Service dogs in-training from 4 Paws WSU will visit the Dunbar Library Atrium to help students relax on Dec. 6 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. as part of DeStress for Success.
Wright State University students feeling the pressure that the last week of fall semester’s classes and finals week brings can find special stress-relief activities at Dunbar Library.
DeStress for Success is a series of programs and activities from Dec. 2 to 12 designed to help students relax and enable them to develop good mental and emotional health practices.
“This is the most intense and stressful time of the semester and stress can impact students in a number of negative ways,” said Heather Back, student success librarian. “The library wants to help students relieve worry and anxiety so they can go through finals week with a clear mind.”
The program will feature 13 activities, which will be self-paced and self-guided. Different activities are planned each day, with the full daily schedule available on the University Library’s blog.
The FitDesk Relay during the first week will enable students from each college to compete with each other on the library’s FitDesks, four stationary bike desks that were installed in May in a second-floor study area facing a bank of windows. Prizes donated by Barnes and Noble will go to the students who post the most on social media in the winning college. Complete rules will be posted on the libraries’ social media channels and near the bike desks.
Some of the library’s new chairs will be transformed into meditation stations. QR codes with music playlists will be available. Users are encouraged to bring meditation eye masks and neck pillows.
Two sessions of mindfulness yoga will be offered in partnership with the Office of Campus Recreation.
Heather Back, student success librarian, says DeStress for Success can help students go through finals week with a clear mind.
Puppies will be on hand to cuddle as part of Fuzz Therapy thanks to 4 Paws WSU, which helps train and place therapy dogs with children and veterans with disabilities. In addition, there will be Stuffed Therapy with stuffed animals, an idea suggested by a student.
There will also be a variety of craft-making opportunities. Students will be able to use sand and stones to create zen gardens, which are designed to foster feelings of tranquility, calmness and peace. Materials to make buttons, jewelry and collages will be available as will coloring and connect-the-dot sheets and even Play-Doh.
Study snacks donated by Friends of the Library will be available at the circulation desk for four days.
The library will also offer study and writing support sessions with representatives from the Writing Center and Tutoring Services. Study and writing coaches and a tutor for chemistry, education, history and philosophy will be on hand to help students prepare for finals.
“The library is here to help in any way possible,” said Back. “Students can come here to relax before an exam and then go into the exam with less stress or they can come here after a stressful exam to unwind and prepare for their next exam.”
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