On Oct. 23, UB Health Promotion’s student wellness department partnered with the UB Student Association to host “Chill Out,” an event aimed to teach students about healthy stress management techniques and on-campus resources.
“These events are designed for students to participate in throughout the semester. Ideally, they model the importance of taking breaks throughout the day and week when managing their priorities,” said Jackie Piciulo, Health Promotion’s Stress Reduction Program Coordinator, in an email to The Spectrum.
With midterms in sight and finals coming up, students are under tremendous pressure to succeed. Constant academic and social pressure brought on by being a college student creates forgetfulness to simply take a breath during stressful situations.
“So many students get caught up in the grind of classes, assignments, work and other responsibilities. We see the impact – and physically get to observe students relax – when they come to events like this.”
Every semester, Health Promotion hosts one large-scale event like this for students, which is usually held during finals week. This semester, their team wanted to instill healthy habits in students earlier in the semester.
“It’s an opportunity at the mid-semester point for students to be reminded of the campus resources available to support them and to form connections with the folks working in those offices,” Piciulo said. “The mid-semester point is pivotal because there is still time to get back on track and finish strong if students feel like they’re a bit behind.”
Students engaged in stress-relieving activities like coloring, friendship bracelet making and mason jar decorating throughout the event. But it was the furry friends at the center of Student Union (SU) 145 that left the biggest impression on students.
“The event was really nice, but I especially enjoyed the therapy dogs, Zoey and Fenegan,” graduate engineering science (data science) student Om Nankar said. “I was feeling horrible due to a ton of assignments and tests coming up and they instantly changed my mood.”
While dog therapy and free stuff lured many attendees in the door, students truly enjoyed the positivity that Chill Out radiated.
“I thought all of the giveaways were super cool. There was a little something for everyone. I especially loved the post-it board with the positive affirmations because it was take one, leave one. I got to grab [a post-it] that resonated with me, but I also got to leave someone else a special message,” junior health and human services major Jenna Howes said.
Aside from stress management tactics, students learned they can receive assistance with uncommonly taught skills like intuitive eating, violence prevention and budget assistance.
“There was a financial responsibility booth at the event, which I was told was a new program here at UB. I may find myself using them in the future, as well as the stress management resources, as someone who has a hard time balancing work, school and play,” Howes said.
Attending events like this is a great way to build a healthy mindset, but stress management does not have to stop there. Students must also care for themselves and realize that they do not have to struggle on their own.
“What is key is consistency. Students should prioritize sleep, eating regularly, drinking water, movement and finding balance in their schedules,” Piciulo said. “If a student feels like they are struggling, remembering to ask for help is essential. Whether it’s a friend, family member, partner or a campus office, having just one person to be able to talk to can make a difference.”
Health Promotion is readily available to serve as that “one person” for UB students. Their services can be accessed by email, telephone or Navigate. Their office is SU 114.
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Photo: Courtesy of Tracey Drury
