University of New Hampshire, Franklin Pierce School of Law
Challenge
Professors, deans, and support staff at institutions of higher education have been struggling under the pressure of hybrid distance learning, helping stressed out students who have had to navigate college during a pandemic, and the uncertainties of budget cuts and management decisions.
College students have seen an increase in mental health challenges during this pivotal time in their lives. Being away from home and away from their support systems, many have been left to navigate this uncertain world alone and without resources.
Approach
The Dean of UNH contracted The Mindful Project to lead a four-week Introduction to Mindfulness series, open to anyone associated with the school.
We met once weekly, during the school/work day, for a 90-minute lesson over Zoom. UNH flew us out to lead one of the sessions in person.
Each participant received unlimited free access to The Daily Well for six months so they could continue trauma-informed yoga and mindfulness classes on their own.
Results
The group was vibrant, participatory, and found the lessons applicable to daily stressors.
Many reported back that they found the “mini-retreat” each week a welcome respite from the chaos of the day. All were able to implement the stress-reduction techniques they learned immediately.
“I wanted to reach out and thank you again for the mindfulness series you provided to us. I testified all day Tuesday against anti-trans legislation here in NH and several times was able to use resourcing and breathing techniques to send a message of safety to my brain so that I could be most effective in that setting.”