By Ra'Neta Oliver
What does it look like to truly prioritize wellness? For some, it may be going for a run. For others, it may be practicing yoga, listening to their favorite music, or simply taking time to connect with others.
At a recent wellness event, Tech Turn Up partnered with Timeless Run Club to bring all of these things together for an afternoon centered on movement, connection, and self-care.
The event gave participants an opportunity to step away from their everyday routines and focus on their physical and mental well-being. The day included a three-mile run with Timeless Run Club, a yoga session, music from a live DJ, and plenty of opportunities for participants to connect and enjoy themselves.
Wellness looks different for everyone
While the activities offered different ways to get moving, the overall message was the same: wellness should be a priority, and it doesn’t have to look the same for everyone.
For Hannah, a regular Timeless Run Club participant, wellness is about taking care of the whole person.
“Wellness is just feeling good in your body, in your mind, your spirit,” she shared.
She also explained that music and technology can play a role in supporting wellness, whether through listening, meditation, or finding ways to improve your mindset.
Technology as an assistant
The event also created space for conversations about the connection between technology and everyday life. As technology continues to become a bigger part of how we work, communicate, and spend our time, finding a healthy balance is important.
Heather Gibson, associate director for the Mayor’s Office on African American Affairs, has seen firsthand the impact of Tech Turn Up’s work and community partnerships. After first connecting with the organization at the STEM East of the River Festival, she became involved in additional programming, including a lighting design masterclass that brought together arts, design, and technology.
When asked how technology can support physical and mental wellness, Gibson emphasized that it should be something that assists us rather than controls us.
“Technology can really support our physical and mental wellness by allowing us to be the leaders of what we want, and having technology be the assistant.”
She also spoke about the importance of setting boundaries with technology and using tools like artificial intelligence intentionally, especially as people balance their careers, personal responsibilities, and everyday lives.
Creating space for community
Beyond technology and fitness, one of the most important parts of the event was the opportunity to build community.
Brianna Bryant, a therapist who attended through her connections with members of the Tech Turn Up board, spoke about the importance of creating welcoming spaces where people can focus on their well-being without feeling like they have to navigate everything alone.
“I think it’s important to create these types of environments to let people know it’s okay to feel, it’s okay to have things that you need to work through and have a supportive community-oriented space to do so,” Bryant explained.
She also highlighted how important it is for people to be surrounded by others who can understand and relate to their experiences. As a therapist, she recognizes that community plays a major role in healing.
Making time for self-care
The yoga session offered another opportunity for participants to focus on themselves. Led by Jhonay, who goes by Ja, the session encouraged participants to slow down, move their bodies, and make time for self-care.
For Ja, wellness starts with self-love.
“To me, wellness is prioritizing your own self-love. Just caring for yourself and bringing joy inside of you,” she shared.
She also believes technology can help people build connections and discover healthier habits. While there are conversations about spending less time on screens, she pointed out that technology can also help bridge gaps and connect people with resources and others who can support them.
“I turn up for my wellness by…”
Throughout the event, participants shared their own approaches to wellness. Some turn to running, others find joy in music, and some prioritize movement and spending time with people who pour positive energy back into their lives.
When asked to finish the phrase, “I turn up for my wellness by…,” the responses reflected just how personal wellness can be.
Bryant shared that she turns up for herself by loving those who love her and giving positive energy back to her community. Ja’s response was simple: moving her body. Gibson’s approach? Listening to a Motown song once a day.
Although everyone had a different answer, each response pointed back to the same idea: taking care of yourself is important, and sometimes the smallest things can make a difference.
Through its partnership with Timeless Run Club, Tech Turn Up created an experience that brought together fitness, creativity, technology, and community. It was a reminder that wellness is not just about what we do for our bodies, but also how we care for our minds and build relationships with the people around us.
At the end of the day, turning up for your wellness can be as simple as getting outside, moving your body, enjoying good music, or making time for yourself and others.
Invest in yourself. Invest in community.
Help us keep experiences like this going—bringing people together through wellness, creativity, and technology. Your contribution supports more opportunities to connect, learn, and build together.