Counseling Services encourages students to find ways to take care of themselves throughout the collegiate journey. Following are resources that you can access at your convenience. Some are brief audio clips to bring you into a more relaxed state. Other audio clips are longer, and we encourage you to explore. We also have included several of our favorite TED talks related to wellness, relaxation, and self-care. Come back for updates and take time to find ways to strengthen your own wellness as a student here at OWU!
Disclaimer: This resource guide is intended to inform and educate, though does not imply that OWU Counseling Services approved of all the information contained within these videos and websites. Therefore, it is recommended that individual users determine the value of this information for themselves. We do make an effort to monitor this information and update it as needed. This information is also not considered a substitute for treatment from a qualified mental health professional and students are encouraged to reach out to OWU Counseling Services with any questions, concerns, or interest in scheduling an appointment. We can be reached at 740-368-3145 or counselingservices@owu.edu.
Brief video about the importance of mindfulness
Five minute practice on how to try meditation
The NYTimes offers excellent information about how to Meditate.
Dartmouth College’s Wellness Center provides an excellent range of relaxation audio files to download or listen to directly.
See additional relaxation exercises at end of this page
In Praise of Slowness – Carl Honoré
Journalist Carl Honoré believes the Western world's emphasis on speed erodes health, productivity, and quality of life. But there's a backlash brewing, as everyday people start putting the brakes on their all-too-modern lives.
Why Do We Sleep? – Russell Foster
Russell Foster is a circadian neuroscientist. He studies the sleep cycles of the brain and asks: What do we know about sleep? In this talk, Foster shares three popular theories about why we sleep, busts myths about how much sleep we need at different ages, and hints at bold new uses of sleep as a predictor of mental health.
The Power of Vulnerability – Brené Brown
Brené Brown studies human connection — our ability to empathize, belong, love. In a poignant, funny talk, she shares a deep insight from her research, one that sent her on a personal quest to know herself as well as to understand humanity.
Your Body Language Shapes Who You Are – Amy Cuddy
Body language affects how others see us, but it also may change how we see ourselves. Social psychologist Amy Cuddy shows how “power posing” — standing in a posture of confidence, even when we don’t feel confident — can affect testosterone and cortisol levels in the brain, and might even have an impact on our chances for success.
The Power of Introverts – Susan Cain
In a culture where being social and outgoing are prized above all else, it can be difficult, even shameful, to be an introvert. But, as Susan Cain argues in this passionate talk, introverts bring extraordinary talents and abilities to the world, and should be encouraged and celebrated.
Sex Needs a New Metaphor. Here’s One – Al Vernacchio
For some reason, says educator Al Vernacchio, the metaphors for talking about sex in the U.S. all come from baseball — scoring, getting to first base, etc. The problem is, this frames sex as a competition, with a winner and a loser. Instead, he suggests a new metaphor, one that's more about shared pleasure, discussion and agreement, fulfillment and enjoyment. Let's talk about … pizza.
All it Takes is Ten Mindful Minutes – Andy Puddicombe
When is the last time you did absolutely nothing for 10 whole minutes? Not texting, talking, or even thinking? Mindfulness expert Andy Puddicombe describes the transformative power of doing just that: Refreshing your mind for 10 minutes a day, simply by being mindful and experiencing the present moment. (No need for incense or sitting in uncomfortable positions.)
The Art of Stillness – Pico Iyer
The place that travel writer Pico Iyer would most like to go? Nowhere. In a counterintuitive and lyrical meditation, Iyer takes a look at the incredible insight that comes with taking time for stillness. He teases out strategies to take back a few minutes every day, or a few days every season. It’s the talk for anyone who feels overwhelmed by the demands for our world.