Bust stress on Library Mall

Finals time is always stressful for college students. In order to help, University Health Services will create a “Stress-Free Zone” on Library Mall, Thursday, May 2, from 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

University of Wisconsin–Madison students can take advantage of free chair massages, yoga/qigong sessions, a stress ball-making table, fresh fruit and water, and information on how to reduce the effects of stress.

Recent data suggests that stress reduction is a priority concern on campus. The American College Health Association and UHS released data from the National College Health Assessment showing that it is the number one factor affecting individual academic performance at UW–Madison.

Released in March, the National College Health Assessment states that 28 percent of UW–Madison students surveyed reported that stress caused them to take an incomplete, drop a class, or get a lower grade. This makes stress the leading factor affecting individual academic performance, over upper respiratory infections and sleep difficulties. The assessment is based on data from spring 2000.

With finals coming up, students need to try to manage their anxiety effectively in order to reduce the negative effects of stress, says Rob Sepich, UHS stress management counselor.

“Even though external demands exist, such as time constraints, students still have control over what they say to themselves. Thinking in a healthy, productive, and positive way is the easiest, most effective approach to managing stress,” Sepich says.

In addition to the UHS Stress-Free Zone on Thursday, Sepich is holding a relaxation workshop on Monday, May 6, from 3:30-4:30 p.m., at Counseling and Consultation Services, 905 University Ave., Room B-160. The workshop is open to the public and no registration is necessary.