College life is fun and exciting but it can also be stressful for many students. Mental health can affect individuals physically, mentally, and socially. On a college campus, students can get stressed from various things like relationships, internships, workload, financial struggles, extracurricular activities, and much more. There are many ways students can receive the support […]
health promotion and wellness
Alumni Success: Aeberli Begasse ’19 Strives For A Healthy Community [VIDEO]
Aeberli Begasse, a 2019 Rowan graduate of the Health Promotion and Wellness Management program, works as a tobacco program coordinator, educating and helping the community kick the habit. “When I went to Rowan, I had the opportunity to explore other possibilities, and I was fortunate enough to find a career that fit more of what […]
Senior Reflects: Anderson Chumpitaz on Mentorship and His Rowan Legacy
Today we feature first-generation college student Anderson Chumpitaz, who will graduate this summer. Anderson majors in Health Promotion and Wellness Management and is from Newark, NJ (Essex County). He gives advice and tells us about his involvement on campus. Do you have any advice for people who are moving to campus for the first time […]
Senior Reflects: Esther Dede, Health Promotion and Wellness Management Major
Today we speak with Esther Dede, a graduating senior Health Promotion and Wellness Management (HPWM) major from the island of St. Maarten. Esther transferred from Rowan College of South Jersey (RCSJ) at Gloucester County and is a first-generation college student.
Tell us about your favorite moment with a faculty member or a favorite experience in one of your classes!
My favorite moment with a faculty member was when I told her that I planned to take three summer courses as prerequisites for dental school, and she looked at me and said that I was very ambitious and that it’ll take me far in life, and that she was happy for me and to continue being great.
Could you please share your favorite social memory?
S.O.C.A. (Students Organization for Caribbean Awareness), which I was a part of, held a SOCA gala, which was amazing. We had amazing food, music and art where different cultures were showcased. It was so fun to dance to different Caribbean music and overall have a great time.
What are your career aspirations?
My goal is to become a dentist and specialize in either orthodontics or cosmetics.
How did the people or programs at Rowan help to support you with your professional growth or career aspirations?
They motivated me to keep on excelling in life. After having events with S.O.C.A. and doing community service work such as Back to the Boro, they made me realize that I can do so much to give back to the community, especially in my career.
Who is your favorite professor? What class did you take them for? And why is this person your favorite?
Dr. Robert Weaver (Practicum in HPWM) and Dr. Leslie Spencer (Foundations of HPWM) are my favorite professors because they always remind me how great I can be in life. This really helps me because sometimes I can be so hard on myself, and the fact that they always remind me that due to my ambition I can go far in life is really helpful. Also, they show me that they truly care for my future, and make time to meet with me when I need it.
What advice would you give to incoming freshmen or transfers about making the most out of their college experience?
To create a list of goals they’d like to accomplish and to be willing to make sacrifices to accomplish those goals. Also, remember to always be kind to others and themselves.
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Story by:
Marian Suganob, senior public relations and advertising double major
Photos by:
Brian Seay, junior sports communication and media major
Surviving a Breakup: Taking One’s Power Back to Change Life Forever
This article is part of a running series with Rowan University’s Wellness Center. This collaboration aims to educate students about personal well-being options. For further updates, follow @RowanUWellness on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.
The minutes, hours and days after the demise of a relationship can be some of the most profoundly painful moments experienced by humans. In today’s fast-paced, social media-driven world, romantic relationships have become more difficult to navigate than ever. Add to that the implications of social distancing amid a global pandemic and breakups seem almost inevitable — and they can be, but, they don’t have to hurt.
Breakups usher in uncomfortable feelings, self-criticism, emotionality and heartbreak — yet, these moments of adversity are powerful agents for growth and change: “…An ideal coping strategy should encourage those who have experienced a romantic relationship’s end to purposefully focus on the positive aspects of their experience while simultaneously minimizing negative emotions” (Seligman, et al 1). Breakups are opportunities that teach incredible life lessons and help cultivate personal power in a manner that can expand our perspectives which, in turn, can create the best version of ourselves.
