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With wellbeing initiatives, colleges aim to reduce stress among students – Metro US

With wellbeing initiatives, colleges aim to reduce stress among students

Colleges are increasingly providing wellness and stress reduction programs. Credit: Monkey Business Colleges are increasingly providing wellness and stress reduction programs.
Credit: Monkey Business

It’s no surprise that college is a stressful time for many students. Juggling exams, research papers, part-time jobs and — of course — socializing can be tough. College administrators across the country are starting to pay attention. Many schools are introducing well-being programs to improve the lives of students.

North Carolina’s Wake Forest University recently introduced its new Thrive initiative which, the college says in a statement, is “committed to sustaining a multidimensional culture of health and well-being.” The university’s broad-based approach includes incorporating fun things such as an outdoor piano on campus but also raises awareness of mental health issues by emphasizing the availability of counselors for students.

George Mason University instituted a similar program in 2010. Among other things, it aims to help students “respond to challenging and stressful situations,” according to the school’s website.

Bryn Mawr College, the small liberal arts college located just outside Philadelphia, unveiled a self-care program for students last year. Students frequently post their tips on the program’s Facebook page.

“I always look forward to dance classes because going to ballet multiple times each week is a fun way to relax,” writes one student.

Follow Lakshmi Gandhi on Twitter @LakshmiGandhi.