Mindfulness Class Provides SIUE SEHHB Students with Self-Care
To help students struggling with grades, school and life in the midst of COVID-19, the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Education, Health and Human Behavior offered its students a virtual mindfulness class on Tuesday, Dec. 8.
“We thought it would be nice to give students a care package with goodies, an eye pillow for relaxing and offer a mindfulness session for them to connect to a smaller group,” said Wendy Weber, PhD, professor in the Department of Teaching and Learning. “During the class, we introduced a few concepts of mindfulness and meditation. We practiced breath and body awareness, and self-compassion.”
“I registered for the class because of how stressed I’ve been this semester,” said Corbin Johannpeter, a junior sociology major. “Earlier this semester, I was finally able to admit that I am a proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community. Accepting who I am, coupled with the stress of 2020 opened the door to a lot of emotions that have been challenging.”
Specifically, the hour-long class taught students about stress management, self-compassion, increased focus and clarity, how to create a healthier relationship with themselves, how to feel more connected to others rather than feeling isolated, and how to get better sleep, according to Weber.
“This class provided something that has been extremely difficult to find during the pandemic – human connection,” added Johannpeter. “It was truly a refreshing experience.”
Photo:
Wendy Weber, PhD, professor in the Department of Teaching and Learning.