Still reeling after experiencing a breakup? First, assess any and all feelings relating to the relationship and ensuing breakup. Honor these emotions by grieving as it feels natural, and realize any residual emotions are normal and healthy as the acceptance of such emotion can prove to be a critically important part of the healing process, particularly, as one re-establishes their own independence.
At this time, do not be afraid to reach out to family, friends or even a counselor to further process these feelings. It is paramount to accept all positive support, love and encouragement as it can be soothing, even transformative, in tough times. In addition, The Wellness Center offers counseling and psychological services for students which can assist in unpacking these feelings. To schedule an appointment call (856) 256-4333 Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Next, prioritize the needs of the self-conscious. Choose to step up self-care: get back into the gym, fearlessly contemplate switching up personal style with a new haircut or outfit, consider getting a massage or look into planning a day or weekend trip away with friends or family as breakups are the perfect time to “break free” and retreat to self in a comforting and empowering way. Further, don’t be afraid to constructively channel focus elsewhere, perhaps by re-engaging academic goals, giving back through acts of service such as by volunteering, discovering a new hobby or activity to partake in — cultivate experiences that give a sense of fulfillment as keeping oneself engaged in other aspects of life can be restorative. Overall, the key to healing and expanding upon oneself post-breakup is by adopting healthy behaviors that assist in facilitating this new life change, while also helping to promote dynamic growth and personal power.
Lastly, after taking adequate time to grieve, process and heal, don’t be afraid to get back out there — but only when ready and not a moment sooner. Above all, acknowledge that every individual person is unique when it comes to grieving and healing post-relationship. One’s journey may not be similar or reflective of another’s, and that is perfectly fine. Upon determining one is ready to open their heart again to love, accept that you are worthy of loving (and expressing love), proceed forward thoughtfully, at a speed that is comfortable. Initially, start by getting to know new people and growing new friendship connections — taking the time to enjoy the company of others can truly restore the confidence and strength required to reignite ones’ romantic life.
References:
Breakups aren’t all bad: Coping strategies to promote positive outcomes. http://www.apa.org/research/action/romantic relationships
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Story by:
Melinda Steward-Cobbs, senior psychology major, Wellness Center intern
Photography by:
Jabreeah Holmes, senior radio/TV/film major
Healthy New Year’s Suggestions from Health-Related Majors
As we finally kiss 2020 goodbye, enjoy this advice from our health-related majors on some New Year’s suggestions that can hopefully make 2021 a better year!
Amanda Murphy, a senior Nutrition major specializing in Exercise Science from Tinton Falls, NJ (Monmouth County) shares a great New Year’s resolution to encourage healthy eating habits. She challenges you to “rely less on convenience foods and more on whole food sources.” Healthy eating is possible on a college campus, you just have to be committed to finding the foods that work for you!
“You only have one life to live – make changes now to help your quality of life later,” says Erica Walsh, a senior Health & Exercise Science major from Somerdale, NJ (Camden County.) She suggests putting your mental health first, getting activity every day and taking the stairs instead of the elevator.
Heather Tomaselli, a sophomore Nutrition major with an Honors Concentration from Bound Brook, NJ (Somerset County) challenges you to take the stairs rather than the elevator to promote physical health. “The choices we make now determine our long term health!”
“Not only will exercise and a healthy diet improves your physical health, but it will also have a positive impact on your mental health as well.” This advice about the importance of exercise comes from Tyler Weiss, a senior Nutrition major Specialized in Exercise Science from Winfield Park, NJ (Union County.)
Junior Athletic Training major Jocelyn Reuben from Burlington, NJ (Burlington County) doesn’t drink any soda, unless it’s ginger ale for a stomach ache, and she walks everywhere she goes. She shares that, “Making healthy changes can help you see and carry yourself more confidently.”
A few healthy practices that you can try are “Going on walks outside to center yourself, listening to podcasts to motivate and inspire, using art as a form of self-expression.” These are some suggestions from Hannah Holzhauer, a junior from Nutrition major, Dietetics Master Program from Green Township, NJ (Sussex County.)
