Even the most diligent students sometimes need a reminder that taking care of mental health is as important as studying.
FRCC had “Midterm Stress Relief” day on March 11th. This was a day of fun for students, and a much needed break during the wild midterm period.
The event offered a variety of activities to help students shake off the stress of classes., including laughter yoga, a rage room, a puppy play pen, chair massages, arts and crafts, and mindful meditation – a delightful mix of activities meant to soothe the mind.
Jared Nye, a security guard at FRCC, shared his thoughts on why the event was so important. “The reason they are doing this is because midterms are coming up, a lot of stress, and things are going out in the world. Smashing glasses is a way to take some anger out while having fun along the way,” Nye said. “It’s a way for us to interact with students outside of our normal job.”
The event was an opportunity for students to unwind. G MacDonald, coordinator of student engagement, reflected on the success of the event, saying, “I was happy to see how everything went. It seemed like everyone had time to do everything – break a plate, pet a puppy, get a massage. It felt like a mini festival day.” MacDonald said the event provided relief from stress: “It’s a relief of my own stress. It makes me happy to see people engage with the school outside of the classroom.”
The goal was to help students manage the stress of midterms, and judging by the students’ excitement, it was a success.
“It’s a lot of effort to put these events on, but for students to associate fun with Front Range is important,” MacDonald said.
MacDonald, a former academic advisor at the school, explained how reaching out for help during stressful times is important. “The school has a ton of resources for you to be successful. There are a ton of learning centers and mentorships for students to go above and beyond their learning,” MacDonald said. “We will help if you ask. It’s like Hogwarts – if you ask for help, you will get it.”
With plenty of resources available, students are encouraged to take a break and manage their stress in healthy ways.
