Anxiously Speaking: Controlling Social Anxiety - Tip #2

During my youth I often felt the need to go outside and take a walk. This became something that I did to relieve stress, and it always worked. However, much to my mothers’ disapproval, I often went out and walked at all hours of the night. Thankfully, I lived in a safe neighborhood, so she needn’t worry, but that’s how it worked for me. I would feel the need to expel a lot of anxiety that had built up and with walking I felt relief. As such, I’ve compiled a couple of ways to be mindful of you mental and physical health here on campus.

Exercise
Taking good care of your body can promote good mental health especially with anxiety and depression. A healthy diet and exercise routine are huge stress relievers. When exercising, your body releases chemicals called endorphins, these endorphins stimulate the receptors in your brain that trigger a positive feeling.

​“It is health that is real wealth and not pieces of gold or silver.” – Mahatma Gandhi

Ways to Exercise on Campus
•    Campus Lake Outdoor Fit Court
•    SIU Recreation Center – Climbing wall, Pool, equipment and trainers
•    Follow @_craigengstrom on Twitter for info on Biking Before Bagels plus other activities.

Workshops and Relaxation Rooms
The SIU Student Health Center has many offers for stress reduction. One of which is the Relaxation Room. The Dawg Lounge includes a massage chair, yoga mats, meditation cushions and even several therapy dogs. Yes, dogs! Imagine after a long day of classes, you could be greeted by a cute, fluffy, ball of love to help reduce stress. I have a therapy dog of my own and he’s helped me out of a lot of stressful moments.

​The Dawg Lounge also features two different relaxation rooms.
•           Blue Space – an ocean-themed room based on Blue Mind Theory.
•           Stress Lab – includes biofeedback and light therapy.
•           Massage Room – Coming Soon
•           Koru Mindfulness Classes

To find out more about these services call (618)-536-4441

​Catch Randi’s first blog from this series called Anxiously Speaking and Tip #1

About the Author

Randi is a non-traditional student that has decided to embark on a journey of self-discovery while at SIU. She majors in PR and Minors in Journalism while focusing on overcoming her greatest fears. She hopes to become a communicative force in the professional world. She happily uses her many years of experience to help others with similar afflictions while attending college.

If anyone has questions, or simply wants to talk about their own battles with anxiety, depression, and all that falls under that umbrella, please contact her here: randi.burns[at]siu.edu.