Although it may be difficult “you simply can’t buy a bottle of soda and label it ‘self-care’ … you need to actually make the decision to upgrade your life, make it your number one mission to become overall happier, more positive than ever and take steps every day to get that result.” so “ leave a toxic relationship, say daily positive affirmations, forgive yourself for past mistakes and try to disconnect from stress by going for a walk.” These are all great suggestions from Krishna Mansukhani, a senior Health Promotion & Wellness Management major with a minor in Psychology Sports, and Exercise from Sayreville, NJ (Middlesex County.)
Danielle Holroyd, a senior Health Promotion and Wellness Management major from Barrington, NJ (Camden County) shares a few ways she stays healthy while in college. She is committed to “eating healthy, exercising, and keeping up with her school work.”
Caroline Lippincott, a senior Nutrition and Exercise Science major from Columbus, NJ (Burlington County) suggests taking daily walks in the new year to promote physical and mental health.
To stay healthy, try to “remember to take breaks. Yes, school is important, but so is mental health.” Brianna De la Cruz, a senior Nutrition and Dietetics major from Hillsborough, NJ (Somerset County) tries to “exercise most days of the week, eat well, and hang out with my roommates to help destress.”
“One small healthy change you can make is taking 10-15 minutes out of your day to meditate. This can help give your mind a break and relieve stress from school and work.” This advice comes from Haley Bencivengo, a sophomore Nutrition major from Hamilton Township, NJ (Mercer County).
A small, healthy change you can try to make in the new year comes from Emily Nicholson, a sophomore Nutrition major from Turnersville, NJ (Gloucester County). “Instead of sugary coffee every morning, try green tea!”
In the new year, try “Spending 30 minutes less on electronics to be outside and enjoy the fresh air! This is good for mental health and can also be beneficial to physical health if you decide to go on a walk or perform any physical activity.” This advice comes from Sal Murphy, a senior Health Promotion & Wellness Management major from Gloucester County, NJ.
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Story by:
Loredonna Fiore, junior public relations and advertising major
Have You Checked On You Today?
This article is part of a running series with Rowan University’s Wellness Center. This collaboration aims to educate students about personal well-being options. For further updates, follow @RowanUWellness on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.
The infamous phrase of “Work now, rest later” has been ingrained into everyone’s mind in order to enforce a productive work week. This saying is obsolete and no longer provides the benefits one once thought they reaped.
A constant cycle of working hard with little to no sleep is detrimental to your mental health and overall well-being. When juggling work, school and everything else in between, life becomes increasingly overwhelming.
Achieving such success, sometimes requires our mental health to be put on a back-burner. Granted all your affairs are in order now, but your most important priority, you, has been left compromised. With that said, answer this question: ¨Have you checked on yourself today?¨
The question posed may seem silly, but it is essential one is cognizant of their own emotional welfare. Incorporating a weekly mental check-in will help people persevere through many hardships and prompt them to analyze if they’re effectively managing through life or if they have a “survive not thrive mentality” as I like to call it.
People believe the notion that a productive day equates to how much work they´ve completed. Discard this idea! It is unhealthy to think this way because one’s happiness will solely rely on how much they’ve accomplished. This is how the vicious cycle of work now, rest later becomes habitual. Take a time out and find things that help alleviate stress and bring fulfillment. Remember you are one person and will have ample opportunities to reach goals. Be kind to yourself and forgiving when everything does not go as planned. There is always tomorrow.
Here’s two mental health check-in tips Mental Health America says boost well-being.
Practice forgiveness: Even if it’s just forgiving that person who cut you off during your commute. People who forgive have better mental health and report being more satisfied with their lives.
Do your best to enjoy 15 minutes of sunshine: Sunlight synthesizes Vitamin D, which experts believe is a mood elevator.
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Story by:
My’yonna Boyd, sophomore biological sciences major, Wellness Center intern
Photography by:
Rachel Rumsby, sophomore public relations and communication studies major
Source: https://www.mhanational.org/31-tips-boost-your-mental-health
2020: A Year To Remember
This article is part of a running series with Rowan University’s Wellness Center. This collaboration aims to educate students about personal well-being options. For further updates, follow @RowanUWellness on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.
2020 … a year of missing stars, murder hornets, Kobe Bryant’s passing, Chadwick Boseman’s (Black Panther) passing and many, many more.
This year has been filled with so many ups and downs that it has easily become one of the hardest years for a lot of people. According to the CDC, COVID 19 has infected 6.9 million people so far and has taken the lives of 216,000* people in the United States alone.
