Nowhere in life are we specifically taught how to manage our stress. We’ve accepted stress as a part of our daily lives as students and young adults, and sometimes equate success with stress. If we’re not stressed, often we don’t feel successful. Stress impacts every aspect of our lives: our health, relationships, education, etc.

In this Decal, we would like to introduce students to evidence-based breathing and meditation techniques, for them to choose to employ in their own lives. We would like to create conversation around different modes of stress-management, and the link between stress and our forms of expression, i.e. our human values: service, creativity, happiness, leadership, authenticity, awareness, etc.

In the beginning of every class, we will discuss the readings assigned in the previous class. Students will be asked to sign up for a week to present their thoughts on the previous class readings, and we will hold a short class discussion following this. This is a chance for students to participate actively in class and ask questions.

Students will also be asked to answer discussion questions on b-courses prior to each class. For the final assignment, students can choose between writing a final research paper and presentation on the topics covered in class, or attending the 10.5 hour SKY Happiness Retreat designed to help them step out of overdrive. The retreat will be free of charge for Decal students and involve no additional costs. In order to pass this class, you are required to end the class with a grade of 70% or higher.

Please read the whole syllabus to learn more about the class: https://tiny.cc/skysyllabus

Our class is open to all and enrolls students on a first come, first served basis. All interested students must complete the Step Out of Overdrive DeCal Registration Form (Google Form application): https://tiny.cc/skyreg The CCN you need to register will be provided upon completion of the form. The class will begin on Wednesday, February 3 and will meet every Wednesday thereafter.