Picture taken from http://1andonlyfitness.com/3-stressors-that-may-be-holding-you-back-from-your-fitness-goals/
The Alpha Delta Nu Nursing Honor Society held an event in the ERC on November 28 in order to raise awareness for stress among college students. As part of an initiation process for this society, the group contacted the RVC campus officials to help educate students on the dangerous symptoms of anxiety and depression that are common around finals time. With final exams about two weeks away, RVC students must develop techniques to deal with the stress of studying and preparing for the end of the semester.
The fundraiser teamed up with Circle of Wellness, a massage therapy organization which specializes in acupuncture, chiropractics, reflexology, nutrition, massage and rehab, and provided free massages for people who wanted them. Observed students who received their own massage promptly noted that they felt entirely relaxed and that they had not realized how stressed and tense they had felt.
Massage therapy was not the only stress free option available. The event included discussions about aromatherapy and samples for students to carry around to relieve stress. They also offered adult coloring pages, passed out brochures on mindfulness and allowed students who filled out surveys to enter into a raffle. It is necessary for people to understand the dangers of stress and how ignoring the symptoms of anxiety and depression prove to cause more harm to the behavior and well-being of a person. The Mayo Clinic is a resource that is available to all when understanding the signs of depression and anxiety and students should also take advantage of the counseling services that are offered here at Rock Valley College. The Anxiety and Depression Association of America recommends, among other things, eating well-balanced meals, getting enough sleep, exercising daily and welcoming humor as good techniques to combat anxiety and depression.
Other stress free opportunities will be accesible to students in the future at RVC, because working towards stable mental health is vital within our society. Mental illnesses, in whichever type or form, are serious conditions that should not be overlooked, especially during high periods of stress.
