One Lunch Hour Can LEAD to Happiness
Make the most of your lunch hour by stepping away from your desk and taking advantage of the many resources available to you as an employee of the University of West Florida. Bring a coworker or spend some alone time — the following categories will help you decide the best route for a midday break that will lead to a more productive afternoon and a happier you.
Get Back to Nature
The natural landscape of the Pensacola campus offers a variety of options to take a lunchtime scenic walk. Stay in shape physically and mentally while appreciating the beauty of our campus with the 1.66 mile LEAD Trail. Stroll the half-mile Edward Ball Nature Trail boardwalk through Thompson’s Bayou over a hardwood swamp that is home to mammals, birds, fish and reptiles. Have a seat in the Camellia Garden which currently features more than 250 plants representing over 100 varieties of the camellia. Take an underwater detour to observe the Marine Biology Fish Tanks. Journey to the very end of Campus Drive to take in the tranquil scenery at the Overlook. Enjoy the fresh air as you walk the .6 mile orbital road around the UWF Emerald Coast Campus in Fort Walton Beach. Look for the alligator when near the lake and always be mindful of the bears that have been spotted in the area
Find Your Zen
Use your lunch hour for reflection, meditation, prayer or quiet time. Borrow a yoga mat or meditation pad from Wellness Services and pick a shaded spot on campus to find some focus in your busy life. Feeling stressed? The Zen Den features two massage chairs, available for use by appointment.
Fit in Fitness
One of the best resources available to UWF employees is the free use of the HLS Facility. Work up a sweat during your lunch hour in the Fitness Center or with a cycle, ab or short circuit Group Fitness class. Check the schedule each semester for class updates. For a midday refresh, take advantage of the UWF staff membership rates for the Aquatic Center to enjoy the Olympic size swimming pool, whirlpool and dry sauna.
Tour History & Culture
Travel back in time or to a different land by visiting one of the University’s many historical and cultural exhibits. Take in the beauty of the Japan House tea room and viewing garden. Stop into the Archaeology Institute to see artifacts found by UWF archaeologists or visit the downtown FPAN Destination Archaeology Resource Center to view exhibits about Florida’s archaeological history. While downtown, learn more about the cultural groups that have shaped Pensacola’s history at Voices of Pensacola or explore the other Historic Pensacola museums and properties managed by the UWF Historic Trust.
Put the 'Pro' in Productive
Still feel the need to work during lunch? Hold a lunch meeting out in the open at the LEAD Deck in front of building 21. Collaborate on the next big thing over coffee and a sandwich at the Pace Library Coffee House or the Café Breve on the Fort Walton Beach Emerald Coast Campus. Change your desk scenery and take in the window views of the Skylab.
Take a Walk on the Art Side
Find inspiration and appreciation for all of the creative touches that can be found on the Pensacola campus. Start your journey at any of the Outdoor Art Structures. Sights to see include the nautilus sculpture (Health, Leisure, and Sports facility, Bldg. 72), the sphere sculpture (Psychology, Bldg. 41), the Pensacola-themed columns (Lewis Bear Jr. College of Business, Bldg. 76A), "Mind in Motion" (Hal Marcus College of Science and Engineering, Bldg. 4), the AISC Steel Sculpture outside of the Instructional Design and Technology building (77) and the arch in front of the Center for Fine & Performing Arts (CFPA, Bldg. 82). Complete your campus art expedition by viewing the installations in the Pace Library Grand Staircase (Bldg. 32) and the TAG Art Gallery inside CFPA. The Pensacola Museum of Art is also a must see if you are in downtown Pensacola.
Map your LEAD lunch!
Bookmark the LEAD Lunch Map App on your phone for on-the-go directions and more information for each resource. Downtown Pensacola and Emerald Coast Campus employees can find the resources close to you in the map app under tabs for your location.
LEAD: The Staff Version
"One Lunch Hour Can LEAD to Happiness" is part of the 2016-2017 LEAD: The Staff Version team project.
LEAD (Leadership, Enhancement, Activities & Development) is a year-long leadership development program designed to help participants enhance their leadership skills, build relationships with people across campus and develop strategies to help them flourish as leaders and team players. The program is led by Dr. Athena du Pre, Distinguished University Professor.
Support
Additional support for the 2016-2017 LEAD: The Staff Version project was provided by:
- UWF Distance & Continuing Education
- UWF Office of Economic Development and Engagement
- UWF GeoData Center