Stress is a consistent, tiring reality that everyone deals with in one way or another. Midterms, papers, projects, and tests piling up once the semester is underway can create a lot of tension. According to studygs.net, an online education service for students, excessive anxiety and stress can take a negative toll on our bodies both physically and mentally, with symptoms including exhaustion, loss of/increased appetite, headaches, crying, sleeplessness, and oversleeping. However, there are many ways to combat the negative associations brought on by stress. The University hosts many activities and provides services that can reduce or even help completely rid excessive amounts of stress.
Webmd.com references physical activities such as yoga, meditation, Zumba, or a regular exercise regimen as excellent ways for the body to release chemicals called endorphins. The site notes that endorphins trigger a positive feeling that aids in reducing negative thoughts caused by stress. The University offers yoga and Zumba classes, and free use of the Multipurpose Activity Center, all of which students can take advantage of to help keep a balance in their busy schedules.
University senior and avid Zumba attendee, Jaimee Saracen states, “Whenever I’m feeling overwhelmed from a long week of school work, I’ll take the Zumba classes the University offers. The class is a great way for me to feel less stressed, and go into the following week with a clearer mindset.”
According to Zumba.com, the Latin-inspired dance fitness program is more upbeat and fast-paced than yoga, but exerts similar endorphins. Zumba classes are offered every Tuesday from 5:30 to 6:30 pm in the Boylan gym. The classes are free for any student and faculty part of the University community.
Another great stress-reducing physical activity is yoga. “The benefits of yoga include decreased stress and tension, increased strength and balance, increased flexibility, lowered blood pressure,” says Beth Shaw, Founder/President of Yogafit Training Systems, Worldwide, Inc.
According to yoga instructor and University alumni, Cara Kovats, yoga helps combat stress because the deep breathing techniques involved allow the mind to calm down and concentrate on just one thing- breathing. “Yoga also generates endorphins that produce a more optimistic perspective on whatever may be on your mind as soon as you leave a session,” said Kovats.
Professor Neumann is in charge of the University’s yoga club, and welcomes new students to join. “Any student can join the club any time,” said Neumann. “Just show up for the yoga session on Wednesdays from 2:30 to 3:30 pm in the Magill Commons Lounge. Students can also email the club at yogaclub@monmouth.edu.”
For a semester long commitment, the University offers yoga as an elective course. The course description says, “[students will] learn and practice basic styles of Hatha Yoga. It will include yoga exercises, breathing techniques, relaxation, and meditation.” Students can register for this class as they would for any other class with their student I.D. information on Webstudent. Not only is this class an easy way to participate in yoga every week, but it also fulfills one credit.
Dr. Andrea Hope, assistant professor in the School of Nursing and Health Studies, deals with students on a daily basis that are seeking stress relief related advice. “If feeling stressed I would advise students to try and prioritize- and focus on the now, and then hit one assignment/exam/paper/issue at a time,” said Hope. “There is so much support on campus. Students should spend some time doing things that give them joy like having lunch with a friend or going for a walk. On campus we have fantastic gyms, Zumba, yoga, and if you need to talk to someone [there are plenty of] counseling and psychological services.”
The psychological center of the University is located on the third floor of the Student Center and is a completely free and confidential center that students can utilize. Some of the services the center offers are for anxiety, panic, stress management, and many other psychological issues or concerns. Students can make an appointment to consult with a counselor via email at mucounseling@monmouth.edu, by phone at 732-571-7517, or by walk-in.
According to the department’s homepage, the psychological center also offers an online self-help screening service. This self-help tab is open at all times for students to utilize and requires no appointment. Students can visit the page for further inquiry at https://www.monmouth.edu/campus_life/counseling/default.asp
Whether it is yoga, Zumba, or psychological counseling, the University has various resources available to accommodate students who want to make their daily routine one that is less stressful. “Having something fun to look forward to is great [to de-stress the mind] too,” said Hope. “Take everything one day at a time.”
