Stress relief class helps make college life more manageable
Everyone encounters stress throughout their day, whether it comes from class, work, relationships or sports. Freshman Liz Larimore, who is enrolled in the pre-law program, feels the weight of the stress as she transitions into the life of a college student.
‘A lot of students don’t know how to deal with stress, and this is one of the most stressful times in one’s life because of all the changes,’ Larimore said.
Stress follows students everywhere, and the Syracuse University Counseling Center offers an eight-week course called Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction. Beginning Wednesday,the class is designed to help students manage and reduce life’s everyday stresses while receiving credit.
It will let students improve their daily performance in areas such as academia, relationships and balancing emotions, said Susan Pasco, associate director of the Counseling Center. Offered every semester for the past five years, students learn a variety of mindfulness meditation practices that they can then incorporate into their daily lives outside of the class.
The class is not limited to students who just need counseling. It’s open to all students.
Students enrolled in this class learn to manage and alleviate their stress through breathing meditations, yoga, a variety of stretches, sitting and walking meditations, and a body scan, Pasco said.
Pasco said that this course has left students with less psychological and physical symptoms of stress than when they first enrolled, and many have learned to cope better with their stress. Some students even noticed an improvement in their academic performance, personal relationships and sleep schedules.
Students have come out of the class noticing a decrease in their stress levels and an improved ability to concentrate. After taking the course, most students noticed improvements in their ability to cope with stress, as well as decreases in psychological and physical symptoms.
‘The course is a good opportunity for students to escape their classes and everyday stresses,’ said David Marino, an undeclared freshman in the College of Arts and Sciences, ‘Why wouldn’t I want more time to relax?’
Published on September 20, 2011 at 12:00 pm
