Pace has installed a new Relaxation Room at the school’s counseling center. The room was installed early this spring semester to help students improve their emotional health in various ways with the aid of stress-relieving activities, such as using a Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) lamp, massage chair, biofeedback machine, and even a Buddha board.

“The idea of a relaxation room came from our director, Dr. Rosa Ament,” Coordinator of Consultation and Outreach Dr. Mariesa Cruz-Tillery said. “We researched how other schools approached stress-related issues and went from there.”

By using the Relaxation Room, students can edify their energy, mood, and state of mind. The SAD lamp, for example, provides much needed sunlight for those struggling with seasonal depression and low energy levels during the winter.

While the room’s massage chair is externally relaxing, the biofeedback machine helps control one’s involuntary functions, like heart rate and deep breathing. The machine uses games to distract students and assist them in improving their awareness of mind and body.

“After using the biofeedback machine, students will improve their ability to gain control over their internal stress,” Cruz-Tillery said.

Both the biofeedback machine and massage chair bring relaxation to students, but Cruz-Tillery says the room’s Buddha board gives them a chance to express themselves in whichever way they choose. Based on the concept of Zen, the togetherness of body and mind, the board allows students to release their emotions through drawing, which may help give them some clarity.

Students do not need to be a client of the Counseling Center to use the room. A session in the Relaxation Room is limited to 30 minutes, and students will need to complete a brief introductory workshop prior to using the room.

In addition to the Relaxation Room, the counseling center released an app called “Just In Case”, which plans to provide students and staff with mental health information and offer support routes via a brief questionnaire.

The Relaxation Room is available on Mondays and Thursdays. To make a reservation, call the Counseling Center at 914-773-3710.