It was dark, and everything was silent. Students lied down in a circle on the floor and focused on nothing but letting go of built-up tension in their bodies. The only sound was that of deep breathing, steadily flowing through each student. This was the atmosphere of Yesplus, a four-day workshop where students dedicated their time and undivided attention to emotional health improvement.

The workshop, held Thursday through Sunday in Talley Student Union, utilized techniques such as yoga and meditation, along with teaching vital life skills students can utilize outside the workshop. Yesplus participants will be able to use these relaxation techniques later to help lower depression and anxiety levels.

As students grapple with mountains of coursework, readings, extracurriculars and possible part-time jobs, it is no surprise that self-care is often at the bottom of the list of things for which to make time. Yesplus — yes standing for “your enlightened side” — at NC State was officially founded in fall 2015 to help students reach the highest level of equilibrium by teaching them to learn to cope with life’s daily emotional stressors. 

Shyam Gannavaram, an NC State alumnus and proud Yesplus founder and instructor at NC State, credits the organization with helping him learn a skill not taught in the classroom — how to successfully deal with negative emotions in a healthy and efficient way.

“During undergrad I was going through a period of depression and was out of sorts,” Gannavaram said. “I had no way to handle my emotions. Yesplus was a life-changing experience. I finally found techniques I could use on a daily basis to deal with student pressures.”

Yesplus boasts nationwide programs, as more and more universities are embracing the stress-reducing workshop. Yesplus offers something academic classes don’t: how to cope with emotional issues that, unfortunately, a plethora of students face.

“Just as we learn about all these other things, it is also vital that we learn from our own mind,” Gannavaram said. “These are ancient techniques that are part of a very practical, very applicable program that we offer throughout the NCSU Workshop.”

The organization holds weekly meetings at Kensington Park to follow up with workshop participants on their progress. The group also offers yoga, meditation seminars and volunteer-based opportunities.

Ashish Kumar, a doctorate student at NC State, was involved with Yesplus from the start of NC State’s chapter in 2015.

“After being involved with Yesplus, I learned how to manage my emotions,” Kumar said. “We learned practical ways to release stress and collected ways to improve our state of mind.”

In addition to yoga and meditation, the workshop held group activities so the participants could feel comfortable around one another. Gannavaram asked each participant to introduce themselves to the other participants and to repeat the phrase “I belong to you,” in attempt to increase openness and acceptance.

After the introductions, Gannavaram explained that to receive total emotional stability, each of the participants must fully participate.

“What you’re doing in this program is getting rid of so much stress, so much garbage and so much toxins,” Gannavaram.

Gannavaram continues to teach the Yesplus program across the country and notes that he is grateful to have the opportunity to teach it at his alma mater. The program is currently taught in more than 42 countries and continues to provide students with an outlet to the inevitable stressors of pursuing a higher education. 

Workshops ended with additional meditation practices and yoga poses, in attempt to rejuvenate and refresh the participants’ minds.

“The main objective is to promote happiness as much as possible,” Kumar said. “We are all here to share that experience.” 

For information about joining Yesplus, students can contact an officer at s.singh.xyz@gmail.com.