Aliana Zamorano/Staff Writer
Nearly 50 students per day have used services offered by University Health Services this past week because of stress on final exams, said Camila Pham, University Health Services health educator.
This week, University Health Services is hosting, “Recharge for Finals,” from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Green Library 220.
The event is a therapeutic break between study sessions with complimentary oatmeal, tea, aromatherapy oils and a massage, according to Pham.
“We want to help students energize themselves in the healthiest way possible,” Pham said.
She said students often forget to eat healthy and to relax during time studying periods.
“We are here in the library where students spend a lot of time this week and next week during finals to offer them a chance to come get a healthy snack and clear their minds from the stress, which many students forget to do.”
The event has been annual tradition for the past four years for the University’s Healthy Living Program, according to Pham.
Rachel Perez, a freshman political science major, was on her way to the library to study for her five finals when she saw a “Recharge for Finals” sign and decided to stop by.
“It was awesome, they had relaxing music playing, the masseuse was really thorough and the snacks were great. I loved the whole vibe,” said Perez. “It really is a good idea giving students something to look forward to in the middle of a study day.”
Attendees of the event can chose to take tea packets with them — a choice between green and black tea.
“The darker the tea, the more caffeine it has,” said Pham. “Students love drinking coffee around this time, but dark tea has just enough caffeine to be a better alternative.”
Vials of aromatherapy oils are also given to students to take with them after they’ve had their massage.
The oils are called, Energy and Study. Energy is a local blend of peppermint and rosemary that is meant to increase blood pressure and to re-energize, while Study is a blend of peppermint and lavender that helps with memory retention.
“We like to give out these oils because a little dab on the inside of the wrist, or a few drops on a tissue placed next to you can really work wonders,” Pham said. “Smelling the oils is a more natural and healthy option that forcing caffeine on the body.”
A good way to use the oils is to not only use them during studying, but dabbing a little on the wrist before taking a major test will make recalling information easier, according to Pham.
“It’s a conditioning trick,” said Pham, “You mind will associate the smell with what you were studying.”
University Health Services suggests that students try the oils on a small spot on the skin before heavy use, in case of allergic reaction and to not use the oils on the face.
The Healthy Living Program, part of Health Services, also works with the Student Government Association and the Graham Center to host other events, like the Midnight Breakfast.
Midnight Breakfast is an event that offers students breakfast by Fresh Food Company during late night studying. The event will take place Monday, Dec. 7 at the Biscayne Bay Campus Panther Square.
The last day to participate at “Recharge for Finals” will be on Monday, Dec. 7 at the Modesto A. Maidique Campus Graham Center Pit.
aliana.zamorano@fiusm.com
Images by: Megan Tait/FIUSM Staff
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