Mental Health
Hello!
My name is Cynthia Kmety. I am the Mental Health Promotion Coordinator here at the HERC. I am a graduate assistant currently pursuing my Masters degree in Interpersonal Communications with a focus in health studies. Here are some of the resources that I offer, feel free to reach out at herc-mentalhealth@eiu.edu
Open Sessions for the 2023 Academic Spring Semester
Homesickness
Learn about tips to becoming accustomed to college life!
Introduction to Mindfulness
Mindfulness is a non-judgmental practice that involves being aware of your mind, body, and surroundings. This presentation will teach you the history of mindfulness and a few skills to get you started in your practice!
Self Care
We must prioritize ourselves and continuously take care of our well-being throughout the school year! This fun session provides tips, tricks, and activities that allow us to find what's best for our personal self care.
Sex is Like Pizza
Sex is Like Pizza. Join us for a fun and interactive presentation about sexuality and consent. This is not your high school health class! Students can expect to have an actual conversation about sex: honestly, openly, and authentically.
- April 11th @5 PM in the Klehm Food Lab 2309
Stress Management
Stress Management. Don't stop stressing! Stress is a part of our everyday lives. Come learn skills and strategies to help you manage your stress levels. We'll chat about time management, self-care, mindfulness, and much more!
- March 31st @5 PM located in the Effingham room (3rd floor of the union)
Request a Presentation!
If you are interested in a presentation/program in one of these topics:• Homesickness• Sex is Like Pizza• Stress Management• Self-care• Mindfulness University
Fill out a presentation request form: https://www.eiu.edu/herc/program_request.php
Rise and Thrive: Resiliency (ReST)
Resiliency Training
ReST is a 4-week curriculum that offers a careful selection of evidence-based exercises to build coping skills and promote thriving. The ReST philosophy is that there are many routes to achieving greater resiliency. Expected benefits include improving physical and emotional health, strengthening relationships and social connection, increasing academic/work performance, managing challenges/difficulties, achieving goals, and reducing stress, anxiety, and depression.
Fill out this form to sign up: See you there! :)
Classes Dates Time Location
Check back for more dates next semester!
Learn How To Incorporate Mindfulness Into Your Daily Life
With this 4-session class you will learn how to incorporate mindfulness into your daily life. Mindfulness is simply learning to focus on the mind and awareness in the current moment's activity, and our lives are full of such activities. This class will cover mindfulness skills like dynamic breathing, walking meditation, and eating meditation while encouraging you along your journey to a more mindful you!
Daily Calm | 10 Minute Mindfulness Meditation | Be Present - YouTube
Mindfulness Classes Spring 2023
In our 4-week curriculum Mindfulness Classes you will learn mindful skills such as deep breathing, mindful eating, and labeling thoughts and emotions. Mindfulness has been shown to reduce stress, improve sleep, and other great benefits for college students!
Week 1: Intro to Mindfulness, belly breathing, dynamic breathing, body scan meditation
Week 2: Meditation for restless minds, walking meditation, meditation gathas
Week 3: Guided imagery and labeling thoughts
Week 4: Eating meditation and labeling emotions
Sign up here: https://www.eiu.edu/herc/machform/view.php?id=65553
Classes Dates Time Location
Mindfulness 1 March 21st @2 PM Martinsville Room
Mindfulness 2 March 28th @2 PM Martinsville Room
Mindfulness 3 April 4th @2 PM Martinsville Room
Mindfulness 4 April 11th @2 PM Martinsville Room
Raising Awareness
SAAM (Sexual Assault Awareness Month)
During the entire month of April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. The purpose of this month is to make respect for others the norm, to take action to promote the safety of others, and to show survivors they are believed and supported.
For the full list of events visit:…...............calendar of campus events
Tuesday, April 4, 2023
Get the Tea on Consent
Thomas Dining Breezeway @11-1
Stop by for a fun and interactive talk about consent and sip some tea while participating! Students can expect to have an actual conversation about sex: honestly, openly, and authentically.
Tuesday, April 11, 2023
Sex is Like Pizza
Khlem Hall 2309 @5 PM
Join us to learn how to make your own pizza and see how ordering a pizza is comparable to asking for consent! 
Wednesday, April 12, 2023
Self-Defense
Lawson Basement @6:30-8
Awareness is the first line of defense. Join the HERC and the Housing Office in learning some self-defense techniques with True Force Martial Arts.
Wednesday, April 26, 2023
Denim Day Awareness Tabling
University Union Bridge Lounge @10-12
Stop by to learn more about Denim Day and consent. There will be denim earring making, a coloring contest, and other giveaways!
Out and About!
Throughout the semester I will also be around campus hosting tabling events and fun programs. Stop by and check out these exciting events!
Tabling:
- March 30th: Mental Health Tabling, Union Bridge Lounge @10-12
- April 4th: Consent tabling, Thomas Breezeway @11 AM- 1PM
- April 18th: Self-care corner tabling, Taylor Dining Breezeway, @11-1
- April 24th: Don't Stress, Ace That Test!, Thomas Dining Breezeway, @10-12
- April 26th: Denim Day Tabling, Union Bridge Lounge, @10-12
Help Yourself to Some Relaxation
Happiness Hacks -
Beginners Guide to Sun Salutations -
https://www.acefitness.org/education-and-resources/lifestyle/blog/6835/a-beginner-s-guide-to-sun-salutations/
5 Stretches to "Un-desk" your Body -
10-minute AM Yoga Practice -
5 Bedtime Yoga Poses to Relax -
Available Resources
Want to learn more about your mental health? Check out these resources:
Find a variety of on and off campus resources, make an appointment with our counselors, and learn mental health info.
Project Semicolon: Your Life Matters!
Follow this link for information on suicide prevention, mental disorders, and ways to be a mental health advocate.
Celebrities talk about how to have hard conversations with friends.
