellbeing Days!

Positive Intention Board 
The Kindness Loop: Add a Thought, Take a Thought
 

A simple space to share small moments of encouragement; each has an uplifting quote, wellbeing tip, or self-care prompt.

This year we will focus on Kindness!

Write a note for someone else, or pick one note up when you need a lift. Contribute, take, or do both: the loop grows through everyone’s kindness.

Post it and markers provided
Where: Petal 2, at the entrance of the cafeteria

Step into Wellbeing and Join the 10’000 Step Challenge
with the Sustainability Initiative 
 

During these Wellbeing Days, we're challenging you to move more and feel better! Can you hit 10,000 steps every day?

Why join?

  • Build a healthy habit that boosts your energy and mood.
  • It’s easy! All you need is a pair of sneakers and a bit of motivation.
  • Perfect for everyone, whether you're already a regular walker or just getting started.

Win prizes! Complete the challenge and show us your results to enter our prize draw*:

  • 1st Prize: CHF 30 voucher for the cafeteria
  • 2nd Prize: CHF 20 voucher for the cafeteria
  • 3rd Prize: CHF 10 voucher for the cafeteria

Ready to step up? Lace up those sneakers and get moving! Your body and mind will thank you.

What are you waiting for? Sign up now! 

When: Anytime during the day between 26 February and 6 March 2026.
Where: anywhere

*To enter the prize draw, send us a screenshot of your daily step count plus a photo of you outdoors to: vivre.ensemble@graduateinstitute.ch

* * * * *

You may also want to join the Outdoors Initiative Run at this occasion.
For more information and registration for the run contact gisa.outdoors@graduateinstitute.ch or join their WhatsApp Run Club Chat

Digital Detox Day
 

Pick any day during the Wellbeing Days to reclaim your morning and evening — skip the phone, breathe deeply, and do something that nourishes your soul: meditation, yoga, a good book or simply just enjoy being in the moment. Stay unplugged and let the day be yours.

Discover the amazing benefits of saying no phones before 9 AM or after 6 PM — more focus, better sleep, and a calmer mind!
We’d love to hear your story!

Share your experience at vivre.ensemble@graduateinstitute.ch

* * * *

Want to change your habits and disconnect more often from your mobile phone? Find out everything about the creation of the (Dis)connection project by the UNIGE Coaching Team - Disconnect your smartphone to better connect your mind.

* * * *

For staff members - pour nos collaborateurs et collaboratrices : 

Sensibilisation | Espace découverte sur notre réservoir énergétique (en français)

Vous vous réveillez déjà épuisé·e ? L’esprit saturé, sous pression, anxieux sans vraiment savoir pourquoi ? Vous enchaînez les cafés pour tenir la journée… le scrolling sur le téléphone ?
Et si le problème venait de ces fausses bonnes idées — et ces vraies mauvaises décisions — qui sabotent votre énergie ? 
Venez comprendre pourquoi une détox digitale peut recharger vos batteries.

Avec : Céline Vilmen-Royo

Quand:  Jeudi, 26 février,  16:00 - 17:00 
Oû: Salon Davis

Inscriptions obligatoires (Click here)

DETAILED DAY BY DAY PROGRAMME
 

OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE WELLBEING DAYS


Coffee and Cake + Brief Presentation of the Silent Walk Concept 

To celebrate the opening of the Wellbeing Days, join us for a coffee chat and homemade chocolate cake with the Wellbeing & Support Team and GISA Welfare.

Brief presentation on the proven benefits of nature walks for restoring one’s attention and mood by the Outdoors Initiative + Ana Landeta Fernández.

When: Thursday 26 February, between 11:30 - 13:00

Where: The Fab 

PET PETTING


Known for their friendliness and their non-judgmental natures, dogs are naturally de-stressing and are often a source of support, reassurance, and motivation.  A simple cuddle, a petting session, and anxiety is reduced, with joy and reassurance.

As a teacher with a passion for dogs, Corinne has taken up the challenge of reconciling pedagogy and the well-being that assistance dogs can bring to educational and cultural environments (schools, institutes, libraries, etc.).

Corinne Leboissard is a French teacher specialising in literacy, reading and French for non-French speakers, for 27 years. As an animal mediator since 2020, she has been trained in pet therapy for young people, reading in libraries with dogs, animal communication and canine first aid.

