Take A Breath With Ecotherapy

University of Galway

In this episode Barry Ó Siochrú, former SU Vice President for Gaeilge, is joined by Fiona Roche, Student Counsellor in the University of Galway. Fiona explains that ecotherapy is about deriving therapeutic experiences out of anything that is naturally occurring, such as, swimming in the sea or noticing your own breath. When coming up to exams, using the outdoors as a study space is a great way to help you focus, especially if you are feeling overwhelmed in a library setting. If you are finding it difficult to focus, stop for a second and ask “what do I need now?” Being aware and understanding what you need at a particular moment is so important. Fiona discusses the concept of a “Sit Spot”, which has been around for years, but at busy times in our lives it can be helpful to take a few moments out and just sit outdoors and notice the trees, listen to the birds singing and take in all the sounds, sights and smells around you. Further information on the University of Galway student supports, are available here (https://www.universityofgalway.ie/counsellors/) For all details about the Galway Exams 101 programme go to our website at www.universityofgalway.ie/galway-exams-101/ For more information on Student Advisors at the University of Galway click here https://www.universityofgalway.ie/student-advisors/ For all details about sitting exams at the University of Galway click here https://www.universityofgalway.ie/exams/ Mental Health & Counselling. Reach out to the University of Galway Counselling Service by email: [e-mail] In crisis of any kind? Text ‘Galway’ to 50808 for immediate support. For free, moderated mental health peer support visit Togetherall https://togetherall.com/en-gb/ Cara, the virtual assistant for current University of Galway students is available 24/7/365 to support students with questions about day-to-day university life. Cara is a virtual extension of the Student Enquiry Centre focused on supporting students. Contact Cara on www.universityofgalway.ie/cara or send a confidential WhatsApp message to 086-8006644