LEAD session gives MCC students tools to fight burnout
Students at Meridian Community College were reminded that stress does not always call for a major fix. Sometimes it starts with a breath, a stretch or a short walk across campus.
That was the message from MCC Wellness Coordinator and Fitness Instructor Brandi Pickett during a recent Leadership Effectiveness and Development (LEAD) session focused on burnout resilience. Pickett led students through simple strategies they can use to manage stress during the school year.
LEAD sessions are held monthly during the academic year and are open to MCC students, faculty, and staff. The sessions are designed to help build leadership skills and support personal and professional growth.
Pickett said the session was designed to give students practical tools they can use in daily life. Rather than aiming for a full workout or a perfect routine, she encouraged students to focus on small steps that help them reset and keep going.
She explained that burnout is more than feeling tired. It can show up as exhaustion, disconnection and the feeling that nothing is getting easier. She also noted that research ties movement, sleep and resilience to better well-being for college students.
During the session, students practiced breathing exercises, light movement and short recovery routines that can be done in a dorm room, classroom or almost anywhere else. Pickett showed them how short movement breaks, gentle stretching and simple strength exercises can help lower stress, improve focus and support recovery.
She also encouraged students to build a plan that fits real life. That might mean two minutes of breathing, a short walk between classes or a few quick movement breaks during the day.
Pickett closed by reminding students that small habits can help, but support matters, too. She encouraged them to reach out to friends, instructors, counselors, advisors or family members when stress starts to feel too heavy.
For more information, visit meridiancc.edu.