Journey with Mindfulness: Welcoming a Fresh Start
It is time to let go of the challenges over the past few years and Welcome a Fresh Start. Many continue to feel overwhelmed, unsure, and just plain stressed out. One way to welcome a fresh start is to explore mindfulness practices. Mindfulness can bring awareness to what is important to you, help you connect with the people and world around you and bring you into the present moment. The offerings below from ISU WellBeing are designed to help you learn about and experience the many benefits that mindfulness has to offer.
People who practice mindfulness can lower symptoms of anxiety and depression, slow their breathing and heart rate, and feel a greater sense of relaxation and calm. Research has shown that regular mindfulness practice can:
- boost your immune system,
- improve concentration,
- reduce stress, and
- help you to be less reactive in difficult situations - become more responsive.
Your mindfulness practice can be sitting, moving, inside, outside, in silence, with sounds, by yourself or with a group. It’s all about exploring the opportunities and deciding what works for you and fits into your lifestyle– then take action!
ISU WellBeing will continue to create opportunities to explore various mindfulness practices. Join us on this journey as we welcome a fresh start by learning and experiencing the many benefits from a regular mindfulness practice.
STROLLS FOR WELL-BEING AT ISU: Press Pause and Take a Break
Looking for ways to support your well-being that will fit into your schedule when you need it? Check out the Strolls for Well-being at ISU. The Strolls (walks) are self-guided opportunities located on campus where you can pause at various locations, spend time in reflection and simply ‘be’ with your thoughts in nature. All the materials can be downloaded from the website.
The Strolls for Well-being initiative has created an entire year opportunitites to explore campus and beyond with options for fall, winter, spring and summer!
A total of 12 full Strolls with different themes to support your mindfulness practice and explore a specific theme - like awareness, gratitude, or freedom - are available on the website to download. Plus Pick A Pause, Pause Where You Are and Pick a Place are available for when you want a break, and have less time.
The most recent addition, Pick a Place, was created for those not on main campus or if you what to explore the twelve themes that make up the Strolls for Well-being at ISU - wherever you are.
The Strolls for Well-being at ISU page has information and downloadable options for Strolls and Pauses that you can print off or open on your phone and step outside and go explore. This initiative was created in collaboration with ISU WellBeing, Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching (CELT), University Museums and Recreation Services.
MID-MORNING MINDFULNESS - Live sessions are Tuesday and Thursday 10:00 - 10:15 am
There is no better way to stay focused and productive when all around you is a little chaotic than to practice mindfulness. Join your colleagues and the ISU WellBeing team, and special guests, for a simple 15-minute mindfulness experience.
If you are unable to join us in person - there are other mindfulness and meditation options on the Mid-Morning Mindfulness page here.
To register - email wellbeing@iastate.edu and the registration link will be sent to you. NOTE - the Zoom link does change during year, email WellBeing@iastate.edu if you need assistance.