College can be stressful. Our center teaches Mason students a powerful well-being practice called sophrology that can help you relieve stress and focus well on your learning experiences in college. Using the relaxation and concentration techniques that are part of sophrology, you can boost the well-being of both your body and your mind.
Practicing sophrology involves techniques such as breathing, movement, muscle relaxation, mental imagery, and meditation. Sophrology can greatly alleviate stress and fatigue, improving your confidence, concentration, and memorization capabilities. Those benefits can strengthen your ability to learn well in college overall.
Sophrology’s popularity has been spreading around the world since professor and neuropsychiatrist Alfonso Caycedo created and developed it in Spain several decades ago. Dr. Caycedo believed that human physical and psychological aspects are inseparably linked, and that the body is the ideal instrument for developing or training memory.
Since sophrology exercises connect you with your body, sophrology practices can help you enjoy a relaxed body and a calm mind in any situation. A calm and relaxed mind precedes a focused and concentrated state, which accelerates the learning process.
In sophrology, the body plays a special role in growing your awareness. The technique focuses deeply on body sensations and perceptions as a way to conquer a new state of awareness through the practice. Through different body positions (standing or sitting), using the voice and sound, visualization, or the alternation of stillness and movement, you are encouraged to notice and access subtle awareness of your biological self, expanding your ability to connect with yourself, your vital life force, and your life values.
You can practice sophrology with a qualified sophrologist or on your own. You can enjoy it anytime and anywhere, either alone or in a group, without requiring any special tools.
Research on the Benefits of Sophrology
This Complementary Medical Association study presents general information about sophrology.
This article from The Guardian explains how sophrology can lead to a better life.
This Heathline.com article explains sophrology as a well-being method and focuses on its positive effects.
This study published by ResearchGate explains sophrology’s development over four decades and its scientific status.
This Psychreg.org study explains the effects of sophrology on a positive lifestyle.
This NBC News article explains the development of sophrology in the United States.
This National Library of Medicine study explains how sophrology can help people dealing with anxiety.
This South China Morning Post study explains the relationship between Sophrology and relaxation.
This study published by the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health shows the benefits that hospital staff experienced from sophrology.
Learn More about Sophrology
For more information about sophrology, contact our center’s Well-Being Program Specialist Ayce Bukulmeyen Ozerdem at abukulme@gmu.edu.
We will announce upcoming sophrology sessions soon.