Finals week is coming up at my high school, and I'm looking for some stress-relieving events or activities that we could organize to take the edge off. Anyone got any suggestions of what works for your school or what you wish your school would do?
One fun and low-stress activity you might consider organizing during finals week is a "de-stress station" or "relaxation zone." This could be set up in a common area or designated room with comfortable seating and calming activities to take brief breaks from studying. Here are some suggestions to incorporate into your de-stress station:
1. Therapy dogs: Invite trained therapy dogs to visit your school for students to pet and play with. This has been proven to ease stress, improve mood, and provide emotional support.
2. Art therapy: Provide art supplies like colored pencils, markers, and coloring books (including those geared towards stress relief) for students to unwind through creativity and find a pleasant distraction.
3. DIY stress balls: Set up a table with balloons and filler materials (e.g. rice, flour, or playdough) for students to create their own stress balls, which can be used during study breaks or while reviewing materials.
4. Board games and puzzles: Provide a selection of board games, puzzles, and other low-stress activities that encourage socialization and let students decompress without feeling pressured.
5. Meditation and yoga: Offer guided meditation sessions or short yoga classes in a quiet room to allow students to relax, focus on their breathing, and clear their minds.
6. Snacks and drinks: Have a table with healthy snacks, water, and warm beverages like hot chocolate and herbal tea to keep students refreshed and energized throughout the day.
7. Bigger group activities: Throughout the week, schedule larger events like a movie night or a school-wide game (e.g., a scavenger hunt or trivia competition) to draw people in an engaging and fun way.
These activities can offer a range of mental and physical benefits to help students manage stress during finals week. Encourage students to stop by the de-stress station and participate in these activities to make their finals week a more enjoyable and less overwhelming experience.
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.