Though it may not feel like it today, spring is here! We have 5 days left of class and exams begin in 11 days! Students’ To Do lists are getting quite long and the time to cross everything off is dwindling. With a decreasing amount of time to fit everything in, the stress levels increase for students.

Thankfully, the Academic Town Square (run out of the library) is putting on Spring Fever! Over the next two weeks, there will be free Stress Busters every day! How great is that?! They started earlier this week so we have missed out on a few but there are still a ton of great ones coming up!

Sessions include yoga, workshops on ways to best feed your brain for studying, ways to let go and more. My personal favourites occur during the first week of exams... The art of making cookies, carnival treats, make your own sundae and a colouring contest! That sounds like a lot of fun to me!

If your student has expressed to you how stressed out they feel (or even if they haven't), encourage them to take a break. It may seem counterintuitive (why would I take a break when what I need most is to study more?!)  but taking breaks to clear your head and rejuvenate are really important. I never believed people when they told me this but now in my fourth year, I’m realizing how true it is! A break can be anything from getting up for 3 minutes to get a glass of water, going on a walk around the block or going to a yoga class!

Click here for a list of the different workshops and events that are part of Spring Fever. Each activity has a description, as well as the date and the time. All events are free.

Another great way to take a break during exams is Yoga for Exam Survival offered by the Athletic Centre. “Take some time to focus as well as relax during the stressful exam period. This 3-class special session will help participants focus on yoga poses, breathing and relaxation exercises to help calm the body and mind. Expect to decrease anxiety and insomnia and to increase relaxation, concentration, memory and function of the mind. Mats provided.” For the three class package on April 10, 12 and 17 from 6:30 to 7:30pm, it is $25. Click here to sign up.

Your student doesn’t necessarily need to sign up for something to decrease stress and clear their mind. Going on a short run, going on a walk near the river or making dinner with a friend are all great ways to break that cycle of worrying and stress.

And I know this won’t be popular advice to receive but if the time and mood are right, you could also remind them to take a moment and realize how lucky we are to be here. People always told me that University was one of the best times in their lives and to enjoy it while it lasted but I always rolled my eyes. Having exams, essays and stress was the best time in their life? Give me a break! But now that I’m about to begin the last week of my undergrad, I am finally realizing what exactly they were talking about.... I wish I had enjoyed it a little more and worried about it a little less.

Have a great weekend!