Originally published in 2016 for Dateline Carolina
In attempts to combat student and faculty stress on campus, USC's Wellness Office has launched Wind Down Wednesday: a holistic program with various facets.
Wind Down Wednesday includes free drop-in yoga and meditation classes held around campus, as well as support groups designed to help students speak up about what's ailing them. Campus Wellness Director Marguerite O'Brien believes that incorporating these practices once a week is essential to coping with stress.
"Its a break in the day. First and foremost it's a way to put everything aside and sit and be present because we're so busy. We're connected to our apps and phones and we need to turn everything off. But we need practice turning it off," she says.
Interested in what a typical Wind Down Wednesday done to the fullest looks like? Start your day at 7 a.m. in the Green Quad Learning Center for a yoga class taught by a licensed yoga instructor. The class includes 45 minutes of yoga flow exercise and 15 minutes of meditation. At lunch, head to the meditation class in Russell House (room 315) taught by O'Brien from 12:15-1:00 p.m. The class goes over mindfulness techniques meant to cultivate a positive attitude and improved productivity.
Retired USC education professor Wanda Gale Breedlove says she plans to attend at least one class every Wednesday.
"It brings a softness and clarity to my day that I don't otherwise have," she told Dateline Carolina.
USC sophomore Crystal Speats thinks more students should attend because while college is a lot of fun, being a student and juggling your classes and extra curricular can be stressful.
If you are not able to attend any classes on Wednesday, O'Brien suggests buying a pass to the Strom Thurmond Health Center. A pass is $20 per semester and offers a wide range of classes, including yoga, throughout the week. She also suggests utilizing free meditation apps on most smart phones.
Wind Down Wednesday is a great reminder that USC's students and staff don't have to deal with stress alone. For more information on Wind Down Wednesday, click here.
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