The Commuter Student Mentor Program (CSM) in conjunction with Counseling and Psychological Services put together a destress event titled “Mind Over Madness” on Oct. 18. The event consisted of nearly 100 students flowing in and out of Anacon in search of delicious treats as well as games, coloring, and the famed “Proud Mom Fridge.”
Destress events have been one of the many things students look forward to by the end of the semester, but to have one right after fall break in the midst of hectic midterm schedules and class loads that are breaking students’ backs, the CSM Program decided it was time to relax.
The event featured a “Proud Mom Fridge,” where students were able to post their accomplishments such as “I passed my counseling exam,” and even “I got out of bed today.”
Along the divider between Anacon A and B was also a wall filled with colorful post-its deeming positive messages such as “It is okay if the only thing you do today is breathe,” and “You’re a rockstar!” where students were able to take what they needed to get them through the rest of the semester, as well as leave what they wanted someone else to grab hold of.
In the corner of the room was a poetry wall where students were able to piece together bits of poetry to express whatever thoughts were rummaging through their head that day. A number of tables and chairs were laid out for students to sit and color while they ate candy or munchkins. Also, Counseling and Psychological Services provided giant Connect 4 games where students rivaled each other as a calming playlist was droning in the background.
Amber Galati, a sophomore accounting student and Commuter Student Mentor (CSM), said, “There was tables filled with coloring pages and crayons for everyone to relax their mind and also giant Connect4 games for students to play. The room was filled with ways for everyone to unwind and feel less stressed by the time they left.”
“The Mind over Madness event was a successful event for the CSMs. There were positive messages all around and it really helped to bring a positive attitude for midterm season,” Galati continued.
Lauren Rice, a junior health studies student and CSM, agreed that the event was a successful first event for the program.
“I thought it was a great event for giving students the opportunity to relax and unwind from midterm stress. The games, food, and activities all helped me, as well as other students, take our minds off the pressure felt half way through the semester.”
For the past few weeks, students have been expressing that they are stressed from the number of assignments that have been due or assigned. Over fall break, more times than not, students are assigned homework, have assignments due, or are overloaded with work to make up for the two days lost for classes.
Christopher McKittrick, Psychological Counselor with Counseling and Psychological Services (CPS) said, “Events like Mind Over Madness and De-Stress Fest are important for the Monmouth community because it provides a reminder for students, faculty, and staff to invest in their own self-care. Stress and anxiety naturally occur in the college experience; taking time to relax and refocus enables us to manage and safeguard our anxiety and mood.”
According to McKittrick, “Anxiety is the most common topic that students want to address when they consult with Counseling and Psychological Services.” It is no surprise that college students are riddled with anxiety, but providing an environment where the entire Monmouth community is not only invited but welcomed, is something that the CSMs wanted to give.
“I think that providing that type of space where students were free to roam around and give their creative muscles a test and even just sit and hangout with friends made for a pleasant atmosphere,” Lawrence said.
“The group aspect of events to cope and express stress reinforces the protective factor of being a part of the Monmouth community. Feeling a sense of belonging is an important part to identity and managing wellness, both physical and mental,” said McKittrick.
Dr. Vaughn Clay, Director of Off-Campus and Commuter Services and director of the CSM Program, said, “This gave students the opportunity to take a time out and think about something other than their assignments, essays, homework, etc. There was a moment for everyone to catch their breath, unwind, refocus and clarify.”
Clay continued, “Being able to socialize the event by showing students that they are not alone in their struggles makes it easier to cope. The ‘I’m the only one’ attitude is constant in students so being able to normalize and breakdown the perceived stigma of ‘it’s just me,’ was great.”
Whether it is going to CPS, working out at the gym, finding time to color, or going to other services for help, it’s important to recognize you are not alone and everyone is going through their own war. “We live in a crazy, hectic world and letting students know they can have fun and relax is important. We would love to do this again,” Clay said.
PHOTO COURTESY OF Summer Shaheed
