Activities students can do to improve mental health

Boxing can help release anger, stress and high levels of anxiety. (photo by Iana Crane)

By Iana Crane | Staff writer

Mental health awareness is at an all-time high among college students. According to the National Institute of Health, 82% of college students suffer from anxiety disorders, 63% suffer from depression and another 62% have trouble concentrating.

There are several ways and activities students can do to help reduce their stress and levels of anxiety. Boxing has become a popular sport and workout regimen that helps relieve stress while also engaging in a healthy workout which also helps with overall health wellness. Boxing can help release anger, stress and high levels of anxiety.

“Boxing helps me clear my mind after a long day. When I’m done, I feel relieved and lighter,” said Damen Hoover, who attends Marci’s Boxing Club located in Grovetown.

Hoover attends the boxing club four days a week and has been boxing as both a sport and hobby for almost a year now.

“It was tough at first because it was something new, I had to learn but once I stuck with it, it started getting easier and now I love it,” he said.

Yoga and meditation are also well-known stress relievers that can be done almost anywhere. Meditation is the practice of learning how to quiet the mind and relax the body by creating a calmness from within. Yoga is the side that focuses on the body. It is different stretches and poses that help relax the body.

Sol Himalayan Salt Cave & Spa located in Evans has several classes and events that all focus around yoga and meditation. People practice yoga for different reasons and for Lisa Greer, she credits meditation as to why she can cope with stress much better now.

“I used to always overthink things a lot and it would keep my mind going constantly, sometimes to the point where I couldn’t sleep. Mediation has changed my life. Now I am able to bring peace to my mind and control my thoughts better,” she said.

Another way to help reduce stress and lessen anxiety is rock climbing. Rock climbing helps with confidence, trust levels and even improves blood circulation. You can experience indoor rock climbing at Active Climbing Augusta located in Grovetown. They offer classes and open gym hours where you can walk in and learn how to rock climb.

Maci Lindell said her experience as a first-time climber was enjoyable.

“I’ve seen people rock climb and that was about it, but someone invited me to come try it, which I didn’t know we had an indoor one, but it was actually really fun. You kind of get addicted to just pushing yourself and getting better,” said Lindell.

Since finding an activity is not always for everyone, many choose to seek therapy as a way to talk through stress.

If you need help but don’t know where to start, you can visit the student counseling center at AU or you can call 706-737-1471 for more information on how to get the help you need.

Contact Iana Crane at icrane@augusta.edu.

This story is published in the Wednesday, Feb. 9, 2022 print edition of The Bell Ringer.