By: Dalen Jensen
Feeling stressed? Students in COM 4353, Strategic Communication Campaigns, did research this semester and found that most students do feel some stress, especially toward the end of the semester.
To address student stress levels, students in the class will host a campus-wide Stress Relief Day aimed at helping students relax, recharge, and connect with campus counseling resources, with the goal of decreasing the stigma around mental health.
The event will be held in front of the Mabee University Center, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
This event will feature a variety of stress-relief activities, including puppy therapy, stress ball making, and yoga sessions led by senior kinesiology major and communication minor, Georgia Barganski.
Each activity is designed to give students an enjoyable break from academic pressures while introducing healthy strategies for managing stress.
The event also aims to create a supportive environment that encourages open conversations about mental health while increasing awareness and visibility of on-campus counseling resources. Students will have the opportunity to become more familiar with available services, including meeting counselors and learning where their offices are located.
“I think this event will benefit students by normalizing taking care of their mental health and making students aware that we offer counseling services on campus and, most importantly, knowing where to find the counselors’ office,”said Sheila Senkirik, HPU counselor.
Senkirik said that she hopes that this event will help students know that counseling is easily accessible to any student who is struggling.
“Whether it’s anxiety or relationship issues, our counseling services provide a welcoming, non-judgmental space for students,” she said.
The event is free and open to all currently enrolled students. Attendees are encouraged to stop by at any time during the event hours and participate in as many activities as they’d like.
 Dalen Jensen, Junior Staff Writer