By Kaitlyn Williams
As mid-terms come closer, students will face higher stress levels, with added assignments on their plates. During this time students can easily forget their own emotional and physical needs.
One option for treating that stress is to download one of a variety of smartphone apps that focus on mindfulness.
“Practicing paying attention in the present moment can be a really good way to learn to elicit the relaxation response which is the counter to the stress response. Learning to elicit that response is really good for both your physical and mental health,” said Ryan Stanton, a counselor at the center.
Mindfulness and meditation are important tools to combat stress. “Mindfulness is an attentional train- ing that gives us greater access to our innate wisdom, compassion, and well-being. If people are drawn to exploring this path, it can have a powerful and trans- formational impact. It definitely has for me in my life!” said Lindsay Foreman, mindfulness coordinator at the University of Vermont.
The practice helps people relax, unwind, and remember what is important outside of a stressful schedule. Stanton explained that students live in a world where things are moving really fast, which can be stressful.. “When we’re anxious or stressed over any period of time that’s a really hard thing, it is really stressful on our physical system, on our emotional system, on our mental health,” Stanton said.
An easy way to learn how to practice mindfulness without professional instruction is through the slew of meditation apps available for smartphones. The Defender tested out a few and highlighted three of the best.
Headspace – This free app leads users in meditation to improve their level of mindfulness. The creators, Headspace Inc., employed clinical psychological research to develop the app. The app offers hundreds of themed meditation sessions that stimulate thoughts about topics from day-to-day life, including issues in relationships, stress management, and getting enough sleep. Short sessions are available for people with limited time, making it perfect for students with busy schedules. Headspace also offers sessions to listen to in cases of personal emergencies, such as an anxiety attack, to help calm down.
Stop, Breathe & Think – This free app is geared toward beginners in mind- fulness practices. The app includes 30 free sessions to teach users about mindfulness and the benefits of meditation. For those who think with a scientific lens, the app explains the neuroscience behind meditation. The app’s Progress Page, keeps track of how many sessions the user has completed and how far along they are in levels of practice. The page tracks whether the user meditated that day, and has space to record daily emotions to evaluate how the much the app helps. To help people stay motivated the app also includes an achievement system using stickers to mark progress.
Calm – With an aim toward helping people with meditation and getting better sleep, Calm has great options for beginners and advanced options for users as they practice. The app offers more than 100 guided meditation sessions to help with a variety of issues such as sleep, focus, anxiety, and stress. In addition, there are guided stretching videos to help calm your body as well as the mind. Easy-to- use sleep tools include a music library of relaxing bedtime tunes and stories.
Although these apps offer a great resource, Stanton stressed that they work best when paired with a personal connection. “An app isn’t a substitute for human connection, even though it might help you feel better in the moment.”
Foreman also believes that is important for people to get personal help. “The apps can be helpful, but in-person support and being with others who are practicing mindfulness is extremely helpful.”
Bergeron offers free short-term personal counsel- ing, as well as support groups to assist students with their mental health. Also, Kendra Smith, associate director of human resources, leads a group meditation session welcoming all students, staff, and faculty, in Dion Student Center on Tuesdays 4:45-5:45 p.m. and Thursdays 12-1 p.m.
“I’ve had the pleasure of watching students grow more deeply into themselves, developing confidence in their ability to choose to be happy by slowing down and paying attention, with mindfulness, to the details of their lives. Students also develop supportive friendships with one another as they explore their own minds and share their experiences with one another, recognizing that we all struggle with many of the same things,” Smith said.