Free group fitness classes like Zumba and yoga are also available during Stress Busters Week.
Photo by Liz Kaye, Indiana University
IU Indianapolis students are gearing up for winter break, but before relaxing with family and friends, they may be facing some stressors. That’s why IU Indianapolis provides outlets to help students through the annual stress of the holidays and the preparation for finals week.
“It’s not just about the grades at times; it’s about something to look forward to,” said Katie Wilkinson, a health/wellness specialist for Health and Wellness Promotion.
One of the perks of being a student at IU Indianapolis is Stress Busters Week, which provides free and fun stress-reduction activities at the end of each semester. This Stress Busters Week, which takes place Dec. 9 to 13, will include mini cake decorating and Zumba classes. Swifties should be on the lookout for Friendship-Era Bracelet Making on Dec. 10. And trivia fans can test their knowledge on Dec. 9.
Health and Wellness Promotion partners with groups such as Active Minds, the IU Indianapolis Biology Club, the Student Activities Programming Board and the LGBTQ+ Center to offer the activities. According to the Spring Stress Busters Week 2024 Report, 94% of students said the events succeeded in making them feel refreshed for finals.
“Really appreciate all the work put into it and the wide variety of activities,” one student said.
This semester, Stress Busters has a few new activities, including:
Press Pause and Play: Drop in to play some modern and classic video games, and enjoy free pizza.
Donut Stress: Take a doughnut and leave an encouraging note for other students.
Gingerbread House Decorating Competition: Grab some hot cocoa, coffee or tea while you decorate; the best house wins a prize.
Burning Questions with SAPB: Inspired by “Hot Ones,” students can enjoy mild wings while watching faculty take on increasingly spicy wings as they answer a series of questions.
More activities can be found on the Stress Busters Week website or on the IU Indianapolis Events calendar. Health and Wellness Promotion aims to include all students, including the non-traditional or busy students who need something quick and easy such as grabbing some hot cocoa on the way to class.
Health and Wellness Promotion is also bringing back Paws and Relax, a free event created to provide comfort through therapy dogs from national nonprofit Love on a Leash. This event always receives good feedback from students, as it is a fan favorite along with the De-stress Fair and Paint ’n Plants with the IU Indianapolis Biology Club.
Last month, Paws and Relax was on campus to help students cope with midterms. Coincidentally, it was also the day after the election.
Sophomores Aaren and Jack were first-time attendees of Paws and Relax; students’ last names are not being used to protect their privacy. They said their level of stress was high on the morning of the results.
“We were on the phone this morning; both of us skipped class,” Jack said.
When asked how they cope with stress, Jack said he typically uses physical outlets such as boxing, while Aaren prefers to spend time alone to process, or watch Netflix.
Ella, a freshman, came to Paws and Relax in support of a friend, but she said it was “sweet” and “really good timing” for the event.
“It is amazing to me what therapy dogs can do for everybody,” she said. “It’s a wonderful feeling.”
Paws and Relax will return to the Campus Center Atrium from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Dec. 10.
Wilkinson said Stress Busters Week brings all students together regardless of age, gender, culture, career field, etc.; that diversity is what makes IU Indianapolis so vibrant.
“It’s a recognition to see you need a break at times, and it will help you perform better,” she said. “That’s how you know you are successful; that’s the aim for this.”
When asked for one piece of advice she would give to students, she said, “Taking a break when you feel like you need it is absolutely worth it!”
Wilkinson encouraged students to take advantage of these resources.
In addition to Stress Busters Week, Health and Wellness Promotion offers free support and services at no additional cost to students, including wellness coaching, online wellness challenges, free wellness tools including safer sex materials and locking pill bottles for safe storage.
