The beginning of a new school year can stress out even the most laid back and prepared students. And while stress is a normal and necessary part of life, Illinois State students report stress as one of their top barriers to academic success. Health Promotion and Wellness has numerous programs and events to help you manage stress in a productive and healthy way. Here are ways to help you stress less this year.
Mindfulness Class
Mindfulness means paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in the moment, and nonjudgmentally. During this class, participants will learn and practice various mindfulness and meditation techniques that can help improve sleep; reduce stress and anxiety; improve focus, academic performance, and eating behaviors; and contribute to a greater sense of well-being and happiness. This course meets once a week for four weeks for two separate sessions in September and October:
- Wednesdays, September 2–23, from 3 to 4:15 p.m.
- Thursdays, September 3–24, from 3:30 to 4:45 p.m.
- Wednesdays, October 7–28, from 3 to 4:15 p.m.
- Thursdays, October 8–29, from 3:30 to 4:45 p.m.
This is a free class, but space is limited. Register online.
On-campus massage
Massage is a great way to relax and manage stress. Health Promotion and Wellness partners with Aches Away to provide massage services right here on campus every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday. The cost is $15 for 15 minutes, and you are able to book consecutive appointments for a longer massage. View available appointment times and sign up.
PAWSitively Stress Free
Research shows that for some, just a few minutes of petting a dog can lower the body’s level of cortisol, the body’s stress hormone. Reducing cortisol levels lowers your blood pressure and helps you feel relaxed. Recently, therapy dogs have also been shown to lower anxiety levels and reduce feelings of loneliness for college students. Lessening stress allows you to focus better on studying and project work as well as aids in information retention. Students can take a break with certified therapy dogs, coloring, and more. Here are fall 2015 dates and times:
- Wednesday, September 9, from 2–4 p.m.
- Wednesday, October 14, from 2–4 p.m.
- Wednesday, November 11, from 2–4 p.m.
- Monday, December 7, from 2–6 p.m. **finals week with free chair massage**
- Tuesday, December 8, from 2–6 p.m. **finals week with free chair massage**
Seven: Discover wellness at Illinois State
Seven is a free incentive program that encourages participants to focus on all seven dimensions of wellness: emotional, environmental, intellectual, physical, social, spiritual, and vocational. People who focus on all dimensions of their wellness are more likely to reach their full potential. Participants log activities in one of the seven dimensions to accumulate points. Points = Prizes = Wellness! Read more about and sign up for Seven online.
Here are some additional campus resources to help you manage stress:
- Guided relaxation audio from Health Promotion and Wellness
- Campus Recreation
- Career Center
- Dean of Students office
- Julia N. Visor Academic Center
- Student Counseling Services
- University College programs
