CAPS program aims to curb finals-related stress

With finals, moving day and summer internships looming, the IU Health Center Counseling and Psychological Services will help students learn how to cope with stress today.

CAPS will sponsor De-Stress Fest at the Herman B Wells Library. The event, which is from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m., will provide students with the opportunity to make their own stress balls, enjoy massage chairs and listen to relaxation CDs.
A workshop will teach students how they can nurture themselves through final exams from 1 to 2 p.m. in Wells E174.

Chris Meno, outreach coordinator at CAPS, said in an e-mail the event is meant to teach students about stress management and relaxation skills.
While papers, exams, meetings, all-nighters and review sessions might all be synonymous with stress, that type of lifestyle can be harmful in the long run, Meno said.

Stressful situations lead to altered sleeping and eating habits, anxiety and irritability, decreased concentration, head and stomach aches, crying, rashes and lowered immunity, he said.

Some students turn to drugs and alcohol to “take the edge off” during stressful times. But, these substances can make symptoms worse in the long run.

Students should also avoid all-nighters, Meno said. A recent study showed that when college students stayed awake to study, they forgot 30 percent of what they tried to learn.

CAPS and the IU Health Center offer a variety of year-round services to help students manage what seems to be a major aspect of the college experience. These include individual counseling as well as group therapy and individual workshops.

Workshops cover topics such as improving self-esteem and assertiveness, conquering procrastination, nurturing yourself, improving relationships, academic and career success and overall health, Meno said.

Adjusting to the academic structure of college and the pressure of exams can be stressful for many students, especially freshmen.

Freshman Shelby Baker said one of the most stressful things about college is that most of her grades are based on exam scores, making it difficult to get an accurate idea of what the grades are like.

“There are no tedious assignments to see how your grade is progressing, and most of my teachers don’t put anything on Oncourse,” she said.

But Baker is already doing many of the things that CAPS recommends. She said she relieves stress by spending time outdoors, going to kickboxing classes at the Student Recreational Sports Center  and listening to music.