The Meditation Room at the Barnes Center at The Arch
As students transition further into remote learning and prepare for finals, it is important to remember to schedule holistic wellness into daily routines. Outside of a traditional routine, it may be easy to stray from the wellness habits established while on campus. The Barnes Center at The Arch hosts a variety of virtual resources for students to explore new routines while pursuing mindfulness, physical activity, stress relief, community connection and more.
“It’s important, especially in times of uncertainty to participate in holistic well-being activities and practices. This includes building awareness surrounding nutrition, sleep, exercise habits and stress levels in addition to identifying catalysts of joy,” says Gwyneth Esty-Kendall, mental health promotion specialist at the Barnes Center. “If students need help establishing a goal, learning more about available resources or seeking additional support, we’re here in a variety of ways to help.”
During traditionally stress-inducing times such as finals, mindfulness techniques and meditation hold the potential to improve mental, physical and spiritual well-being. Mobile apps such as Sanvello host educational and experiential opportunities for incorporating stress, anxiety and depression management into daily life. Syracuse University students, faculty and staff have free premium access to the Sanvello mobile app.
While experiencing a transition that may feel isolating for some, Esty-Kendall further highlights the importance of also incorporating community connections and physical fitness into routines: “Sharing experiences, connecting over similar interests and reconnecting to your body through exercise all host the potential for some truly empowering opportunities.”
Including free virtual group fitness classes, personal training sessions and opportunities to connect with peers through virtual SoulTalk and esports tournaments, the Wellness Portal hosts a variety of health and wellness resources.
For more information on virtual health and wellness resources, visit the Barnes Center at The Arch Virtual Resources and Abridged Schedule webpage or call 315.443.8000.
Story by Division of Enrollment and the Student Experience communications intern Michelle Velez ’20.
