If you have ever walked through the Scituate High School history wing on a Friday afternoon, you have likely heard the sounds of music and laughter coming from room 232. This is a part of the new “De-Stress Club” run by history teacher William McNeil.
Well known for running a yoga session during Scituate’s “Splash” days before Thanksgiving and winter breaks, McNeil has always been passionate about mindfulness and meditation. As a part-time yoga and meditation teacher at Emerald Yoga Studio in Pembroke, McNeil knows the value and importance of taking time to acknowledge and reflect on stress to lessen its impact on your life, something many SHS students could use while studying for midterm exams. He has seen the impact of yoga–and recently karaoke–on students, reminding us that de-stressing “doesn’t have to be serious–it can be lighthearted and fun.”
McNeil combined these two methods and created a “De-Stress Club” to benefit students. During club meetings, students learn destressing and mindfulness techniques, such as yoga, mindfulness, and coloring, which they can use both in and out of school. Additionally, McNeil hopes to tackle the difficulties of acknowledging that stress exists and figuring out where it comes from, noting that “it takes a lot of effort, self-reflection, and open-mindedness to acknowledge stress.” Still, it is a crucial step in preventing it.
By allowing students to take their minds off of the issues they are worried about and taking 30 minutes to have fun with their friends in homeroom, McNeil hopes the club can make a big difference in students’ stress levels.
SHS senior Clare Jodka attended McNeil’s Friday karaoke last week and remarked that it was “very enjoyable.” She reported, “Everyone was laughing, clapping, and singing along.” With about ten people already in attendance, the club will undoubtedly continue growing. Jodka thinks the De-Stress Club “is a great idea and a safe place for students to destress around supportive people.” Meetings for the De-Stress Club are on Wednesdays after school and Fridays during WINN blocks for those who find that staying after school may bring more stress.