Stress Management

Only 56% of USC faculty and staff reported that they are able to cope or handle their current stress load. Stress can have a negative impact on our physical and mental well-being if it is not managed properly. There are services available to help faculty and staff manage their stress load.

University Programs

Deer OaksEAP offers a Comprehensive Employee Assistance Program, Work/Life, and Health and Wellness Services to USC employees. To find out about their wide range of free services (including legal and financial planning advice)  - CALL 1-866-EAP-2400.  For TTY/TDD Access: 1-800-735-2989. When visiting the website, the userid/password = USC

Campus Wellness Stress Management Programs

Mindfulness-based Stress Management – MBSM is an 8-week, group program that uses meditation, mindful movement and other experiential activities and practices to cultivate individual awareness and reduce feelings of stress and overwhelm. The methods are based on the ancient practices of mindfulness – which are all about feeling fully alive, vibrant and being present in the richness of the moments of our lives. Present moment awareness and attention is learned and practiced through:

• 8 weeks of group sessions (either once or twice per week) which include discussion, experiential activities and formal meditation practice as a group.
• Focus on introducing participants to mindful meditation, body awareness, mindful movement, and other techniques – and how to apply them to reducing your stress and improving your health.
• Home practices – regular, at-home practice of the meditation and awareness skills and techniques learned during group sessions.
• Day of Mindfulness retreat – a special half-day session dedicated to deeper exploration of meditation, yoga and spending time in silence with the company of ourselves.
• Access to readings, educational materials, over 15 audio, guided practices and other tools for FREE!