The Relaxation Room

The purpose of the Relaxation Room at the Andrews University Counseling & Testing Center is to provide a space for students to develop and practice the relaxation skills that will enhance their academic productivity and their sense of well-being. In addition, it provides a space to practice the relaxation skills often discussed in the students’ counseling work. Relaxation strategies are in integral part of treatment approaches to depression, anxiety, anger management, and sleep disorders, among other issues, and students will find a space and resources to develop or strengthen these skills. These resources include audio guides of various relaxation exercises, biofeedback instruments, relaxation music, a guide to print and online materials on relaxation, and a massage chair, among others.

If you are engaged in counseling at this time and you’d like to integrate relaxation training into your treatment plan, remember to consult with your counselor. Together, you can select the strategies that are more suitable for you and your goals.

How to Reserve the Relaxation Room

To use the Relaxation Room, go to the front desk and reserve a time. Let the front desk staff know what resources you’d like to use so they are available for you when at the time of your visit. You are also welcome to reserve time to use the massage chair while you listen to relaxing music. We have a few selections for you, but you’re welcomed to bring your own.

We hope you enjoy our Relaxation Room. Come back often and let others know about it.

Resources for Relaxation & Stress Management:

• Understanding Stress

• Stress Management: How to Reduce, Prevent, and Cope with Stress

• Relaxation Techniques for Stress Relief: Finding What Works for You

• Relaxation Exercises:

  • Relaxation Tapes (The University of Texas at Austin's Counseling and Mental Health Center)

    • You can stream or download four relaxation tracks: Deep Breathing, Muscle Relaxation, Cruise Imagery, and Forest Imagery

  • Video: Need to Relax? (Mayo Clinic)

• Relaxation Log

  • You can use this document to track your progress as you practice relaxation exercises daily.

• What is biofeedback?

  • User Manuals for biofeedback training instruments (the manuals are in .pdf):

    • The Stress Eraser

    • The GSR2

    • The Stress Thermometer

• Self-care Assessment & Worksheet

  • This instrument can help you to review strategies to enhance your sense of wellbeing and create a plan to apply them in your life.

• Tips for keeping a sense of balance in life

For more information about stress management, visit HelpGuide.org and check out their Stress-Busting, Mood-Boosting Toolkit. HelpGuide.org content is developed in collaboration with the Harvard Medical School.

Self-Help Books on Relaxation & Stress-Management