UM Library hosts Stress Less Workshop

According to a survey conducted by Associated Press and mtvU, 85 percent of college students reported experiencing some form of stress on a daily basis. Of these students, 77 percent associate their stress with school work and six of 10 students said they could not complete their work because their stress levels were so high. The JD Williams Library is trying to help student cope with that stress when it is at it’s apex: finals week.

These statistics reveal that stress may be a grim reality on college campuses today. In an effort to decrease the stress levels of UM students, the library will host a hands-on “Stress Less Workshop” at 4 p.m. Monday and Tuesday in room 106-D.

Savannah Kelly, a research and instruction librarian, said the workshop will offer many options to students to help them learn about the effects of stress on mental and physical health.

“We are setting up hands-on, experiential stations with yoga mats, meditation pillows, coloring books, head scratches and other stress-relief items,” Kelly said. “We will share simple yoga stretches, basic meditation techniques with a corresponding free app and online resources.”

The workshop is sponsored by the University Libraries; Kelly said it is a part of a larger series called “Workshops at Williams.” Similar workshops were offered last semester, but Kelly said the content has been updated to include more hands-on, experiential activities.

According to the library website, there is no registration required to participate in any of the stress-alleviating workshops.

Melissa Dennis, head of research and instruction services and associate professor, said a popular event will be returning during finals week, on top of the workshops being offered.

“As for now, we know we will again be partnering with Oxford Therapets, on Saturday, May 7,” Dennis said.

Dennis also said the exact details are not finalized, but the Pet-a-Pup day will be offered to students and other members of the Ole Miss community.

Harper Panter, a freshman education major, said he is interested in learning stress-reducing techniques offered at the workshop.

“I think learning these kind of techniques can be very beneficial,” Panter said. “Especially if you learn them with friends. Being around friends while practicing these techniques could help even more.”