SASKATOON – Over the next two weeks, more than one thousand final examinations are scheduled to be written at the University of Saskatchewan (U of S). As students prepare for late-night study sessions and last-second cramming, the U of S is doing what it can to help students cope with the anxiety.
During every exam period, the university offers initiatives to help students escape the pressures of academia. A performance from USask Improv on Wednesday is the newest anti-stress effort.
“It’s always good to laugh when you’re stressed out,” said first-year computer science student, and performer, Bjorn Haave. “It also encourages the audience to be in the moment of the improv, so they can forget their worries too.”
Other stress relievers include Lego and colouring books available at the university’s various libraries. Massage therapists were on hand Wednesday to help stress melt away in the Place Riel Student Centre.
“The best thing to do when you’re stressed is get outside and get some exercise,” said first-year veterinary medicine student Bonnie McNary.
“Another great way to deal with stress is just to see some animals. Pet a dog or pick up a cat,” she said.
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Coincidentally, the U of S will once again host stress therapy dogs during the exam season.
Rita Hanoski, health education co-ordinator with Student Health Services at the university had three key tips for students as they prepare for exams:
- Take breaks – for every 50 minutes of studying, mix in ten minutes of relaxing activity to get your mind off your studies.
- Maintain relationships – make time for friends and family, especially those who may also be feeling the pressure of exams.
- Sleep – studying without resting can be worse for information retention, compared to less studying combined with more sleeping
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