Meditation - Drop In

Tuesdays at Noon begins March 24th

Wednesdays at Noon begins March 25th

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Meditation sessions are 15 - 20 minutes and no registration required.

Koru 2.0 Mindfulness Class Held through Zoom

Option 1 - Thursdays, March 26, April 2, 9, and 16 from 3:30 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.

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Option 2 - Fridays, March 27, April 3, 10, and 17 from noon - 12:50 p.m.

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Mindfulness classes are free, contact Jim Almeda to confirm participation.

Stressed is Desserts Spelled Backward (Dr. Luke Seaward)

Stress often brings emotional, physical, and mental responses for individuals when experiencing change. Some stress is actually good since a stress reaction can give a rush of adrenaline that helps you complete an upcoming deadline, compete in sports, or meet other daily challenges you might face. Despite its benefits, there are also negative aspects of stress. These can become problematic if your body does not return to a relaxed state, every day items may begin to feel overwhelming.

According to the 2019 American College Health Assessment National College Health Assessment results, Illinois State University students identified stress as having the most negative impact on their academic performance. Faculty and staff of Illinois State report stress as one of their top five health concerns in the 2018 ACHA National Faculty Staff Assessment Pilot Survey.

Ways to Reduce Stress

SLEEP - Commit to 7 - 9 hours each night
Time management skills: Keep a calendar that includes work and study times, and be realistic when setting your schedule.
The Julia N. Visor Academic Center can assist students with academic challenges - check out all the help they offer.
Physical Activity!! Get moving, it's fun! Visit Campus Recreation or go for a walk on the quad.
A healthy diet lowers stress levels, so enjoy a variety of food and the eating environment - Information on Healthy Eating and Nutrition
Focus on the breath can make a difference! Deep breathing and other relaxation techniques.
Find time to be social. Participate in an activity or event you enjoy doing that takes you away from work or school. Find out about campus activities through the Dean of Students and the University Calendar.
Have you tried yoga, meditation, or T'ai Chi to help reduce stress? Practice these easy massage techniques Massage for Stress Relief.
Focus on the things you can control and try to worry less about those you cannot change. Can you reframe your perspective? Ask yourself, "How big of a deal is it? How can I solve it? Can I let it go for now?
Talk with friends or family who are supportive and if things become too much to handle, contact Student Counseling Services; faculty and staff can contact their healthcare provider or call the Employee Assistance Program (866) 659-3848 (24/7 availability).
Remember, mistakes are a natural way to learn. Read some valuable material on how to practice self-compassion.
Practice Mindfulness on Your Own: If you can't attend a mindfulness class, or if you are just curious about mindfulness and meditation, the Center for Koru Mindfulness has free resources which include video tutorials and audio guided meditations. Many of these are the same or similar activities that we practice in class.
Online Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction: A free eight-week online MBSR training course, created by a certified and modeled after the program founded by Jon Kabat-Zinn at the University of Massachusetts Medical School.
Yoga and T'ai Chi classes are available through the Lifestyle Enhancement Program.