OGDEN, UTAH — With being halfway through the semester, keeping stress under control can be a big challenge. Luckily, Weber state has its own stress relief center to help students clear their mind.
The Stress Relief Center is available for anyone who has access to the gym and it is greatly encouraged for people to take advantage of it. The Stress relief center works hard to keep students stress levels in order through a variety of different stress relief tools and methods. Sarah Orgill, the center’s adviser, sees major differences in the people who use the center.
“It is really beneficial to come in because with school and work and families it can be stressful so to have a place that is your own that you can really just relax it it is perfect for your health,” says Orgill.
There are many different tools, or as they call them “toys”, to help keep students relaxed.
Massage Chairs
- 15 – 30 minutes sessions
- Very popular
- There are a variety of different settings on the chairs that can target different body areas.
- Personalized settings
- Staff is trained to set chairs to fit your needs
Relaxation Station
- 5+ minutes
- Take a power nap
- Get involved in a guided relaxation exercise
- Listen to relaxing music
Inversion Tables
- 2 – 15 minutes
- A stress lab staff member will assist you in hanging upside down
- Releases tension in the shoulders and lower back
Chi Machines
- 10-20 minutes
- Very popular but most asked about tool
- Designed to raise body energy and increase comfort
- Helps aid the body in digestion, tension release, weight loss, and headaches
Neck, Head, and Foot Massage
- 3+ minutes
- Relieves aches and pains
Light and Sound Machine
- 10 – 30 minutes
- Relax in comfortable chairs while light and sound stimulate brain activity.
When first entering the center, the visitors blood pressure will be taken and will be asked to rate their stress level. Guests will then go on to enjoy whatever stress relief tool they have chosen. After they are done in the center, a post evaluation will take place, where a dramatic difference in the level of stress is likely to occur, according to Orgill.
Due to the Aromatherapy and peaceful nature music, on average about 40 students a day visit the center. Health Promotions major, Tanner Ethington is always in the center to clear his mind and relax.
“One of my favorite things about the stress relief center is the overall atmosphere in here,” says Ethington. “I just feel the fact that just having a down quiet time for 15 minutes relaxing can make a world of difference.”
The center also provides tea, hot chocolate, and many essential oils all for visitors to use. With Relaxation being something many of us forget to do, the stress relief center is there to help you take time for yourself.
“It is a great tool to use while you have access to it” says Ethington.
The Stress Relief Center is located in the Swenson Gym, room 124 and it is open from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. So if you are feeling stressed, stop by the center and get the stress relief you need. All you have to do is walk in.
