The Mindful Zones are a collection of areas around the HSC campus intended to function as green spaces or serene zones for the HSC community. Be|Well created the Mindful Zones to help the HSC community positively cope with stress using mindfulness techniques. With nearly 80% of HSC students experiencing moderate to high levels of stress, the Mindful Zones are more than just physical spaces; they are a reminder for the HSC community to prioritize their wellbeing by taking intentional breaks that effectively reduce stress.
Mindfulness is a practice that involves focusing on the present moment without judgment. Studies suggest that mindfulness practices may help people manage stress, cope better, and reduce anxiety and depression. You can practice mindfulness throughout your day, even while studying, walking to class or waiting in line. All you have to do is become more aware of your breath, your feet on the ground, of the people and sounds around you.
Explanation of Mindful Zones
The Be|Well team formulated mindfulness exercises tailored to the designated areas below, ranging from mindful eating meditation to sensory countdowns.
When you come across a Mindful Zone, we invite you to take a moment, scan the QR code, and engage in the available practice to refresh, reflect, and recharge.
Indoor Zones
The Mindful Corner is designed as a space where students can relax. The Mindful Corner incorporates elements commonly found in sensory rooms such as soft seating and user-adjustable lighting and sound. Incorporate our Box Breathing exercise into your next visit to this space!
Next time you are enjoying a meal at HSC, try out our Mindful Eating exercise! Eating mindfully allows you to use all of your physical and emotional senses to experience and enjoy the food choices you make. Engage in this exercise to practice gratitude and reduced judgement towards your meals.
Outdoor Zones
Located outside of IREB, the Medicinal Garden is a green space full of medicinal herbs and sunshine. Take a break in this space with our Sensory Countdown meditation to calm your mind and reset your mood.
Alumni Plaza marks the legacy of our HSC alumni. When you need a moment to remind yourself what you’re working towards or how far you have come, stop by the plaza to practice our Gratitude Meditation. You will leave feeling motivated and ready to tackle your next challenge.
The courtyard is full of sunshine and the serene sound of the water fountain. It’s a nice outdoor space made ready for grounding yourself in meditative practice. Next time you’re headed to the library for a study session, take a moment to go through our Meditation Noting practice to help calm your thoughts.
A green space outside of MET that is great for relaxing with puppies, playing football, or meditating by yourself. Next time you’re walking across MET Lawn, give yourself a few minutes to practice our Mindful Walking meditation to check in with yourself and release tension you may be holding on to.
Our HSC Garden is filled with life and serenity. Overflowing with plants and sunshine, this is the perfect space to take a break for yourself. Next time you need a time out, visit the garden’s picnic area and follow a guided meditation!
Additional Mindful Practices
Enhance your mindfulness journey by exploring a variety of mindful practices designed to bring balance, peace, and awareness into your daily life!
Try out our favorite practices below:
Flow with Maggie: A Stress Relief Yoga Practice
Non Sleep Deep Rest Meditation
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