Faculty and staff from the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy recently completed the 90-day "Limitless League" challenge aimed at enhancing health and fostering new connections. The initiative, as detailed in a press release, seeks to gamify wellness by having participants work in pairs to complete a BINGO board filled with various challenges. These efforts encourage physical, mental, and spiritual well-being and help integrate the different parts of the Bloustein School community.
The challenge was devised by Anita Franzione, an associate teaching professor in the Department of Public Health, Aakanksha Deoli, an instructor of teaching in the Department of Health Administration, and Stephanie Kose-Crozier, who supervises events and programs at the Bloustein School.
The BINGO cards included tasks aimed at improving health, such as consuming fruits or getting adequate sleep, and engaging in mental or spiritual exercises like meditation or gratitude journaling. Other tasks, focused on building relationships, involved sharing a podcast or taking a walk with their partner.
Deoli emphasized the importance of maintaining wellness in the workplace, stating, “Wellness is critical and something that each one of us should be thinking about every day, including in our workplace.” She added that sometimes it takes "a little push from a colleague and friend, a challenge with lovely goodies and prizes or a reminder of small things we can do in our offices."
According to Franzione, prizes were available for completing tasks, including University-branded items. Participants who completed all tasks qualified for a raffle to win Amazon gift cards. Franzione highlighted that fostering connections was a significant goal as workplace routines can lead to isolation. "We get siloed," she noted, urging staff and faculty to interact across roles.
The challenge originated after Franzione realized during a holiday party that there were Bloustein School colleagues she had never met, sparking her interest in creating more community connections. The program is part of broader efforts to create a more welcoming environment, including monthly exercise themes and communal snack and coffee tables.
The "Limitless League" challenge is supported by the ScarletWell Connection Grant from Rutgers—New Brunswick, which promotes wellness at the University. A survey showed success and future interest in continuing the program, possibly returning next academic year.
Deoli commented on the importance of incorporating healthy practices as a priority in the workplace and personal life.
