Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) at Seton Hall has introduced a new program that holds Yoga and Meditation sessions on Tuesdays 12-1 p.m. and Fridays 4-5 p.m. on the green (weather permitting) this semester.
The aim of the program is to help students de-stress.
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CAPS has introduced a new yoga and meditation class on the green in an effort to help Seton Hall students focus on their mental health.
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The program was started by Dr. Ackerman-Sinclair and Dr. Lyon-Stirling, two highly qualified staff psychologists at CAPS with a passion for yoga. Both women have attained PhDs, Ackerman- Sinclair’s in Counseling Psychology, while Lyon-Stirling’s is in Clinical Psychology.
When asked about the new program via email Ackerman-Sinclair, the co-lead of the new yoga program, said, “Yoga is known to have both physical and mental benefits. Yoga allows one to be more mindful of their body and their mind. Yoga practice can improve sleep, help regulate appetite, and improve the body’s defenses. Yoga also helps to increase flexibility, improve balance, and build strength and length throughout the body. All together, these outcomes can lead to decreased stress, lowered anxiety, and increased mindfulness.”
“Mindfulness is bringing one’s attention to the present moment, something that can get lost in the chaos of our day to day lives. Of course, this is easier said than done and takes practice.”
Ackerman-Sinclair’s statements are supported by the Mayo Clinic, which states that yoga does help with stress reduction and yoga also helps to reduce depression, anxiety and insomnia.
Morgan Tirpak, a sophomore who participates in a different yoga program on campus was quick to praise the yoga.
“I love the benefits of yoga, especially the morning classes,” she said.
Tirpak said yoga helps start her days off with a calm and level-headed mindset and just generally makes her feel better.
“There are moments where the instructor really gets your heart racing but then by the end of the class I feel relaxed and able to take on the day. I feel like since last year, there are more participants - I especially love seeing the baseball team in the morning too.” Tirpak said.
According to The Huffington Post, after completing one yoga class, a participant will have improved brain function, increased flexibility and lower stress levels.
Besides yoga, there are many other ways to de-stress at school.
CAPS recommends a few phone apps to introduce students to meditation and breathing for the purpose of relaxation and/or stress reduction. These apps include Breathe2Relax, Headspace and Insight Timer. The apps mentioned all have the same goal which is to provide a way for the users to keep calm in times of stress.
CAPS also offers “What’s Up Doc?” a video series which provides help with topics like stress, time management and career indecisiveness.
Mia Page can be reached at mia.page@student.shu.edu.
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