Photo Courtesy / Eliyas Jeffay

It feels like the semester just started, but for many students, midterm season is already underway. This usually means stress, feeling overwhelmed, and having no time to do anything except any of the above. If this sounds familiar to you, then read on.

Club Med(itation) is a new group that started this semester. It’s one of several group therapy sessions run by UTSC’s Health and Wellness Centre and takes place every Thursday in the Attic at the gym from 12-1 p.m. A different Health and Wellness counsellor runs the program each week, leading participants in various exercises.

“It’s basically an opportunity to step out of the busyness of the day, and learn some new strategies for relaxation, learn about mindful meditation, and have an opportunity to talk with other people about how to manage the busyness of life,” said Erin Bradford, a counsellor at the Health & Wellness Centre.

Participants can sign up for Club Med on the Intranet, or just drop in for any session.

Bradford said that the program also presents an opportunity for students to learn techniques or strategies they can use on their own or teach to their friends. A range of exercises are taught, and may change from week to week, including breathing, muscle relaxation, and mindful meditation, which is about learning to be in the moment.

“I really just want people to take a chance and come on in,” said Bradford. “You don’t have to be here every week, so just come and take an opportunity to relax.”

For more information on Club Med or other groups run by the Health & Wellness Centre, students can check out http://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/~wellness/.