During the academic year, it can be easy to fall into a mid-semester slump, especially when that coincides with changing seasons and midterms. If listening to music or unplugging from your devices once in a while isn’t doing the trick, the New School Free Press, with the help of a few New School students, has compiled a list of advice and methods to finding tranquility in the concrete jungle.
On Campus:
Health and Wellness Groups and Programs
Counseling Services and Wellness and Health Promotion (WHP) offer groups and programs Monday through Friday. The WHP programs are free and open to all New School students, though some require screening. Appointments are not necessary; students can drop in.
A list of their services is offered here. Services range from acupuncture, art classes, and even pet therapy. All of the weekly groups and programs take place at Student Health Services, 80 Fifth Avenue, third floor, and will be held through Dec. 13, 2019.
Free Recreational Classes
The New School Recreation offers students of all levels of experience opportunities to exercise while meeting new people, enjoying social interaction, and building community. The options range from slow-flow pilates to HIIT boxing. A list of the classes can be found here.
“I workout to de-stress” said Fiona Flynn, a third-year Culture and Media major. “The New School has free workout classes too.”
Library Visits
The New School Libraries & Archives provides students with access to collections of books, magazines and newspapers, and offers adequate spaces to focus on schoolwork. During the semester, the libraries are open seven days a week, with 24-hour service at the University Center Monday –Thursday. The archives are open for research visits by appointment Monday – Friday. Check out the hours & locations for more information.
In addition to The New School’s own materials and spaces, New School students are also able to check out physical books at New York University’s Bobst Library and the Cooper Union Library.
Off Campus:
Yoga Classes
“Yoga is a big stress reliever for me,” said Rachel Cheung, a third- year Journalism + Design major. “Taking deep breaths helps me reorient my mindset.”
Yoga to the People offers donation-based classes at multiple locations throughout the city. Candle-lit sessions and yoga classes for all skill levels are available.
Aromatherapy
When asked about preferred de-stressing methods, third-year product design major at Parsons, Avondale Marie Nixon said, “Aromatherapy! Roll-ons and so much oil diffusing.”
Namaste Bookshop, located near the corner of 14th Street and Fifth Ave, sells roll-on oils, oil diffusers and sage smudge sticks.
Spending Time Outside
Emmet White, a second-year Journalism + Design major said, “Sitting in St. Nicholas Park or Sunset Park and riding [a] bike” are a few things he does to de-stress. New York City has more than 1,700 parks across the five boroughs. Union Square Park and Washington Square Park are just a few steps from campus. Finding time for nature in the big city can be difficult, but with the help of visiting parks, it can be done.
Citi Bikes can provide transportation and leisurely rides. The app is available for iPhone and Android and locates nearby Citi Bike stations once downloaded. Single rides cost $3 for 30 minutes, and day passes for 24-hour access to Citi Bikes are $12. More information on Citi Bike plans and prices can be found on their website.