Email This StoryVirtual Vacation helps students destress
March 29, 2007
By WHITNEY FARR
Reporter
On Tuesday and Wednesday, students and faculty were invited to take a break from the ordinary and participate in a "virtual vacation."
They didn't escape to Palm Beach or take the next flight to Jamaica, but participants did enjoy the sound of Jimmy Buffet's "Margaritaville" while de-stressing and indulging in free snacks and massages.
Temple freshman Kalyn Van Slyke took advantage of the free massages and healthy snacks Wednesday.
"I have three tests this week and a test in an hour," Van Slyke said. "Coming here made me feel relaxed and think everything will be OK."
Many students, especially during this time of the year, feel stressed and bogged down, said Katie Treadwell, student outreach coordinator for the Baylor Counseling Center.
"We organized Virtual Vacation to be a stress relief week for students," she said.
At Virtual Vacation, different stations were set up for individual interests and needs related to physical and mental health.
"There's not just one way to deal with stress. Pick the one that best fits you," said Baylor Counseling Services staff psychologist Susie Matlock-Hetzel.
Dietitian Regina Mastin provided students with information about how different foods can affect their mood. Mastin said good-mood foods like beans and bananas have been scientifically proven to lift a person's spirits, while alcohol and large amounts of caffeine have been proven to increase depression. A variety of good-mood foods like pretzels and fruit were offered at no charge.
Suggestions on how to reduce stress also were offered, including walking the Bear Trail, eating a healthy snack, spending time at the North Village prayer garden, spending time at the Baylor Marina Swimming Pool with friends, bowling in the Bill Daniel Student Center or having coffee with a favorite professor.
Baylor counselors said they're aware these tips may not always help. In that case, Baylor counselors offer free and confidential support.
"There are times no matter what you do, you're gonna come unraveled," Matlock-Hetzel said.
Massage therapist Kim Johnson was very busy during Virtual Vacation, offering free backrubs.
After Van Slyke's free knead, she said she's determined to get another massage soon.
Fitness coordinator Van Davis showed students how to give themselves massages at home or in class using a tennis ball.
"I think teaching people ways to relieve stress is so important," Davis said. "Most diseases that happen are due to stress."
Students and faculty who missed Virtual Vacation can look forward to another event soon because Baylor's counseling services plans to hold similar outreaches each semester, Matlock-Hetzel said.
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