When life gets overwhelming, practicing mindfulness can improve different aspects of your mental health. Education ourselves on prioritizing mindfulness could the key to approaching college life with more ease.
In light of October being National Depression and Health Screening Awareness Month, it’s important to remind one another of the mental health services Towson University provides. PSYC Insight has collaborated with the Counseling Center in an effort to provide information about where students can have space not only to express themselves but decompress from their environment. We spoke with Dr. Walsh, the Externship Program Coordinator & Coordinator of Meditation Services, as well as Dr. Walser, the Coordinator of Anxiety & Depression Services, to discuss our advocacy of students’ mental health and how they can feel at ease while managing stressful situations. As well as learn about what resources they have available.
Are you having problems with your roommate? Maybe you’re feeling homesick? Are you feeling down most of the time and have little motivation for anything? The Counseling Center is there to help you with whatever you need. The center offers 20-30 minute solution-focused therapy sessions. You can book online to schedule ahead, or even schedule a same-day appointment. If something arises and you need to meet with someone right away, walk-ins are also accepted. The center also offers a (free) meditation room where you can clear your mind. In this room, you log in with your TU ID and select the meditation that you wish to do. The sessions range from a few minutes to 30 minutes and are self-guided. In the cabinets, there are essential oils you may use as a way to also calm your body and mind. If you aren’t interested in using the meditation rooms (or if they are filled), (free) massage chairs are also available where you can relax your body and mind after a stressful school day.
Mind-Body Connection:
PSYC Insight wanted to have a theme for psych undergrads to consider putting into practice this month – the connection between the mind and body and how to stay mindful. Both Dr. Walser and Dr. Walsh recognize that students have different ideas of what “being mindful” truly means. In the words of Dr. Walsh, “Mindfulness can help you learn how to relax, but it’s about compassionately paying attention to your experience at the moment. Recognize that emotions and thoughts come and go; focus instead on your present moment experience.” Think about when you feel like you’re not doing well in class and don’t know if you can balance your school/work schedule. Having an understanding of your emotions is the first step in approaching your life head-on. Dr. Walsh and Dr. Walser emphasize that; “you don’t have to practice mindfulness daily for it to be effective. Mindfulness can be integrated into your regular activities.” For example, Dr. Walsh practices mindfulness when she washes her hands. She uses this as a grounding moment: when you wash your hands, run your hands over the water, feel the temperature, and feel how your hands feel using your senses.
There are various ways you can stay present and connect with your mind and body on campus. Yoga is a great way to focus on breathing and being present in your body. Towson offers different yoga classes in Burdick Hall held in the Mind Body Studio, where you can learn grounding techniques. Sunrise Yoga is offered on Wednesdays, allowing you to begin your day feeling grounded and at ease. If you’re not an early riser and want something a little more upbeat, Hip Hop Yoga on Fridays gives you that same mind-body connection with an added musical twist. It can be a challenge putting yourself in these spaces because it takes time to practice mindfulness. Dr. Walsh states, “Take your time. It’s okay, you don’t have to set aside a set time, see where you can work it into what you’re already doing.”
Contact: P: 410-704-2512 E: counseling@towson.edu
Location: Health and Counseling Center
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m
Nakye Upshaw & Lauren Nuetzel