Kick Stress To The Curb

Kickboxing Helps International Student De-Stress 

With more than 500 international students at Lynn University, diversity and unity play an important role in supporting Lynn’s mission to provide global and personalized education to students. Life as a college student can be difficult, but life as an international student comes with its own set of challenges that not many people know about. 

Yara Faquir, sophomore, was born and raised in Maputo, Mozambique. She attended the American International School of Mozambique and moved to Boca Raton after graduating high school to continue her studies at Lynn University. Faquir majors in fashion and retail with a minor in entrepreneurship. 

“I’ve been here for a little over a year now, and the feeling of missing home still hasn’t gone away,” said Faquir. “I find myself having to do a lot of different things to distract myself from that feeling of wanting to be with my family.” 

For international and domestic students alike, academics and day-to-day life can get overwhelming. Having a positive, healthy outlet for stress is crucial to student success, and Faquir has found that in kickboxing.  

“I find myself indulging in different activities that stimulate my mind and as well as my body. I like to sing and draw, but recently I’ve found myself getting into kickboxing,” said Faquir. “When I feel stressed or when I don’t feel okay, I either go workout or I go kickbox. My coach here is very nice and understanding. Kick boxing relaxes me and allows me to just be whilst simultaneously allowing me to release whatever is weighing heavy on me that day.”

According to Mallory Creveling, a freelance writer who regularly contributes to Women’s Health, kickboxing is a huge stress reliever. Many people who kickbox are usually doing it for mental health purposes. 

“There’s a physical element of fighting back against things that weigh you down in life,” said Brooke Budke, vice president of marketing for Title Boxing Club International. 

Faquir feels empowered when she leaves training. 

“Although I do it for the fitness, I also look at it as my therapy, even more when I am away from home,” said Faquir. “I’m fighting for myself when at training and it feels amazing.” 

Kick boxing has only recently been introduced to Lynn University, but students who have joined already enjoy the benefits of staying active and relieving stress.