Stress Less Week in review

by Ashley Kurz, Managing Editor

Nov. 3 to Nov. 7 is Canisius’ Stress Less Week. They are held each semester right before final exams and projects. Nana Akousa Ofori-Amanfo, a graduate assistant working in the Counseling Center, told The Griffin about the process for this semester’s events and traditions. Ofori-Amanfo has been working in the Counseling Center for two years in the Higher Education and Leadership Administration program, and has seen the evolution of Stress Less Day becoming Stress Less Week. Having the activities throughout the week not only gives more students opportunities to attend events but more offices and clubs on campus can host. This semester, Canisius had 15 offices on campus involved with the weeklong activities. 

The Counseling Center began planning very early in the semester, with the goal of getting more clubs/organizations involved and giving them the time needed to prepare. All offices involved are as follows: Makerspace, SAAC, Public Health, Student Life, Canisius African Student Union, Academic Achievement Office, Unity, Afro Society, ALANA Student Center, International Education, RHA, Active Minds, Campus Ministry and Student Health. Some events included; SAAC gave away free smoothies from Panera, Public Health had a detox station and Active Minds hosted a giveaway with the essentials: hand lotion, tea, a fidget toy and more. 

Mo Hill, Unity’s vice president, helped host “Coping with Election Stress” on Thursday evening. This was a different approach but an important one. They told The Griffin, “Focusing specifically on elections is important because regardless of who you vote for the process is stressful. The swarm of information on social media especially can break its way through the screens into everyday life.”

The Griffs’ favorite visitor made another appearance at this semester's Stress Less Week – Riley the therapy dog. Riley comes here on a needs basis, with the support of Dr. Owens. She has been a visitor here on campus for at least the last two years, and the students keep coming for the mental health benefits she provides them. The students have their stress hormones lowered and Riley gets all the pets a dog can ask for. Ofori-Amanfo told The Griffin that the chair massages were a big hit, giving students five minutes to “let the stress melt away.” Having so many people involved gave the opportunity for students to learn about organizations around campus, some that they might not have known about otherwise.  

The importance behind Stress Less Week at Canisius is what keeps all those on campus involved. According to Ofori-Amanfo, “Self-care is a part of student success.” She wanted students to have a moment for them to “relax and take a break” as a way to help them get through their assignments and studying. Students are the center of this campus and taking care of each one is necessary. 

The Counseling Center has been posting on Instagram all week about events – they have been tagging the officers in these posts as another outreach attempt. Other than Stress Less promotion, they post self-care messages and information for students to use, and also stay up-to-date on monthly awareness campaigns. If you would like to stay in the loop or make an appointment, their Instagram is @canisius_couns.