SHAC Wellness Services

The Wellness Lounge provides students with access to a quiet space where they can escape the chaos of residence hall living.  Studies show that individuals who have access to a quiet space tended to have lower stress-related psychosocial symptoms and improved sleeping patterns than those always in a noisy environment.

Visit Archie! Therapy dogs provide a more comfortable approach to interacting with many individuals who struggle to socialize or are lonely. The effects of therapy dogs range from anxiety and stress reduction to increased self-esteem.  SHAC has an in-house therapy dog, Archie, who belongs to one of our counselors and comes in to the office a couple times per week.  We also have therapy dogs come to campus on a weekly basis; they are commonly found in Berman or Benzinger, or areas of campus where students hang out.   

Using a massage chair can help decrease pain in the body by helping muscles to relax. Additionally, by reducing muscle tension, you may experience fewer and/or less intense headaches. You may notice faster muscle recovery after workout. Massage can alleviate tension which, as a result, can assist your body with returning to a healthy balance with healthier blood pressure and heart rate levels. You may experience improved immune system function due to a decrease in stress.  

SHAC provides various opportunities for students to learn more about health and wellness. Sometimes we will offer a workshop, an activity, or a tabling event with giveaways.  These events typically highlight specific awareness days, i.e. suicide prevention, breast cancer awareness, alcohol/drug screening, etc.  

Benefits of aromatherapy include stress and anxiety reduction, mood improvement, and relaxation.  Certain essential oils can also assist with improved sleep.  Students have the opportunity to test different essential oils, use the aromatherapy machine, and even to make their own aromatherapy stress ball.  

The Wellness Lounge offers students the opportunity to practice mindfulness.  Counselors can assist our students with learning mindfulness practices, or students can use the lounge as quiet space to practice on their own.  

A light therapy box mimics outdoor light. It's thought that this type of light may cause a chemical change in the brain that lifts your mood and eases other symptoms of SAD , such as being tired most of the time and sleeping too much. 

This grown-up version of play-doh that allows you to relive childhood fun, and provides adult benefits: stress relief and aromatherapy.  Therapy dough was inspired by art therapists to use for managing depression, anxiety, and difficult emotions. 

Coloring can be used as a form of mindfulness and art therapy.  Mindful coloring can improve focus and attention, as well as focus on emotion in the moment. Recent studies have also shown mindful coloring to reduce anxiety and depression, thus, a useful tool for managing unhelpful thoughts and feelings. 

Students have the opportunity to utilize an acupressure mat, which has been said to ease muscle tension, promote relaxation, alleviate pain, and helps with decreasing symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress.  

Biofeedback helps you make slight changes in your body, such as relaxing muscles, to help relieve pain or reduce tension. You may be able to decrease your heart rate and breathing, which can make you feel better. Biofeedback can give you the skills to practice new ways to control your body.