Podcasts for Students

Welcome to the CSD's Podcast Page!  These podcasts are designed to help you relax during stressful times and learn new techniques for keeping yourself calm when things feel overwhelming.  Podcasts may be listened to from this site or downloaded as an MP3 file and listened to through your iPod or other music device.

How to Use These Podcasts

  • Listen during a time when you will not be interrupted.
  • Turn off your cellphone, computer, or other instant messaging device
  • Sit where your head and body are fully supported or lay down in a quiet place
  • Turn off any music or other background noise
  • Practice each one more than once--these are techniques that take time to learn
  • If you enjoy the experience, consider a daily practice.  Daily practice will help you avoid becoming overwhelmed later.
  • Take the skills with you--once you learn a breathing technique, try it without the podcast.  You can use it in class, in the library, or anywhere you are feeling stressed.

If you have questions about these podcasts or the techniques described, please contact CSD.  If you find these techniques are not enough to calm your stress or anxiety, consider talking to a psychologist or clinician from CSD.  We can help.

Podcast #1: Finding your Breath, Finding your Calm

Breathing is one of our most basic functions.  When we are stressed out, anxious, nervous, or very upset, our breathing and other body functions (heart rate, stomach function, sweating) become deregulated, increasing our arousal and making things worse.  This breathing exercise will help you regulate your breathing and other body functions, calm your anxiety, and help you relax.  Use it whenever you are feeling stressed or as a means of helping you sleep.  Give yourself time to practice the breathing technique over several sessions.  Most people find that after a few sessions they can use this technique with or without the podcast.

Breathing Podcast

Podcast #2: Progressive Muscle Relaxation

PMR is a widely used technique to reduce anxiety and stress.  PMR is a guided series of muscle contractions and releases which promote deep relaxation of the body, calming the mind and nervous system so you feel relaxed and rejuvenated.  This podcast is 16 minutes long, so use it during a time when you will not be disturbed.  Many individuals use PMR to help them to get to sleep, return to sleep during wakefulness, or as a daily practice to reduce overall anxiety.  After you listen to this podcast several times, you may find yourself able to practice PMR without being guided.  (To Download Right Click and Choose "Save Target As")


PMR Podcast

Podcast #3: Visualize Your Stress Away

Visualization is another common technique to reduce stress and anxiety.  Visualization works particularly well if your mind has trouble calming down during the breathing or PMR.  During this exercise, you will be guided to imagine yourself in a peaceful place that will help your body and mind let go of any tension or worry.  There is no "right way" to visualize this peaceful place.  Simply follow the guidance and create your own peaceful scene.  (To Download Right Click and Choose "Save Target As")

Visualization Podcast

Podcast #4: Get Yourself to Sleep (Coming Soon)

Having trouble sleeping?  Use this podcast to prepare your body for sleeping, ensuring an easier transition to sleep and better ability to remain asleep all night long.

Sleeping Podcast (Coming Soon)