Upcoming Healthy Boiler workshop to focus on deep breathing to reduce stress

Deep breathing is the focus of an upcoming Healthy Boiler workshop presented by Lindsay Bloom, health coach at Purdue Fort Wayne. Deep Breathing for Relaxation is an interactive workshop that discusses the health benefits of deep breathing. Participants will learn deep-breathing techniques for stress reduction and relaxation, which supports the behavioral health and physical health pillars of the Healthy Boiler Program.

The workshop takes place from noon to 1 p.m. ET on Feb. 23. Those interested should register by Feb. 22 via the Healthy Boiler Portal. A registration link can be found under the “Healthy Boiler Workshops” section on the portal’s home page. Hover over the “Deep Breathing for Relaxation” square and hit “Submit” to register. Healthy Boiler workshops are free to all benefits-eligible faculty and staff and dependents covered on a Purdue medical plan.

More deep breathing tools  

The February Healthy Boiler behavioral health challenge, found on the Healthy Boiler Portal, is to “Breathe Deep.” Individuals are encouraged to take time to slow down and breathe deeply twice a day, five days a week throughout the month of February. Focused breathing can help individuals become calm when they feel anxiety, like right before a job interview or giving a presentation.

SupportLinc’s simple exercise for deep breathing can be a useful tool to have on hand to help individuals relearn how to breathe. In addition, the SupportLinc article “Relaxation Exercise: Deep Breathing” offers more tips. Self magazine shares “5 Deep Breathing Exercises to Try When You Really Need a Minute,” which outlines how simple breathing exercises can help reduce stress and more.

Color breathing exercise for stress relief is another breathing technique for stress relief shared by SupportLinc. 

ADDITIONAL MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES

To assist faculty and staff

Faculty and staff can review the Mental Health Resources webpage for a variety of available resources, which also support the behavioral health pillar of the Healthy Boiler Program, and information on Purdue’s health plan coverage for mental health and substance abuse. 

To assist students

Faculty and staff who work with students or have a student at home can direct them to the resources below for behavioral health assistance. Note: United Healthcare Student Resources (UHCSR) – medical plan provider for students and graduate students – offers 292 unique mental health providers serving at various locations that are in-network with UHCSR within Tippecanoe County. The list is available here. Additionally, students have access to HealthiestYou, which provides virtual access to mental health care as part of UHCSR’s plan. All services are free for students covered under the UHCSR insurance plan.   

Office of the Dean of Students

• Continuous Network of Support
• Services and Information
• Presentations & Trainings
• Student of Concern Reporting Link

Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS)

• Therapy Services at CAPS
• Self-help Resources
• Group Therapy
• CAPS YouTube channel
• NAMI On Campus – A free, virtual support group on campus
• Thriving Campus – A service that provides students a way to search for mental health providers in many areas, locally and across the country
• WellTrack – An interactive, self-help therapy app for students