Fresh Start Fridays allow students to relax

All light switches are turned off, and the only light comes from the sun through the windows. On the floor lie several yoga mats along with blocks and other supplies, and at the front of the room, Dr. Roberta Donahue, professor of health science and strategic plan coordinator, guides attendees in non-standing, calming yoga moves. 

This is a Fresh Start Friday, which takes place every Friday in the school year from 3 to 4 pm in the Presidential Reading Room of the Pickler Memorial Library. 

The goal behind Fresh Start Fridays was to allow students, staff, and faculty to let go of the events of the past week and to feel focused on what’s currently happening.

“We try to let go of the stuff that’s happened in the past and focus on the present, right here, right now. Whatever happened during the week, it’s over, it’s done,” Donahue said. “We want to focus on the present and take care of what’s in front of us and not spend too much energy on what happened in the past or focusing too much on the future.”

Overall, attendees report that they feel ready to take on tasks in the near future. One frequent attendee is Ao Nomura, a sophomore with an interdisciplinary major. 

She’s found that attending Fresh Start Fridays helps her to forget everyday responsibilities and focus on what is happening right then and there.

“Maybe it would be a good time for you to forget about school, [to not think] about stress,” Nomura said.

One of the goals of Fresh Start Fridays was to provide a neutral environment in which students could relax, which is why the library was chosen as its location. 

Nomura finds that having a more personal aspect to the Fresh Start Friday experience helps her to feel more relaxed and comfortable when she goes.

“I go there because I want to do yoga, but also I want to see her and talk to her,” Nomura said. “If you have some time, you can just come, and it’s for everyone.”

Donahue has been told that attending a Fresh Start Friday helps people to feel less tense and anxious after a 50-minute session. 

She also hopes that more regular attendees incorporate the skills and techniques within a session throughout their day or even their entire week. 

“I hope they also pick up some skills that are really portable, like different breathing techniques that are relaxing, and that’s great to do before an exam. Or if you’re trying to fall asleep and you’re having difficulty quieting your mind,” Donahue said. “[Attending a session] gives them the ability to be less reactive when stuff happens because stuff always happens. If you’re already tense and things happen, you’re likely to overreact.”