Editor’s Note: This guest column was submitted by Student Wellness Services.

Hey Panthers, it’s that time of year once again! Time to put everything you have spent the past 14 weeks learning to the test – literally! You might find yourself becoming overwhelmed by the amount of stress that final exams stir up. However, there are a few things you can do to prevent letting the stress of finals week get the best of you: make sure to get adequate sleep, make time to take care of your body and eat a balanced variety of foods. These are just a few steps you can take that may help reduce stress during finals week. Looking for more ideas? You are in luck! There will be many stress relieving activities for you to try during De-Stress Days at UNI!

Student Wellness Services and the Student Health Advisory Committee will be hosting De-Stress Days during the week prior to finals week. Drop by the Maucker Union Ballroom on Dec. 9, Dec. 10 and Dec. 11 between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. for fun, stress relieving activities! We will have puzzles, inspirational rock painting, coloring, bracelet making, crafts and more! If you are looking to practice gratitude, cards will be available to write notes of gratitude to the people in your support network. We will also have the labyrinth available, a walking meditation that can be used to reduce stress and experience peace and relaxation.

But wait, there’s more! Each day, Student Wellness Services is collaborating with Retrieving Freedom and will have dogs to hang out with each day of De-Stress days! We will also provide hot cocoa and tea free of charge! It will be a great way to not only get out of the cold, but to also engage in fun activities that will relieve your stress.

Contact Student Wellness Services for any interest in scheduling a program related to a number of wellness topics at https://studentwellness.uni.edu/program-request.