Characteristics and strengths of Nawa: Golden retriever born on 8.3.2020 at the Mazage de Mascayenne kennel in Ariège, France, a kennel specialising in assistance dogs. Well-behaved, stable, confident, gentle, sociable, lively, calm and playful, she knows her role as a mediator and assistance dog well, being empathetic without letting herself be overwhelmed by other people's emotions.

When: Thursday 26 February, between 11:00 - 13:00 

Where: Petal 1 - Student Reception

No registration required

Relaxation Massage


Take a break and enjoy a 25 minute relaxation massage by a certified therapist.

With : Daniel LaTorre, certified massage therapist
When: 

  • Thursday 26 February, between 13:00 and 15:00 | Registration required (Click here)
  • Friday 27 February, between 9:00 and 14:00 | Registration required (Click here)
  • Tuesday 3 March, between 9:00 and 14:00 | Registration required (Click here) 

Where: P1-301
 

Special Tariff
Price for students: CHF 10.-*
Price for staff: CHF 30.-*
*payable in advance upon registration - to accounting (P2, 7th floor)

Values Walk as part of the Study-Career-Wellbeing Activities
 

Join the wellbeing & values walk and explore purpose, clarity, and values in real time… discover how small shifts in awareness can transform your wellbeing, your decisions, and your daily habits — no meditation cushions required!

When: Saturday 28 February, between 10:30–12:00 
Where: At the Geneva Flower Clock in the Jardin Anglais
With: Annette Ebbinghaus

Registration required (Click here)

Nutrition Stand with Novae


Ultra-transformed food products : what they are, their impact on our health, and how to read the information on the labels

When: Monday 2 March, between 12:00 and 14:00
Where: At the entrance of the cafeteria

No registration required

Food Distribution by GISA Welfare - for students only
 

Stop by the Food Distribution stand to grab a nutritious snack and learn more about the Welfare Committee. Whether you’re just looking for a quick bite to refuel or to get to know the Welfare team better, don’t hesitate to drop by.

When: Monday 2 March, between 12:00 to 14:00 
Where: at the entrance of the cafeteria (P2)

No registration required

Take a Mindful Break


Monday 2 March - Mindfulness for Procrastinators with Sung Min Rho

This mindfulness meditation is an invitation to set the mindset for the new semester — not by demanding productivity, but by cultivating awareness of how we relate to our intentions. Rather than judging procrastination, we practice noticing it with clarity and compassion, recognising the moments when resistance arises. From this awareness, we gently support ourselves in returning to what we intend to do, and in doing so more consciously — and, hopefully, on time.

When: between 12:30 - 13:30 
Where: Room S6 (next to the Fab)

Registration required (Click here)

 * * * *

Thursday 5 March - Mindfulness for aid workers and activists with Claudia Seymour

Effectively and sustainably engaging in the world requires a presence of mind and a capacity to stay with complexity, especially when so much feels at stake. A certified MMTCP mindfulness practitioner, Claudia will share simple practices on breath awareness and mindful presence, and bring participants through the RAIN (Recognize, Allow, Investigate, Nurture) mindfulness practice.

When: between 12:30 - 13:00 
Where: Salon Davis

No registration required

 * * * *

Friday 6 March - Online Mindfulness meditation for the Frontlines" with Claudia Seymour

Given the state of the world, mindfulness practice feels more crucial than ever. Claudia offers to guide us online on Fridays during our lunch break for a mindful meditation.

The Zoom link is generated when you sign up: https://www.everydayactions.net/practice    

When: Each Friday (until 3 July) 12:30 - 13:00 
Where: if you are at the Institute, feel free to use Salon Davis 

No registration required

Silent Nature Walk


Join a silent nature walk, and find grounding by fostering a few minutes of connection with nature and one other. The walk will be led by a student and the Outdoors Initiative.

When: Monday 2 March to Friday 6 March, 12:30–13:00 (approx. 20 minutes)
Where: meeting at the entrance of Petal 2 
Bring a coat or jacket and comfortable shoes

No registration required

Basket Ball Evening


Join a fun basketball evening with the NL1W Women’s Swiss National League and discuss with their members (different nationalities) afterwards. A drink will be offered after the training 
No prior experience or equipment is needed —  just wear comfortable clothes and bring your good humour!

When: Monday 2 March, between 19:45 - 21:00
Where: Collège Sismondi, opposite the Institute, stairs on the left in the entrance hall to go to -1, gym C, at the end of the corridor.

Wear sports clothes

Registration required (Click here)

Discover the International Geneva Basketball Club through a sporting experience and a meeting with the women's team, which plays at the Swiss national level (Women's National League 1).  They are looking for new female candidates to join their team!