My first experience with the virus was one night in mid-February; my friends and I were all sitting around talking and laughing about basketball, unaware of what was to come. Days prior, whispers of schools shutting down were quickly moving through university, but since we were not affected yet we did not really understand what was going on.
Until we got the news that the NBA (National Basketball League) had suspended its season indefinitely. I know it might not seem like it was a big issue, but for sophomores in college who played and watched basketball almost every day, this was BIG news. We did not really understand that this was just the beginning of what was to come.
Everything else happened so fast that I could not really catch my breath. All I knew was that one day I was back home taking Organic Chem 2 in the living room of my home while my mom was making food in the kitchen.
As a student, having your life change so drastically in the midst of all that was happening was one of the most stressful things to ever happen to me. Having to stay home and do nothing for hours except eat, sleep, watch TV and maybe go get groceries — then repeat the same thing the next day —was a big struggle, a struggle that millions of students all over the world have been going through. I was left with thoughts, decisions and problems that I had avoided for months and now, I had to face them head-on before they ate me alive. Waking up in the morning, getting out of bed, finding something productive to do became a struggle.
But we all got through it, we pushed on and made the impossible possible.
Even though this pandemic lifestyle is starting to become normal, the struggles of one’s life changing so drastically, almost losing one’s identity and not knowing who we are anymore are still very real struggles that we all deal with in our everyday lives. But we will push on; this is the time that we use to grow and discover new things about ourselves. This is the time when we grow closer to our families and fix relational mistakes that were made years ago. This is the time when we grow as brothers, sisters, friends and good people. This is the time that we rediscover picnics and taking walks in the park and taking the time in our day to just breath and fully live in the moment.
According to an article from John Hopkins Medicine, mindfulness can reduce stress and you do this by sitting quietly and just focusing on your breathing and enjoying the moment.
We as a generation are a different breed, we are not like those before us, we do things differently and that is OK. We have been through a lot, but we are still here, fighting and causing change in our everyday lives. And as long as we do not give up or quit on ourselves, we will continue to grow stronger each and every day.
* as of publishing date
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Story by:
David Malomo, junior biological sciences major, Wellness Center intern
Photography by:
Stephanie Batista, sophomore music industry major
Citation:
McGuire, Joseph F. “Stressed About COVID-19? Here’s What Can Help.” Stressed About COVID-19? Here’s What Can Help | Johns Hopkins Medicine, John Hopkins Medicine, www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/coronavirus/stressed-about-covid19-heres-what-can-help.
Junior Major Moments: Health Promotion & Wellness Management Major Krishna Mansukhani
Today we feature junior Krishna Mansukhani, a Health Promotion & Wellness Management major with a minor in Psychology of Sports and Exercise from Sayreville, NJ (Middlesex County). Krishna transferred to Rowan from Middlesex Community College in fall 2017.
Could you share your favorite moment with a faculty member or a favorite experience in one of your classes?
If I could pick one moment in my college career based upon an interesting class experience I would say it would be with Dr. Spencer. She is someone I respect in my field and was also my professor for my intro class in my major. She does so much for the health and fitness field like teaching us students or even running a health program called Get Fit, where students help mentally challenged people become active by working out or doing any kind of physical activity they enjoy. Dr. Spencer has taught me so much about my field and what I’m getting into, which makes what I do today and every day so much more important.
What is the most amazing or interesting thing you’ve learned in your major this year?
The most interesting thing I learned in my major if I can only choose one it would be learning why we do this. I learned a new perspective on the satisfaction of helping someone achieve their goals and feel more confident in themselves. It could have been with all the certifications I got this past year. I don’t know what it is, but this year I learned how to take my coaching business to the next level.
What pre-professional experiences are helping to support your growth?
I personally run an online coaching business and post vlog-like videos, a full day of eating, and workout tips on YouTube and Instagram. I was the VP of the Nutrition Care Club during my sophomore year and still take part in activities. But the number one thing that helps me grow is the satisfaction I get from helping my followers, clients or people messaging me questions about college or fitness.
