Bronco De-Stress Fest is Perfect Midterm Cure
posted by Brandon Owens | March 27, 2019 | In NewsCollege students go through a lot. We have classes, assignment, readings, labs, practices (for activities including band and athletics), and, of course, tests. Adding on to this, students often have responsibilities outside their academic environments, such as having jobs, and taking care of their families. With all of this on their plates, students need to find ways to let loose and unwind to avoid be overwhelmed. Fayetteville State University does plan a variety of events to help enhance the college experience for its students as well as make their time here more enjoyable.
One such event was the Bronco De-Stress Fest, which took place on March 5 in the student center. The event (hosted by FSU’s Health Services) had many different ways for student to come in, take some time off, and relax. From health screenings, art therapy, handmade stress balls, gardening, and even massages, the event had a little something for everyone to come in and take the load off for a bit.
Letitia Johnson-Arnold, FSU medical and health program consultant of Health Services, explained that the event is not only for helping student de-stress, but help them find resources that can help them manage different issues that can cause stress, such as health and financial issues. The program has proven popular since last semester.
Ms. Johnson-Arnold stated, “We had a De-Stress Fest back in Fall 2018. We tried to provide the event again this spring during midterms so that students can be provided with knowledge and skills to able to cope with different issues they may be impacted by.”
The massage therapy sessions were definitely a must. Participants were put into a separate, quieter room where they were given massages courtesy of massage therapy students from Miller Motte. This coupled with being in a peaceful environment with soothing music and gentle aromas whiffing through the air made for a splendid experience.
Angela Joplin, program director for massage therapy at Miller Motte, explained why she feels that massages greatly benefit the students: “Massages have been shown to reduce stress in a variety of ways at the hormonal level. They also cause mood changes to relax. They also reduce cortisone level, which are your stress hormones. We have a good turnout. It takes a little while for people to realize we’re here, but once they do, we’re nonstop.”
One aspect of the event that proved extremely popular was the dog therapy. Students were able to sit and snuggle with puppies for a few minutes.
Dog trainer Yvette Piantadosi gave her input on dog therapy: “Puppies help lower endorphins to release stress, so by petting puppies it helps to release stress.”
This part of the event proved to be a hit with the students as there is always a good turnout.
The Bronco De-Stress Fest proved rather enjoyable. With several amenities, participants were provided with many resources to help reduce stress. Bronco
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