As finals approach and academic pressure intensifies, students were given a much-needed opportunity to slow down and recharge during De-stress Fest, held on April 14 at the Student Fitness Center.
The event, which ran from 4:30 to 7 p.m. and featured a wide variety of activities aimed at promoting student wellness.
From relaxing chair massages and sound bed therapy to high-energy blow-up obstacle courses and a car smashing station, the event offered something for everyone looking to release stress in healthy, creative ways.
“This is honestly one of the best things the university could’ve done right now,” said Amber Talley, a sophomore who participated in multiple activities during the event. “I’ve had so much on my plate these last few weeks, and for the first time in a while, I feel like I can breathe.”
In addition to the wellness activities, students were treated to free food and snacks, which created a casual, welcoming atmosphere that encouraged conversation and connection. Raffle prizes, giveaways and pop-up surprises kept the energy high and gave students even more reason to smile between bites and bursts of laughter.
“Finals week is rough. This gave us space to feel human again,” said Natasha Davis-Mickles, a senior who said the event helped her unwind and reconnect with friends. “It wasn’t just about relaxing—it was about knowing that the university cares about our mental health, and that means a lot.”
What made De-stress Fest especially powerful was the way it combined wellness and fun in one space. While students were drawn in by the more playful activities, many found unexpected relief through the more therapeutic options available, like sound bed therapy, which uses vibration and sound frequencies to guide participants into deep relaxation.
More than just a one-day event, De-stress Fest was the result of collaboration among multiple campus departments committed to supporting student well-being. Organizers worked together to create an inclusive space that acknowledged the challenges students face—especially during high-stakes academic periods—and offered real tools to help them cope.
“Sometimes, you just need to feel like someone understands what you’re going through,” Talley said. “Today did that for me.”
As students prepare for exams and wrap up the semester, the success of De-stress Fest serves as a timely and meaningful reminder that taking a break isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. The University’s support of events like this reflects a growing understanding that academic success is deeply connected to mental, emotional and physical health.
By creating opportunities for students to care for themselves and one another, the campus continues to foster a culture where wellness is not just encouraged but prioritized — especially when it’s needed most.