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Story by:
Alyssa Bauer, public relations graduate
#PROFspective: Sophomore Health Promotion and Wellness Management Major Brianna Bentley
Today we feature sophomore Brianna Bentley, a first-generation college student. She is a Health Promotion and Wellness Management major with a minor in Psychology. Brianna commutes from her home in Williamstown, NJ (Gloucester County). We were able to speak to her just before she was getting ready to leave campus because of social distancing to protect society from the spread of COVID-19.
What academic and social clubs are you a part of?
I am a part of Unified
Sports, Pre-Allied Health Club, and American Sign Language Club.
Do you have any on-campus jobs?
When the campus reopens, I will be working at the Rec Center!
Why did you choose a university close to home?
I couldn’t imagine being too far from my family, and Rowan was the only college I toured that felt like “home” away from home.
How do you get that “away” feeling while close to home?
Hanging out with friends on campus, whether that is to study or have fun.
What is the most interesting thing you did on campus this year?
I helped out at the Unified Sports Championship game.
What is the most interesting thing you’ve learned in a class this year?
All of the material I learned in Psych of Human Sexuality! I highly recommend this course to anyone; I left each class feeling like I learned something new about myself.
What advice do you have for incoming freshmen?
Enjoy every moment, get involved, study hard, and make memories you’ll never forget!
What’s the best decision you’ve made since you got to college?
Volunteering with the Get Fit program.
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Story and photography by:
Rachel Rumsby, rising sophomore communication studies and public relations double major
#PROFspective: Sophomore Health Promotion & Wellness Management Major Hajah Carpenter
Today we feature sophomore Health Promotion & Wellness Management major Hajah Carpenter. She is a first-generation college student from Somerdale, NJ (Camden County). Before campus closed due to COVID-19, Hajah lived in the Rowan Boulevard Apartments.
How are you getting the most out of your college experience?
I’m getting the most out of my experience at Rowan by trying to participate, get involved and take walks on beautiful days. I really appreciate Rowan’s campus and how beautiful it is.
What are you learning socially and academically about yourself?
I am learning about how much I love to work and communicate with people! I love to help others, whether it’s with schoolwork or being someone to talk to!
How have you grown as a person since coming to Rowan?
Rowan has helped prepare me for the outside world and has made me very excited for my future! My ideas for the future have grown and I’m excited to continue in my education! My major has inspired me to hopefully open up my own gym one day!
What experiences have you enjoyed the most at Rowan?
I love all the events Rowan runs in the Student Center!
How do you get involved on campus?
I get involved by attending events on campus, and being a part of the Club Lacrosse team!
How have you made friends and continue to make friends?
I have many many friends at Rowan who I love dearly. I have met some friends from Willow Hall, where I lived my freshman year! I also like to keep in contact with people I have done group projects or been in classes with! I have made a good amount of my friends in study groups I join for my classes too.
How do you create that “away” at school experience while close to home?
My friends have become my family here at Rowan, so I feel at home here.
Why Rowan?
Rowan has always had a good reputation while I was growing up! My family is from Glassboro, and watching the ‘boro be built up to what it is now has been amazing!
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Story by:
Rachel Rumsby, rising sophomore communication studies and public relations double major
4 Pieces of Advice For Incoming Students From Sophomore Jaterrin Wharton
Today we speak to Jaterrin Wharton, a sophomore Health Promotion and Wellness Management major who commutes to Rowan from Camden, NJ. She transferred from Rowan College of South Jersey with an associate degree in in Applied Science in Health Sciences. Here is her advice for incoming Rowan students.
1. Make wise choices – stay focused on your end goal.
2. DO NOT procrastinate – time waits for no one. make sure you are turning in your work on time.
3. Get to know your professors. If you need help, ask! NEVER be afraid to ask your professor for help, remember they are here to help you reach your goal.
4. Remember that studying is your best friend!
Story by:
Rachel Rumsby, freshman communication studies and public relations double major
Senior Reflects: Health Promotion and Wellness Management Major Eric Chen
Meet Eric Chen, a first-generation graduating senior from Cape May, 
NJ (Cape May County) who majored in Health Promotion and Wellness Management.
