As the semester winds down (or up – depending on your course load!) we all start to feel a little stress. Students are getting ready for exams, gathering sources for final papers, and polishing presentations! Faculty members are getting rubrics ready and getting ready for final grades. It can be a time of high energy. We do our best when we’re getting enough sleep, eating right, and taking care of ourselves. Paws on the Island is an amazing opportunity to stop and slow down!
Paws on the Island first appeared on campus in the Fall of 2012 as a partnership between the Mary and Jeff Bell Library and the University Counseling Center. Originally the event brought animal assisted activities with the amazing teams from Paws Up, Inc. Over time the event has grown and now includes kittens from The Cattery and a wide range of stress busting activities – all scientifically proven to lower your stress level!
Activities can include coloring, Legos, a variety of arts & crafts, DIY stress balls, and aromatherapy beads. There are lots of opportunities to have fun and take a break from studying for a little bit. There are also some pretty cool prizes you can get your hands on!
The University Counseling Center will have lots of information about the services and events that they offer. Did you know they had a Relaxation Room? No appointment necessary! Paws on the Island will be on Reading Day this semester, May 2nd in the UC Lonestar Ballroom. The event will be available 1:00-4:00 pm.
