With the midterm season in high swing, stress follows suit and Fresno State is kicking off Homecoming week with some events to help students combat the mental strain.
It was a cool, clear evening in the Resnick Student Union Event Plaza on Oct. 21st, where Gloria Doran hosted the relaxing sunset yoga session in collaboration with the Homecoming Committee.
Doran, a Masters student of Fresno State in the Kinesiology department, works at the Student Recreation Center and came out to give something back to the community. As a student herself, Doran understands the need for self care.
“Academia is always so serious, it’s also good to remind students that we can come back and be ourselves at the same time too.” said Kina Moua, a Media Communication and Journalism student who attended the event.
“Sunset Yoga with Gloria” is far from Doran’s first event with Fresno State. Having done several mindfulness events in the past, she has a deep passion for fitness and well-being.
“I’ve alway been a mover, a dancer, I was a performer, so I’ve just always loved being around movement and people, feeling their energy,” Doran said.
As they arrived and signed in, attendees were given the option to join a raffle where various prizes would be given out before the exercise began. Prizes included Fresno State branded drink containers and Bulldog themed scarves, as well as two high quality branded yoga mats to fit the event.
Once the sun began to set and prizes were handed out, the event began and Doran guided the audience through a series of yoga positions accompanied by light music and continued positive mantras. Throughout the hour-long session, Doran heavily emphasized the idea of bringing mind and body together, taking what’s “learned on the mat” and applying it to your day-to-day life.
“I hope they come out with a sense of autonomy and that they can advocate for honoring their body, ” Doran said. “You’re practicing advocating for yourself and taking breaks when you need to, and honoring the body when it says ‘it’s not happening’. It’s all life lessons.”
A large aspect of this event was to oppose the societal stigma of mental health, and to advocate for the practice of self care. Doran’s intent successfully translated into the session, with many students coming out of the event feeling a new, shared sense of togetherness.
“It gives a sense of community to the students, it brings people together that would never come together and it’s something that helps everyone genuinely feel better physically and it gives [everyone] a common ground, like we’re all struggling through this together,” said Jesse Contreras, a Mechanical Engineering student.
More information regarding homecoming week and future upcoming events can be found on the Fresno State News website.
