Looking for a way to manage stress and practice self-care as the new semester gets going? Look no further than Eastern Michigan University's Self-Care Sensory Rooms event coming up on Monday, Jan. 20. This event will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Student Center rooms 352 and 330.
For those wondering what a sensory room is, LGBT Resource Center Coordinator Emma Wuetrich provided the answer.
"A sensory room is a space designed specifically to stimulate someone’s sense to increase concentration, reflection, stress management and wellness," Wuetrich said. "Effective, impactful sensory rooms can be very specific for individual needs."
At this event, students will have access to two different types of sensory rooms. Student Center 352 will be a quiet, traditional sensory room, while Student Center 330 will be a game room where students can socialize.
According to Wuetrich, both sensory rooms will offer intentional lighting, sounds, seating, and tactile offerings. Students may pop in and out of the rooms any time between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. This way, even if students can only participate for a few minutes, they have the opportunity to visit one or both of the sensory rooms and take a moment to calm their minds.
The rooms are designed to provide a different atmosphere than students, staff and faculty might have available on a normal day, according to Wuetrich.
It is no secret that college life can be busy and stressful; between lectures, homework, and other commitments, it can be hard to find time for self-care. The sensory rooms aim to offer a calming atmosphere that will help students feel more centered and at peace in the moment.
"I am hoping to encourage intentional reflection and self-care," Wuetrich said.
For students who cannot attend the Self-Care Sensory Rooms event at all, Wuetrich shared some tips for creating a sensory room at home.
"Experiment with sounds and lighting and smells, and reflect how they make you feel," she said.
A sensory room may look different for everyone, and there is no right way to create one. Students can build their own sensory rooms simply by figuring out what stimuli help them feel cared for and centered.
For more information on this event, contact Wuetrich at ementley@emich.edu or call 734-487-4149.
