Newswise — James Madison University graduate psychology professor Debbie Sturm sees Earth Day as an opportunity to raise awareness about eco-anxiety, which she describes as fear over the potential negative impacts of climate change and the feeling of hopelessness that accompanies it. “The whole conversation becomes: How do you move people from being anxious and fearful to doing something really productive and personally meaningful?” Sturm said.
Her areas of expertise include climate change and mental health, nature connection and mental health, and trauma.
Regular exercise is key to good health
Trent Hargens, a professor of kinesiology, researches the physiological links between sleep quality, physical activity and sedentary behavior across the lifespan. He also studies how short-term sleep quality may impact subsequent aerobic exercise performance.
Hargens said consistent physical activity is a key component to good health.
“It’s not possible for people to exercise for hours every day, but doing something most days of the week is really important,” he said. “Individuals also need to limit their sedentary time. Research has shown that, even in individuals who exercise regularly but spend a lot of time during the rest of the day sitting, their risk for chronic disease is higher than those who exercise regularly and limit their sedentary time.”
Spring and summer months are ideal for practicing mindfulness
Jared Featherstone, a professor of interdisciplinary liberal studies and a certified mindfulness meditation teacher, can discuss mindful approaches to resetting and enjoying seasonal change, finding ways to engage more deeply with real world experiences, and finding work/life balance.
Featherstone said the spring and summer months provide an ideal time for people to restore balance to their busy lives and learn to be more present by attuning to the seasonal changes of the natural world. Awareness practices such as mindfulness and journaling can be powerful tools in helping to restore this balance amid life’s endless distractions.
Mark Gabriel is also an expert on mindfulness practices and said, “By cultivating awareness and presence, people learn to manage stress and anxiety more effectively, reconnect with a deeper sense of self and foster meaningful connections with others.”
A neuroscientist in the biology department and lead coordinator and meditation guide at the JMU Serenity Center, Gabriel said practicing mindfulness doesn’t require any special equipment or prior experience.
“Turn something you already enjoy into meditation practice. Whether it’s walking, painting, birdwatching, exercising or gardening, the key is to fully immerse yourself in the activity. Allow yourself to be completely present in each moment,” he said.
To arrange interviews with these JMU experts, please contact Eric Gorton, [email protected]
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