On Tuesday, May 1, Student Organization's Junior Class set up a table in the Miron Student Center Atrium they themed as "Recess from Stress."
The table had a multitude of items such as Play-Doh, kinetic sand, stress balls, coloring books, Legos, bubbles, bubble wrap and various types of candies. All these items were meant to help students remember the fun times they would have during recess in their childhood.
Junior Class President Joanna Pepino remarked, "I feel very blessed to be able to be in this position to help make a difference in even the smallest sense. I feel that mental health is a very big issue in college, and it's especially important during finals week with everything [we students] have going on. It's important to me to give back to the students and help them to de-stress and not think about everything that is stressing them out and to maybe for a second forget about everything else."
Students were especially grateful that the table was free. This further helped students to de-stress as they were freely able to enjoy all the nostalgic items.
Oftentimes students can feel weighed down by their various responsibilities and deadlines and don't make time for self-care. Still, it is just as important for students to maintain their mental health along with their GPA. Too much stress can affect the body adversely and may result in diabetes obesity, high blood pressure, fatigue and more. Activities students can do to relieve stress include sleep, exercise, meditation, journaling, listening to music and hanging out with friends.
Stress may also result in students procrastinating their work which leads to more stress in the long run. Some tips to minimize procrastination include making lists, working in environments with no distractions, staying organized, keeping track of assignments using calendars or agendas and setting up a reward for oneself upon the completion of an assignment.
Overall, stress is an inevitable especially during finals season in college. Stress, however, is not always a negative thing and can be used for productivity. Nonetheless, students with unbearable stress may use Kean's counseling center in Downs Hall, Room 127 if they have concerns they wish to be addressed professionally. To contact them, dial (908) 737- 4850 or email vkiefner@kean.edu.
Kean University also takes measures to offer students various stress relieving events. These events can be found on Cougar Link. Stressed students should know that they are not alone in their endeavors and that help and encouragement is available all around the school.