The club International Geneva is a place for internationals living in the Canton of Geneva and nearby (neighbouring France, Canton of Vaud) to meet, integrate, and socialise. 
Several students from the Institute have joined the club in the past, playing either recreationally or competitively. The meet-and-greet with the players and the coach (a former student of the Institute) may be followed by a warm-up with the team and some fun ball games.

Emotions in Motion –  Mindful Movement


This session invites participants to reconnect with their body through gentle, guided movement and intuitive dance. Inspired by mindfulness and somatic practices, the class offers a space to release stress, explore emotions through movement, and cultivate presence. No dance experience is needed — participants are encouraged to move in a way that feels natural and respectful of their own body, using breath, music and simple movement prompts as support.

With : Veronika Kac
Veronika is an embodied dance teacher and Reiki Master with a background in physical education and over 15 years of experience in movement and dance. Her work combines conscious movement, intuitive dance and somatic awareness to support well-being, self-connection, and emotional release. She facilitates group classes, workshops, and individual sessions, creating safe and inclusive spaces for people to reconnect with their body and inner resources.

When:  Tuesday 3 March, between 11:30 - 12:30
Where: De Picciotto common room

Wear comfortable clothes and bring a towel or yoga mat

Registration required (Click here) Minimum 4 participants

Full Moon Excursion at la Givrine


Join us for a special evening walk under the full moon on the Jura!

We'll make our way uphill together (about 45 minutes) to a cozy restaurant where a delicious Swiss fondue or other traditional plate awaits us. The walk is beautiful in any season, so don't worry if there's no snow – the full moon will light our path and create its own special atmosphere.

If we're lucky enough to have snow, you're welcome to bring your sledge along (or rent one in St. Cergue) for a fun ride back down! Imagine gliding through the moonlit landscape after a warm, hearty meal – what a way to end the evening!
This is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the crisp mountain air, good company, and the simple pleasures of a Swiss winter tradition. All fitness levels are welcome – we'll take our time and enjoy the journey together.
 

We look forward to sharing this memorable experience with you!

Where: la Givrine (at the end of the parking, next to the train station)

When: Tuesday 3 March, we will be departing from the parking at 18:30

How to get there: by car (evt. car sharing) or train (Geneva - Nyon - La Givrine)

Registration required (Click here) Minimum 5 participants - Maximum 10 participant

Please note: Participants cover their own expenses (train fare, food, and drinks). A registration fee of CHF 10.- has to be paid to accounting (P2, 7th floor) to confirm your registration. This amount will be deducted from your meal expenses.

Study - Career - Wellbeing Series
 

Perfectionism and the Thesis : Challenge your Inner Critic 
Is your inner critic a little loud these days? Come challenge it !

In this introductory workshop, we will:

  • Explore perfectionism in a non-judgmental environment;
  • Identify negative thoughts related to thesis ambitions;
  • Challenge and change the script!

These tips and tricks are brought to you by an Institute alumna who wished she knew this while completing her thesis and navigating the job market (all during the 2020 pandemic)!

When: Wednesday, 4 March, 16:00–17:30
Where: Davis Hall (next to the entrance of the library)
With: Carolina De La Torre Ugarte (ANSO ‘20)

Registration required (Click here)

* * * * *

How to Boost your Self Esteem and Live by your Values at Work
Discover your true worth as a key to self-esteem, wellbeing and success.

In this workshop, Aline will guide you through self-exploration to discover your qualities and values, and find your true worth. We will be interacting and working with three main questions:

  • Can you name your qualities and values?
  • Do you know your true worth?
  • How to connect with your values on a daily basis to build self-esteem, overall well-being and success?

This exploration and discovery will be a powerful ally in your everyday personal and professional life :)

When: Thursday, 5 March, 14:00 - 15:30 
Where: Davis Hall (next to the entrance of the library) 
With: Aline Dimitriou
What to bring: a pencil and piece of paper OR laptop

Registration required (Click here)

Closing Concert + Potluck
 

Music is joy, brightness, community, and hope, and we bring all of it to you and our Institute to close the wonderful Wellbeing Days 2026! We will have our own diverse performers, but we also open the stage to let you perform and present music that brings wellbeing to our audience. This also includes staff members, professors, or any personnel working in the Petals -- let's come together and create a few magic moments that will carry us through our important work in the coming months!  

Sign-up link here

When: 18:00 - 20:00
Where: Common Space de Picciotto