DLE’s Self-Care Sanctuario Offers Stress-Free Zone for Students, Faculty and Staff

Amid the bustle of a busy semester, a haven of peace and tranquility has come to the San Diego State University College of Education.
 
Tucked within the Department of Dual Language and English Learner Education’s suite in Lamden Hall 332 is the Self-Care Sanctuario. DLE opened the brand new space last month as a space where students, faculty and staff can de-stress and re-charge.
 
"Our hope is that people will come and take advantage of this space," said Sarah Maheronnaghsh, lecturer and global cultural experience co-coordinator within DLE. "I hope it provides peace, a sanctuary and reminder to really practice self-care — to cultivate a relationship with themselves.”
 
Maheronnaghsh, who incorporates self-care into her curriculum, was tasked by DLE chair Margarita Machado-Casas to find a way to promote the practice department-wide. Inspired by an anonymous comment left on a survey she circulated, Maheronnaghsh settled on converting lightly-used office space into a quiet space for reflection.

With the chair’s blessing, some funding and a few in-kind donations, the Sanctuario came together quickly.

The space features soft lighting and calming music on a CD player donated by Maheronnaghsh’s mother. There are mats for meditation, tea to sip, a foam roller to alleviate sore muscles, a diffuser for aromatherapy and the slow trickle of a fountain to set minds at ease.

"I really wanted to focus on the five senses and enhancing those senses throughout the space,” Maheronnaghsh said. “I wanted to make it come alive."

The Self-Care Sanctuario is open Monday through Wednesday from 1-4 p.m. and Thursday and Friday from 12-5 p.m. If you’re interested in reserving a time to use the space, contact May Ovalles at [email protected].