Taking a breath before finals

The end of the semester can be a very stressful time for students who have final papers and projects due and exams quickly approaching. The University Program Council hosted Bearlaxing Before Finals, a spa-like relaxation clinic, on Thursday at the University Center.

Students had the opportunity to get free 10-minute massages and free 10-minute oxygen bar intakes.

Sataira Douglas, a senior elementary education major who works for the UPC and helped organize Bearlaxing, said the event was hosted to help students disintegrate some of the anxiety associated with finals.

“Most students are studying, so this gives them a chance to relax and take time to unwind for a bit,” Douglas said.

The oxygen bar featured several different flavors of oxygen and each offered a different effect. For example, the coconut flavor energized the participants.

Chelsie Hess, a clinical counseling graduate student, said she attended the event to use the oxygen bar.

“I think it’s really great, and I’m glad the UPC hosted it,” Hass said. “It’s nice to have a break from work and finals and be able to socialize.”

Douglas said the event was a positive alternative to relieving stress by going out or partying.

“It relieves stress and takes your mind off of studying. It’s the way to go,” said Hallie Groenewald, a freshman nursing major. “I’d never go to a bar to relieve stress. I like to take care of my body.”

Hess also said she thought Bearlaxing was a good alternative to going to an actual bar to release stress, and that she would definitely recommend it to other students.

“It’s nice,” she said. “It shows there are alternative ways to socialize and have fun.”

Douglas said the event was an overall success. About 250 students attended, with about 150 receiving oxygen intake and about 100 receiving massages.