Favorite Class: My favorite class experience was my Public Speaking class with Mr. Paul Viggiano, he always made class interesting and he made that class very comfortable. The best moments were when he would split the class into different teams and we would have little competitions.
Experience with Alpha Chi Rho- Iota Chi Phi Chapter: Over the past couple years, I have been fundraiser, bursar, and postulant educator. My proudest experience was being able to do “Alpha Chi Rhoses,” a yearly fundraiser in which people around the Rowan community can purchase flowers and send notes to each other. The proceeds have gone to the American Cancer Society and to our local chapter of Camp Kesem.
Career Aspirations: My career goal is to become a nurse and to work in cardiac rehab.
Shout outs: Thank you to my brothers in Alpha Chi Rho and to thank you to the professional staff and student staff at Rowan Rec Center. Thank you for believing in me!!!!
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Senior #PROFspective: Health & Exercise Science Major
A transfer from Salem Community College, senior Harrison Goblentz will graduate with a degree in health and exercise science. His first year at Rowan, Harrison rented an off-campus apartment; his second year he rented an off-campus house with four friends.
Reflecting on his college experience, Harrison wishes that he would have devoted more time to clubs such as intramural basketball, volunteer club, and fitness club. New transfers, learn from his experience!
A typical Rowan day for Harrison included gym, school, hanging out with friends, and hanging out with his girlfriend. Harrison took six courses this last semester so his schedule was very busy. Harrison would normally take his classes in the morning, eat some lunch, do some homework, and then hit the gym at night. Harrison also worked at his Uncle’s meat business, called Niblock’s, in Salem on the weekends.
Being a health and exercise science major requires a lot of time and attention, he says. Harrison has future goals of being a nurse or a police officer. While he enjoys the fitness lifestyle and training, he also has that in mind for a career in the future.
One of the most interesting things Harrison has learned this year in one of his classes is that he got to learn how to calculate body fat percentage. This was learned in his exercise physiology class.
Harrison realized Rowan was the right fit for him when he met his friends. Harrison has such a close bond with his guys and it made his college experience so much better. He also realized when he started at this university after transferring that the academic curriculum was more up his ally. Harrison stated Rowan University has changed his college experience for the best.
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Story and photography by:
Devon Graf, Senior Communication Studies Major
Photos by: IG @Harrisoncoblentz
Physical Well-being: Move Your Body in a Way That is New For You
Welcome to our series to give you a glimpse into Rowan University, our campus culture, and the lives of our students, while we’re practicing social distancing to protect society from the spread of COVID-19. Today’s story is from Robyn Wright, a senior isolating from her house in Mercer County, NJ. Robyn is a Health Promotion and Wellness Management major.
There are many things that we can physically do to help ourselves during this time, and many of them go way beyond home workouts.
Although it can be hard, it’s really important to stay home during this time. This makes it hard to get in your daily workout, bike ride, walks to and from classes; basically anything we used to do for exercise is no longer a safe or responsible option.
I know I’m personally not getting as many steps in during the day because I have simply not been able to walk to class. What I have been doing to help improve this is taking walks with my family. This has been nice because it helps make sure that everyone in my house gets fresh air at least once a day and no one gets too grouchy or feels too “stir-crazy”.
Taking walks is a really good option for exercise right now not only because of the physical affects but because being in the sun is so beneficial. Vitamin D is absorbed through our skin from sunlight (as well as being supplemented if needed). Not only does vitamin D help with calcium absorption, (builds strong bones) it helps support a strong immune system.
Recently in a news clip, astronaut Scott Kelly gave some tips on surviving and thriving in isolation. Having lived in space for an entire year, he is an expert on this topic. Kelly emphasizes the importance of having a hobby or learning something new to challenge yourself during isolation.
Following this advice, I have started a 30-day, at-home yoga challenge that one of my favorite “YouTube Yogis” has posted on her channel for free. Yoga might not be a go-to workout for everyone, but consider this perspective — learning new ways to move is something to look forward to each day. Plus, it increases physical movement while increasing motivation.
YouTube is a great resource for finding at-home workouts that fit the style of workout you like, if yoga is still not your thing. This can be a great opportunity to find organic movement and ways to workout and get exercise without needing a full gym set-up.
