Do you sometimes feel alone and need someone to understand what you are going through? Is the weight of the world holding you down? There is no need to feel alone when dealing with stress, depression or anxiety. The AUM Counseling Center will begin Mindfulness Group every Friday starting Jan. 29. Dealing with the stress of the semester can be overwhelming and impossible to take on without interaction from other peers. Group counseling will allow you to relieve stress and participate in activities that will help your mental health. There will be seven activities included in the meetings.
Breathing exercises will be incorporated first. Deep breathing allows your body to relax. It will reduce stress and anxiety. The way we breathe nurtures clear and confused thinking. Mindful meditation will be incorporated as well. Painful thoughts and feelings are a part of our lives. Mindful meditation exercises will allow you to muddle through these sensations. The next key activity will be focused on mindful eating. What you put in your body is important. Choosing healthier choices will keep you energized and focused. A healthier body helps provide a healthier mind. Progressive muscle relaxation is next on the list of activities. This will allow students to relieve tension and stress. The process is meant to teach you how to relax your muscles. This exercise will also help lower blood pressure and heart rate.
Healthy sleeping practices will also be a part of the Mindfulness Group. One of the most important things your body needs is sleep. It is vital for maintaining a healthy body. There are many healthy sleeping habits that are adequate. Relaxation techniques will be incorporated as one of the activities for the meetings. Experts will provide many tips on how to relax. Learning these techniques will help you to be able to handle life situations better. Cognitive reconstruction will be the last activity practiced in these counseling sessions. This plays a huge role in altering your thought process. In this reconstruction, your thoughts are identified while reducing anxiety.
Mindfulness Group will stretch the way you think and help you handle the stress life brings. The group counseling sessions are free and will be located in the Taylor Center 158 from 1-2:30 p.m. For more information contact the Counseling Center at 334-244-3469.
By Marlee Damrel
