College certainly isn’t for the faint of heart. Being a student requires spending many hours studying, attending classes and completing papers, projects and exams. A near-constant stream of work that demands dedication and discipline often leaves students overwhelmed and anxious. Recognizing that many students are experiencing significant stress as the semester draws to a close, St. Joe’s event planning groups, Hawk Hill and Hawk City Productions, hosted Wellness Week on both campuses this month.
Hoping to alleviate stress in students’ lives and educate them on healthy habits, Wellness Week features different daily events and fairs that promote healthy living. St. Joe’s University City Campus kicked off Wellness Week on Nov. 4 with their wellness fair, which spanned two hours and provided information on embracing a healthy lifestyle. Hawk Hill started its Wellness Week a few hours later with their “De-Stress Fest,” which featured an array of stress-relieving activities and resources.
I had the privilege of attending Hawk Hill’s “De-Stress Fest” with some of my friends and would highly recommend the experience to my fellow students. When I first entered The Perch, the location of the event, I was greeted by HHP members who showed me a table with various stress-relief products. These products, which ranged from face masks to fidget toys, were free of charge and available to anyone who attended the event. I loved these freebies, but my favorite part of “De-Stress Fest” was the DIY crafts. My friends and I had a fantastic time creating aromatherapy blends with essential oils, decorating coffee mugs and making stress balls. These activities were not only fun, but also relaxing and mentally stimulating.
In addition to being fun, Wellness Week was a great event because it emphasized the importance of self-care, which many college students neglect. A 2021 study by the American College Health Association featured in a 2022 article by “Mental Health First Aid” revealed that 48% of university students experienced moderate to severe psychological stress. The study also found that 53% of the students they examined felt lonely and 26% contemplated taking their lives. Thus, it should be painstakingly clear that the mental health of college students should not only be acknowledged, but taken seriously.
Luckily, various practices can help individuals live mentally and physically healthy lives. One of these practices is self-care, which Wellness Week strongly encourages. “Mental Health First Aid’s” article states that there are many forms of self-care including sleeping at least seven hours, eating well-balanced meals and meditating. Although self-care habits may not completely eliminate stress and mental struggles, healthy habits can make navigating college at least a little easier. St. Joe’s Wellness Week encourages this self-care by providing students the opportunity to partake in activities that will alleviate their stress and overall boost their mental health.
