Dogs, Yoga & More: De-Stress for Success
Posted April 28, 2016 in JMU Libraries News
Finals can be stressful. JMU Libraries offers some free activities for relaxation as the semester ends, including yoga, meditation, coloring books, therapy dogs and free cookies.
Visit the De-Stress for Success Facebook event to find a schedule for all events.
More info on the De-Stress programs, all of which are free for JMU students:
Yoga: Take a quick break to take care of yourself! According to the NIH, current research suggests that yoga might reduce stress and help relieve anxiety, depression, and insomnia. Drop in for 20-minute yoga sessions in the Libraries. UREC Instructors will provide mats. Simply show up, breathe, stretch, move, and recharge. Thanks to University Recreation (UREC) for partnering with the Libraries on this program.
Dogs: Interacting with dogs may reduce college students’ feelings of anxiety and loneliness, according to recent research. Some stress, anxiety, and loneliness are normal parts of life, but feeling extremely stressed for long periods can be harmful. Research suggests that some people gain immense mental, social, and health benefits just from being in the presence of a dog or other companion animal. Visit the libraries to de-stress with dogs. Yay dogs!
Expressive Arts Table: Creative expression can have many benefits: improving problem-solving abilities, reducing stress, processing difficult emotions. Plus, it’s fun! You don’t need to be a skilled artist to benefit from artistic expression or have fun with it. We provide the supplies – you have fun coloring! Thanks to the JMU Counseling Center for partnering with the Libraries to offer coloring activities at an Expressive Arts Table in the lobby of both Rose and Carrier.
Meditation: Take a moment to connect with your body and calm your mind amid the stress of finals. Experience a contemplative practice called “Quiet Centering” in which you will learn to connect with the experience of mindful breathing and compassionate self-listening. Thanks to Ed Brantmeier and Shari Scofield for leading these sessions. Ed has been practicing meditation for 20 years; he engages JMU students and university faculty with contemplative practices to promote deep learning. Shari is the Coordinator of MAD4U Student Activities and Involvement, including events like Madison Meditates and the Mindful Experience Retreat Day.
Free cookies: Does this need any explanation? We’ll provide some free cookies in both Rose and Carrier Libraries from May 4 to May 7. Many thanks to JMU Dining Services for donating the cookies. Yum!
Want to know when to find the dogs or other events? Check the De-Stress for Success Facebook event to find an updated schedule.
We hope some of these programs help you relax, re-charge, de-stress, and do well on your finals. Good luck and best wishes!
Questions? Please contact Kristen Shuyler (shuyleks@jmu.edu) at JMU Libraries.