De-Stress Fest 2021

Finals come at the end of each semester, and student stress levels tend to rise as they get closer. Amid studying for big exams and completing final projects, many students find themselves drinking more than their usual amount of espresso and taking too little time to rest.

Thankfully, HSU Counseling Services is passionate about providing spaces for students to decompress, which they display each semester by hosting De-Stress Fest.  

“We wanted to create an event that would provide rest and resources, like tutoring for students,” stated Emily Dixton, Graduate Assistant for the Counseling Department, who helped plan the event. “These easy ways of relaxing are tools that people can bring into their everyday life and practice beyond finals when they feel stressed.” 

Complete with canine therapy, free Chick-fil-A, and relaxing activities, De-Stress Fest exists as a time for students to take a break from studying and relax. Graduate students were invited to volunteer for the event and engage with students at the activity tables. 

“There are several activities that help with de-stressing,” said graduate student Tori West. “We have tables with sand tray therapy, coloring, mindfulness, and fidget toys so that each student can find something that helps them. It’s great that we get to help because we work with a lot of these methods in our therapy sessions.” 

Another graduate student, Caroline Park ’21, attended De-Stress Fest with her emotional support animal. “Everybody gets stressed. Taking care of yourself becomes really important, whether it’s physically, emotionally, or spiritually,” stated Park. 

Thank you HSU Counseling for hosting De-Stress Fest and loving our students during this hectic time!