Mindfulness Group helps students 'live in the now'

There are a number of reasons why students become stressed. From textbooks to tests to finals, students can often feel overwhelmed. That is one of the reasons why there is a mindfulness group at Southeast Missouri State University.

The phrase "live in the now," is a common phrase for the group. students don't have to think about their problems in these sessions. Students can put the surrounding stress away from themselves, and think about what is in that direct moment.

The benefits also points to a better learning experience.

"Research shows that the mindfulness groups have an implications on memory, it helps you boost your overall mood and increases awareness," Donna St. Sauver, the head of the mindfulness group, said.

St. Sauver's mindfulness group is helping students worry less about the future and think more about the present. The mindfulness group's Facebook page, "SEMO Mindfulness Group," has comic strips and pictures to share motivations, mainly giving the hint that students shouldn't worry about tomorrow because it has not come yet. The images depict that these groups will help students step fearlessly into the future, because having a better present can lead to having a better tomorrow.

St. Sauver said, "mindfulness groups are geared towards relaxation and reducing stress." A mindfulness group can be a great way to assist a student's mind and body for inner peace. Not all students will use the same techniques to relax their stress and improve on their overall wellness, because many students have different ways of dealing with stress. The group offers a variety of techniques for students to explore and find a technique that fits them, such as diaphragmatic breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, guided imagery and meditation.

Knowing there is a mindfulness group at Southeast that can be beneficial to helping students better their overall wellness is meaningful, because it is another step to getting students prepared for classes. The group members can retain what they have learned from the professors better, calm their anxiety for presentations and have the ambition to continue their classes. Being able to improve the mind and body can in return make students happier and more efficient in their day-to-day activities.

The group meets at 4 p.m. on Mondays in the University Center's Heritage Room and 4 p.m. on Wednesdays in the Student Recreation Center Multi-purpose room. For more information on the mindfulness group students can email dgstsauver1s@semo.edu or call Counseling and Disability Services at (573) 986-6191.