Hopefully, we will learn how to make the best with what we have, versus using not being able to get the gym as a reason to not exercise. There will be less barriers to exercise and an increase in people understanding why exercise is vital for happiness, even in scary times.
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Story and photos by:
Robyn Wright, senior health promotion and wellness management major
Header photo courtesy of:
Pexels
Pandemic Profs: Yoga at Home
Today’s story is from Melanie Sbaraglio, a senior public relations and advertising major social-distancing from her house in Nutley, NJ (Essex County). Melanie joined the Rowan Blog team to wrap up her remaining internship hours, after her internship with Ace Screen Printing in Glassboro was cut short due to COVID-19 affecting business.
Stuck inside, gyms are closed, and looking for some kind of physical activity that will also relieve stress and anxiety? I had the idea to get into yoga when I wanted to focus on something new during this unusual time in life.
I went in thinking about how it was something I never used to have an interest in even though I tried it a few times in the past. For a beginner like myself I recommend starting with an easy stretch routine.
I have been liking one by a social media fitness instructor named Maddie Lymburner. Her YouTube handle is MadFit and the video that I started out with is her 20-minute Yoga For Stress and Anxiety. This routine is 20 minutes of Stretch Yoga, which also focuses on breathing. It can be a great way to start or end the day because it is quick and relaxing.
Once I did this beginner routine I realized that even though I am not an expert on yoga by any means, it is a great way to release stress and any tension from the body. Throughout the video, the instructor wants you to focus on breathing and letting any tension go from the neck and shoulders through different positions.
After doing a stretch routine for a few days to ease yourself into it, there are many other forms of yoga to try that are beneficial in different ways. If you are interested in working up a sweat and getting a good workout through yoga, try out Power Vinyasa Flow Yoga. This became another favorite of mine after following along with a video from a YouTube channel called YogiApproved. Power Vinyasa Flow is more intense and requires you to move from one pose to the next all in one motion. I noticed that this kind of yoga is more of a full-body workout because it is fast paced and tests your strength.
So far I have only tried out these two forms of yoga myself, but there are tons of videos on YouTube for any kind of yoga that interests you. I have never had a real interest in yoga or its benefits until these past few weeks of being home and needing to find something to occupy my time. It’s something anyone can try and do in the comfort of their own home for free.
Now is as good of a time as any to challenge yourself to something new so give it a try and get to stretching!
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Story and photos by:
Melanie Sbaraglio, senior public relations and advertising major
Alumni Success: Health Promotion and Wellness Management Major Cory Bennett
“Rowan was actually my transfer institution. I went to another school for my first three semesters,” says Cory. “It was a liberal arts school, so I realized that it wasn’t the right place for me.” Cory had friends who attended Rowan and were raving about how they liked it. Since it was an in-state school, […]
TRANSFERmation Tuesday: Austin Gilliss
Meet Austin Gilliss, a junior health and physical education major from Merchantville, NJ (Camden County) who is a Blackwood Eagle Scout & Alpha Phi Delta fraternity brother who transferred from Camden County College.
“Transferring from a community college to a university can be challenging. You’re trying to figure out where you fit in and how to fit in. I am a brother of a new fraternity here on campus, Alpha Phi Delta, and I’m starting up a frisbee golf club with a bunch of guys who share similar interests with me,” says Austin.
“We’re working together to form a frisbee golf team that will launch this coming fall semester. Come out and see what we’re about! It’s great that I have the opportunity to propose a new club to the Rec Center here at Rowan. Everyone is welcome to join, contact me if you’re interested!”
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Story and photography by:
Vanessa Vause, senior public relations and theatre major
Krishna’s Home Away From Home: Rowan Fitness Center [VIDEO]
Take a look at where Krishna Mansukhani feels most at home while getting his “sweat on.” Rowan’s Fitness Center has all your work-out needs to stay fit and to get in-shape. Get ready to feel the burn!
Krishna is a junior studying health promotion and wellness within the School of Health Professions, and he’s originally from Sayreville, NJ in Middlesex County.
Like what you see? Register for a tour or open house.
Video filming by: Alyssa Bauer, junior public relations major
Video production by: Alexander Belli, senior public relations and advertising major
Music by: Don Dewitt, junior music industry major
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