By By: Tahyia Alvi
Staff-Writer
Fall has arrived and so have our warm clothes and fun outdoor activities. However, with exams upon students, it can be hard to take time for oneself and be mindful of our mental health.
To battle this struggle, the Honors Club arranged a beginner-level hike at St. Patrick’s Park, referred to as the Mindfulness Hike, in the evening on Oct. 7.
It was a great way to get the Honors Club members together to destress and enjoy fresh air among the beautiful colors of autumn. The weather was forecasted to hold a few sprinkles, but overall the students enjoyed the outdoor experience.
“I truly appreciate all the thought and planning that went into this event,” Emilee Edmonds, Honors Program intern, said. “Having this opportunity to spend time with friends and distress in nature dramatically impacted my mindset going into midterms.”
The hike was beneficial for other students, too.
“Being new to the area, it was a great opportunity for me to discover the park. I enjoy going on walks and exploring new places so I had a wonderful time,” Norman Cahoon, IU South Bend student, said. “Despite the sprinkling, the walk was nice and relaxing. With the level of stress, it was really helpful to be around other students and faculty.”
Overall, the event was a success, as everyone enjoyed the scenic views and was able to get to know eachother better. A wellness poem was also read out loud to remind everyone to be mindful of their mental health and to practice self-care during stressful times.
