International Yoga Day - Session on Mindfulness for B.Ed. Students

On June 21, 2024, the Department of B.Ed. in collaboration with the Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) and the National Service Scheme (NSS) Unit of Loreto College, Kolkata organised a session on mindfulness to observe International Yoga Day. The event was well-attended by students and began with an insightful introduction to mindfulness by the college counsellor, Mrs. Prajna Dutta. Mrs. Dutta highlighted the importance of mindfulness in everyday life and its benefits for mental health and well-being.

The Semester II students of the department participated in a mindfulness exercise using raisins for relaxation. Students were asked to close their eyes and focus on the texture and taste of a raisin. They were guided to eat the raisin slowly and mindfully, paying close attention to the changes in taste and texture. This exercise was designed to enhance sensory awareness and promote relaxation. Afterwards, students engaged in an interactive session where they shared their experiences. A few students mentioned that they had already been practising mindful eating, but all agreed that the exercise helped them feel more relaxed and present.

The programme continued with a guided imagery exercise for stress release. Participants kept their eyes closed and visualised the scenes described by Mrs. Dutta. This exercise aimed to help students reduce stress and achieve a state of calm. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with students reporting that the guided imagery helped them feel less stressed and more at ease. The exercises not only enhanced the well-being of the students but also equipped them with skills that would benefit their future students.