In support of Mental Health Awareness Month, the San Jose Earthquakes are partnering with CalHope to participate in the Starting XI vs. Stress initiative. As researched by The California Surgeon General's Playbook for Stress, there are seven stress busters that have been proven to help lower stress and improve health. Fans can participate by using the hashtag #EQXIvsStress.
Below is an outline of the stress busters that will be applied every day between May 8-18:
Monday, May 8: Balanced Nutrition & Supportive Relationships
The Earthquakes will provide the club’s front office with nutritional snacks that will help with brain power and maintain high energy around the office. Front office staff will also paint rocks with words of encouragement around the stadium as a way to take a break from work and spend quality time with coworkers and spread good thoughts and feelings.
Tuesday, May 9: Mindfulness Practices
The Earthquakes will encourage front office staff and fans to journal their thoughts and feelings. Journaling can help process emotions and reduce stress. Also, everyone will be encouraged to hydrate throughout the day.
Wednesday, May 10: Quality Sleep
Quakes legend Shea Salinas will virtually read a bedtime story to help viewers wind down before going to sleep. The reading will begin at 7:30 pm.
Thursday, May 11: Mindfulness Practices
A mid-day meditation session will take place in the stadium epicenter for front office staff. This will help relax the body and mind while clearing stress.
Fans are invited to join the Quakes front office staff at PayPal Park for Yoga on the Pitch. Yoga improves strength, balance, and flexibility while reducing stress. Tickets can be purchased here, with all proceeds benefiting the Quakes Foundation.
Friday, May 12: Experiencing Nature
PayPal Park is home to a beautiful community garden. Raul Bueno, the Director of Stadium Operations, cares for the garden and ensures its well-being. Quakes front office staff will join Raul in the community garden to learn more about gardening and help plant new seeds.
Saturday, May 13: Physical Activity
Go outside and be active! Share your physical activity using #EQXIvsStress.
Sunday, May 14: Supporting Relationships
Watch the San Jose Earthquakes take on the LA Galaxy at 6:30 pm. Post a photo of who you are watching the game with using #EQXIvsStress.
Monday, May 15: Balanced Nutrition
Ensure you are getting the proper nutrition to help combat stress. Post your healthy meals and use the hashtag #EQXIvsStress.
Tuesday, May 16: Mental & Behavioral Health
The Earthquakes will share different mental health resources on the club’s social media accounts.
Wednesday, May 17: Supportive Relationships
Fans are invited to visit UpWest, a clothing store that uses sustainable fabrics and materials, to donate their new or gently used clothing. A Quakes player will be there to greet fans and sign autographs as a thank you for their donation.
Thursday, May 18: Mental & Behavioral Health
The Earthquakes will encourage front office staff and fans to journal their thoughts and feelings. Journaling can help process emotions and reduce stress. Also, everyone will be encouraged to hydrate throughout the day.
