Stress is a very common emotion on most college campuses but what many students don’t do is try and help themselves through these times. This is exactly what the nurse’s office set up in the lobby of Founders Hall.
“The main goal of this one-day event is to give students a stress-free break and give them information on how to remain stress free” said Cabrini nurse Sue Fitzgerald.
Photo by Joana Cainglet
There were many stations one could go to to receive information or even just a quick snack. One station was set up to give out donuts with a big sign in front that read “donut stress.”
According to the American Psychological Association, there are three different forms of stress: acute, episodic and chronic.
Acute stress is the most common and can be good or bad. Getting excited before a big game is an example of the good side and the bad side is if you fear getting into a car accident. Having this stress is nothing to worry about and it shouldn’t last long periods of time.
Episodic stress is when acute stress happens very frequently. It is accompanied by worry and angst about things that are happening to you.
Chronic stress can be thought about as a never-ending stress that always wears away at you. This is the stress that needs to be spoken about and help is required.
With all different forms of stress out there, it is no wonder that a stress relief and education event was so popular. Students were able to grab a flyer very quickly and head to class right after.
Along with the snacks that were given out there was also kits to make facemasks, bluetooth speakers mask which play music while the mask helps your skin and soothing sock heat pillow.
The main attraction for the entire event was the therapy dog brought in by PAWS for People. This was a stress relief dog who was happy as can be to help students as they walked by. Students had the chance enjoy the few minutes they had with the dog.
Photo by Joana Cainglet
“Every Friday we should bring in these dogs to help students weekly instead of this one time” said Sue Fitzgerald. “Students need this break from classes to just come and be with a group of dogs every week. This would be so beneficial for these stress filled students and giving them something to look forward to every week.”
“As a freshman I found things to be very helpful. I wasn’t sure what the stress level was going to be in college and having these opportunities to learn more about how to keep myself stress free was something I did not expect” Scully said.
