Volcanic rock is covered by protective pines at Presque Isle. Sprawling Northern oaks shroud soft moss at Hogsback, and coursing water flows over ancient granite stones at Dead River.
Each of these provides those with finals-induced anxiety an opportunity to engage in Shinrin-yoku: the Japanese practice of “forest bathing.” This is one of many stress-relief techniques students learned about at the Mandalas and Mindfulness event organized by NMU Wellbeing.
Held on Thursday, April 9, in the Maple classroom—located on the first floor of the Woods residence halls—students were invited to explore potential ways of reducing stress in the final weeks of the semester.
Alongside a presentation that informed students of various stress relief methods, those in attendance were given a variety of coloring sheets and utensils intended to help them unwind between bold black lines.
Christina Kramer, one of the event’s presenters, emphasized the importance of providing students with necessary information that can contribute to their overall wellbeing.
“We wanted to pair a coloring event specifically during the last couple weeks of school,” Kramer said. “Students tend to be super stressed out, and coloring is a great activity to reduce stress.”
NMU Wellbeing decided that the presentation, created for an RA’s event, contained valuable information that needed to be shared with other students who were undoubtedly feeling the pressure of academic crunch time.
Additionally, Kramer spoke of her success with nature walks and how there isn’t one right way to go about them. Spending time in the abundant natural beauty of Marquette offers an undeniable opportunity to relax.
“I try and go outside as much as I can, whether it’s for a 20-minute walk or I’m doing a 2-hour hike,” she said. “When I’m done, my mind is more clear. I really do feel like it lowers my stress levels, and it’s also great for physical exercise.”
In addition to learning about the benefits of Shinrin-yoku, attendees were educated on the history and advantages of mandalas, geometric designs associated with mindfulness that stem from Hindu and Buddhist traditions.
A study conducted by Nancy A. Curry and Professor of Psychology Tim Kasser found that coloring a mandala for 20 minutes is “more effective than free-form coloring for 20 minutes” (Curry & Kasser, n.d.).
The event proved to be an insightful look at the many ways students can manage stress and support their mental health during the last leg of winter. For those who were unable to attend, NMU Wellbeing will be hosting the Wildpups in Jamrich Hall on Monday, April 28.
If you are looking for more information regarding overall health and wellbeing as finals approach, contact the NMU WellBeing Center, located on campus next to Spalding Hall.
Reference:
Curry, N. A., & Kasser, T. (n.d.). Can coloring mandalas reduce anxiety? Retrieved from http://miforestpathways.net/ForestInfo/MSUElibrary/TreeList.PDF.
