While the beginning of a semester does not tend to be a stressful time, once students reach midterm season they'll be looking for ways to stay focused and relaxed.
Michael Glowacki, a certified and recognized hypnotist, says one solution is hypnosis — and not the type in which a performer asks for volunteers and gets them to do ridiculous things on a stage.
"One of the clear signs of hypnosis is deep and profound relaxation," Glowacki said. "Everyone can benefit from that when they're trying to recall something."
In addition, Glowacki said relaxation through hypnosis can allow someone to be more creative.
"Say someone is writing a paper," he said. "They can be more creative and can have their thoughts flow in a more orderly fashion."
Glowacki, who owns and operates Capital Hypnosis of Madison, said students can rest assured the work he does is vastly different than the work of stage hypnotists.
"Stage shows take advantage of one fact — all of them are volunteers," he noted. "They want an excuse to have fun. A stage hypnotist who does his job well makes sure the people on the stage are the star."
Hypnotists spend time telling their clients what to do, Glowacki added. The entire process of hypnosis is self-hypnosis.
"They go through a process where they induce hypnosis," he said, while the hypnotist "gives suggestions that are designed to benefit the client."
In addition, hypnosis is "100 percent safe," Glowacki said. In his career, he said he has seen no convincing studies involving problems or risks — and that hypnosis can be guaranteed to work with all people.
Hypnosis isn't for everyone, though, he added.
"Sometimes I get prospective clients who come in and I turn them away," Glowacki said. "The reasons I would not accept someone as a client is because they have a physical or mental health issue that needs to be treated by a physician or mental health physician."
University Health Services offers a different, free option for students seeking some relaxation in their lives. On the UHS website, students will find a variety of MP3 files with different exercises.
"There are six different versions of mind and body exercises," said Rob Sepich, student relations manager and stress management counselor for UHS. "There are simple breathing exercises combined with imagery."
Hundreds of students have been downloading the files during exam time, according to Sepich. He said they are good for students who prefer not to leave their residences.
"They work well for students who struggle with anxiety and want to try breathing techniques in the comfort of their own home or residence hall," Sepich added.
He said student reaction has been good, as it is very easy for people to go on the UHS website and download the exercises.
"I've heard from clients that it's so much simpler than … having an appointment," he added.
In the past, students could visit UHS and receive cassettes with these exercises, but last November, they were all converted to MP3 format and put online.
