Sioux City, IA: Mental health is No. 1 obstacle for college students

Feb 4, 2018, Sioux City (IA) Journal: Briar Cliff students, staff try reducing stress through mindfulness http://siouxcityjournal.com/lifestyles/local/briar-cliff-students-staff-try-reducing-stress-through-mindfulness/article_0d15157a-0acc-5259-b0c0-e97323e61efd.html Ryan Allen believes mental health is the No. 1 obstacle college students face as they strive to succeed academically. Today's undergrads feel stressed, depressed and anxious as they try to balance classes, jobs, athletics and other activities, while worrying about how they will pay off student loans when they graduate and if they will be able to find work in an ever-changing job market. Allen, an associate professor of English and writing at Briar Cliff University who also teaches yoga and mindfulness in Siouxland, is helping students and staff reduce stress through a seven-week series titled, "Mindfulness for Mental Health." … Allen said being mindful won't make students feel like they're "walking on rainbows," but he said it will increase their problem-solving skills, confidence and acceptance of criticism. He said it will also improve their memory, focus and attention skills, as well as reduce any anger or hostility that they're carrying around and increase their self-compassion. …