Students gathered in the BCSGA Boardroom on Oct. 28 from 10 a.m. to noon for Mindful Moments, a campus event designed to promote self-care, mindfulness and stress relief through Halloween themed boo baskets.
Students of Concern members and social work interns Isabela Carrera, Madison Davis and Rome Deason with Social work Liaison Nigel Flores (names left to right). (Destiney Ramirez)
The event was organized by Isabela Carrera, Madison Davis, and Rome Deason who are all members of Students of Concern and are social work Interns. Nigel Flores, a social work Liaison also helped organize the event.
The event invited students to paint and decorate their own boo baskets while listening to soothing music and learning about the importance of taking time for themselves. Students were provided with all the materials, including small cardboard baskets, paint, decorating supplies, self-care items and candy.
While students worked on their baskets, Carrera, Davis, and Deason gave a presentation about the importance of self-care, particularly for college students approaching the end of the semester. With midterms recently finished and finals approaching, the presenters emphasized the importance of managing stress and maintaining a healthy balance between school and personal responsibilities.
The presentation covered how prolonged stress can affect students’ physical and mental health, including sleep, memory, concentration and emotional well-being. It also discussed how self-care can help reduce stress, improve self-confidence and encourage healthier habits.
Self care supplies and candy provided for boo baskets (Destiney Ramirez)
Students were given examples of simple self-care activities, such as exercising, listening to music, dancing, painting, meditation and eating nutritious meals. They also reminded students that self-care does not always require being productive or doing something active. Sometimes, taking a break and allowing yourself to rest is enough.
As the event progressed, students slowly trickled into the room. Attendance started with approximately half a table occupied and eventually grew until the table was full. Most students arrived with friends and stayed within their own groups, although some conversations took place between groups.
By combining arts and crafts with a discussion about mental wellness, Mindful Moments provided students with an opportunity to step away from their academic responsibilities, socialize and focus on their well-being.
The event reinforced the idea that self-care does not have to be complicated. Even setting aside a small amount of time to relax and enjoy a creative activity can make a positive difference in a student’s day.
