HAMPTON, Va. — We know Election Day can be a challenging time but the day after can be stressful too. Hampton University made sure to do its part to help students cope with the post-election blues, in addition to their daily academic schedules.
"After any type of huge event like a presidential election, we have definitely seen more conversation, we've definitely seen more stress and more curiosity and more wonder about what this might mean in 2025," said Student Mental Health Counseling Center Director, Dr. Kristie Norwood.
On Wednesday evening, Hampton University hosted a "Yoga Under the Stars" event, allowing students to relieve their stress and tensions after Election Day.
"It's an opportunity for us to collectively come together in wellness and in wellbeing to support each other whether it's the result of an election, or whether it's just life experiences or classes," said Dr. Kristie Norwood.
"It's an opportunity for us to emotionally regulate themselves. It's the opposite of stress. It helps students and people to relax, it allows you to be in tune with your body in the here and now, to be grounded and to be present," said Yoga Instructor & Student Counseling Center Mental Health Clinician Vonchell Lewis.
The event took place at the "SheCare" Wellness Pods, which are a collaboration between the Boris L. Henson Foundation and Kate Spade New York, which aimed to support 25,000 women at Black colleges. Actress Taraji P. Henson assisted in the unveiling of the wellness pods on Hampton University's campus in 2023, which Dr. Kristie Norwood says are "strategically" placed at the center of campus for easy access.
"As a Historically Black College & University, it's so important for us to have culturally relevant wellbeing services. We know that when high levels of stress happen, that can impact us academically, socially, and how we show up as human beings. So by being able to have those services on campus for our students in this family-oriented environment, it can support their academic success," said Dr. Norwood.
Hampton University will also be hosting a nonpartisan post-elections student forum on Thursday at noon, during which students can speak their minds to a professional panel.