Stress Less Week

By: Helena Kottas

The end of the semester brings a lot of mixed emotions for everyone. Some people are excited to head home for the holidays, others are sad to leave their friends, but almost everyone is stressed. Stress during this time of year is normal, but it is important to remember to take care of yourself. Eating properly, getting enough sleep and finding an appropriate balance between resting and relaxing is a recipe for success. To help students manage stress, Canisius’s chapter of Active Minds put on “Stress Less Week,” offering the opportunity for students to take a break and take time for themselves to focus on their mental health.

Stress Less Week began on Monday, Nov. 9, in the Golisano Center for Student Success allowing students to “rock their stress,” focusing on creative stress relief through decorating rocks. Later in the day, there was a watch party in the Science Hall Commons to see the Buffalo Bills take on the Minnesota Vikings on Monday Night Football. This event brought together students from different faith backgrounds together through a shared interest of football, food, community and connection on campus. Campus Ministry, the Muslim Students Association (MSA), the Orthodox Christian Campus Ministries and the Jewish Tikkun Olan Union helped to put this event together. Students were invited to try different kosher, halal and Egyptian food while connecting with new friends. Additionally, on Tuesday, Nov. 10, there were free chair massages in the library.

Wednesday, Nov. 11, focused a lot on the mind–body connection. Students began the day by attaching notes of what they are grateful for to a gratitude tree outside of the library. There was also a “Body, Mind, Spirit Mini Retreat” in the Palisano Pavilion Yoga Studio. Sarah Haykel led a meditation for an hour, focused on intention setting, yoga, mindfulness and group sharing. Students were even able to enjoy free smoothies outside of the Koessler Athletic Center (KAC). Later in the day, in Science Hall, there was an event held for students to make bracelets with clay beads and decorate journals.

On Thursday, Nov. 12, Active Minds and the Student Health Center put on a “Breath and Bloom” activity in the library. Riley, a therapy dog, also stopped by the library while there were also different herbal teas to try. Finally, in Old Main, there was a coloring night.

This serves as a reminder that self care doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. It is important to do activities that you enjoy that also help you relax and manage stress. Be sure to stay connected with Active Minds on GriffConnect and Instagram to see when they put this on again.

As Stress Less Week comes to a close, remember that taking care of your mental health and well–being is important all year long. Canisius offers resources like the Counseling Center and Campus Ministry where students can find support and someone to talk to. You don’t have to wait until the next Stress Less Week to take a break, unwind or ask for help. Taking care of yourself starts with making your well–being a priority today.