Finals Week Relaxation

For many students, finals are just around the corner! That means stress and even more stress. College students around the nation are cramming for finals and last minute papers. They’re trying to meet last minute deadlines as best hey can, and are praying for a merciful final test. This is also a time of sleep deprivation, caffeine overload, and cup noodle meals.

During finals week, college campuses relieve some of the stress by providing free meals and relaxation workshops. However, college campuses across the nation have discovered the real secret to stress relief. No, it’s not a magical pill or caffeine. Instead, the secret lies in furry, lovable, four-legged companions!

Pause for Paws

Lately, it’s a trend for college campuses to bring in therapy dogs from local animal services for students. Whether the dogs are in the library or in a nearby field of grass, students line up by the hundreds for a quick session with these pups. A petting session with a therapy dog provides enough stress relief for students to go about their studies. Additionally, research shows dog petting sessions help relieve symptoms and anxiety. Bringing dogs to campus also provides a mental break for students as well since those pups are just so darn cute!

Campuses such as Penn State and University of California, Santa Cruz, have semesterly programs called Pause for Paws. Other campuses have different names for these programs as well, such as “Fun for Finals.” No matter what they decide to call the program, there is no doubt that a quick puppy therapy session is one of the best ways to deal with finals week!