The Laura W. Bush Native Texas Park at the Bush Presidential Center is lined with trees and vibrant wildflowers. Insects and squirrels rustle in the bushes, and people chatter about their week. Melanie Verdi, an SMU senior majoring in political science and educational studies, smiles warmly, trying to ensure everyone contributes to the conversation.
Verdi has noticed that the average college student doesn’t have much time to care for their mental well-being. She has learned that one of the best things she can do when feeling overwhelmed is to take a step back from whatever is causing her stress and go for a walk in nature.
“Sometimes we can cope in unhealthy ways, whether it be scrolling online just to numb our minds or bottling up our emotions,” Verdi said. “But I’ve found that in weeks or days that I have back-to-back tests, or I’m stressed about my performance on a presentation, I love to go on sunset walks, just to look at the sky and connect with my spirituality, my religion and my well-being.”
Verdi has started a program called “Walk and Talk,” where students meet in the lobby of Loyd Commons every Thursday at 6 p.m. and walk around campus. She recognizes that college students experience significant stress levels and knows that walking consistently proves to be one of the best things a person can do for their well-being.
According to the Newport Institute, college students report higher stress levels than every other group of adults. Verdi’s program helps to mitigate some of that stress by providing students with a group where they can get some fresh air and talk with their peers about how their week has been going.
As the Spiritual Life Mentor for Loyd Commons, Verdi is responsible for providing guidance and support to her residents in times of stress. She said she hopes her residents get the same relaxation from walking as she has.
According to Lisa Gunn from Nuffield Health, walking improves a person’s physical and mental well-being by releasing endorphins and taking them out of the situation that causes them stress.
While many college students get a decent amount of walking done between classes, this does not fulfill the need for walking as a form of relaxation, as they are focused on getting from point A to point B, rather than enjoying their surroundings.
According to Loma Linda University Health, walking has been associated with a decrease in cortisol, which is the stress hormone. Programs like “Walk and Talk” not only help foster a sense of community but also provide students with an opportunity to walk and take a break from daily stressors. Additionally, many SMU students enjoy taking walks on the nearby Katy Trail.
When multiple people work together, they can hold each other accountable, making community a powerful motivator for those who struggle to engage in healthy activities. Health officials from the Mayo Clinic said, it is easier for people to make time for activities intended to improve their well-being if they have a person to do it with. Community and fresh air are important factors in caring for one’s well-being.
Walk and Talk facilitates community by providing people with a weekly reminder to take a mental break and come together with their peers. It is also a time when they can release stress and find people who relate to the stress of college life.
Arushi Tripathy, a sophomore majoring in psychology and human rights, said that getting some fresh air while interacting with peers makes it easier for people to care for themselves.
“I think socialization in an open environment can go a long way,” Tripathy said.
Alongside physiological changes that accompany walking, simply changing environments in times of stress can greatly improve well-being. Juan Llamas, a freshman studying journalism, agreed that a change in scenery can go a long way in taking someone’s mind off the stressor.
“I think the best thing for de-stressing is stuff that helps people get their minds off of things that are stressing them out,” Llamas said.
Group settings, like “Walk and Talk,” can also encourage open dialogue and welcome mental distraction.
College is a busy time for students, and they may not always take the time to practice self-care or engage with their community. Verdi said she hopes her program can provide that sense of community for her residents.
“By walking in a group and talking together, it makes us feel like we’re not alone,” Verdi said.
