Session 2 - Fostering Resilience Through Mindfulness and Meditation Exercises

Virtual Wellness Circles for Graduate and Professional Students

Graduate and professional students experience numerous stressors throughout their degree programs. Intense research pressure, financial difficulties, uncertainty about the job market, relationships and family pressures are just a few examples. This is further compounded by the ongoing global COVID 19 pandemic. While stress is a normal part of life, exposure to elevated levels of stress can accumulate and result a buildup of allostatic load. Graduate students are particularly vulnerable to the adverse health effects that result from allostatic load build up. To reduce and manage high allostatic load, it is important to engage in activities that reduce stress and foster resilience. Please consider joining Shahnaz Khawaja, Assistant Director of Resilience and Recovery Strategies in the office of Student Wellness in a Virtual Wellness Circle.

Session 2- Fostering Resilience Through Mindfulness and Meditation Exercises

We all know that mindfulness and meditation are helpful. But did you know there are a variety of ways to engage in mindfulness and meditation that range from breathing exercises, to cognitive and even movement-based exercises? Come and learn about some evidence-based practices that are sure to leave you feeling relaxed and calm.

During this session, participants will

• learn about the polyvagal theory of stress
• learn how to neutralize their fight/flight response
• learn a variety of evidence-based techniques to reduce stress