Volume 3, Issue 1 January/February
2006 Counseling center Wentworth Institute of Technology
Exercise for Mental Health by Maura Mulligan
We have long been told about
the benefits of regular aerobic exercise on our physical health: decreased
incidences of heart disease and obesity, to name a few. However, did you also know that regular
exercise could also improve your mental health? Taking part
in aerobic activity, such as running, biking, swimming, kickboxing, and
other activities that significantly elevate your heart rate on a regular
basis have been shown to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. In fact, the body’s releasing of
endorphins during exercise acts as a natural antidepressant. In addition to the release of endorphins,
exercise also results in a slower pulse, lower blood pressure, and easier
breathing, which may be why feelings of anxiety and stress are lessened
during and after exercise. In addition
to alleviating symptoms of depression and anxiety, regular exercise also
improves body image, reduces day to day stress, increases energy and self-confidence,
and is associated with longer and more restful sleep…. and we all need more
of that!
Working out as little as three times per week is enough
to see positive changes after several weeks. Given the benefits of exercise on both physical and mental
health, it is important to schedule time to fit it in to
your busy life as a student. CASA: Committee for the Awareness of Sexual Assault CASA’s mission is to raise awareness on the Wentworth Campus with the goal of preventing sexual assaults, and to offer support to members of the community who may be dealing with issues of rape or sexual assault. If you would like more information about CASA and our services, please go to http://myweb.wit.edu/casa, or call the WIT Counseling Center at 617-989-4390. Counselors Residence
Hall Outreach: 555: Judy Moss,
Tuesdays from 4-5p in the RD Office 610: Hal Conner,
Tuesdays from 5-6p in the RD Office
WIT
COUNSELING
CENTER
Watson Hall 003
x4390
Hours: Mon - Fri
8:15am – 4:45pm
SERVICES ARE FREE AND CONFIDENTIAL
Counselors are available in the residence halls on a weekly basis to meet
with students or answer questions. Times and locations for each residence
hall are listed below. Please call the Counseling Center or ask your RD for
more information.
Evans Way: Maura Mulligan, Mondays
from 4-5p in the RD OfficeBaker Hall: Carla Naumburg,
Mondays from 4-5p in the RD Office
Ed Rogers: Steve Ciesielski, Wednesdays from 3-4p in the basement