Cox Health and Counseling Center.
This upcoming finals week, a host of programs and other activities are on tap to help students forget their end-of-semester stress — at least for a little bit.
These include fitness programs at the Lowry Center, tea and cookies with the chaplains at Hillel, and a tea bar and puzzles at the Career Development Office.
“It's all different dimensions of wellness,” said Holly Levin, interim director of wellness. “I would just encourage people to look at this and see what interests them and do what works for them.”
For some, maybe that will be trying a yoga class. For others, it might involve picking up some sleep aids — ear plugs, sleep masks, aromatherapy oil — from a station set up in Peirce Hall. Or there’s always a visit to the Middle Path Fun Wagon for a chance at some prizes or a new trail at the Brown Family Environmental Center to hike.
Sometimes the simplest things can be the most helpful, Levin said.
“I think when things feel overwhelming — oftentimes on finals week — we forget about the basics of our well-being. So our sleeping, our movement and our eating,” she said.
Consider taking a nap or going to bed an hour early. Relax with some music or a breathing exercise, even if it’s only for a few minutes. And make sure to keep moving, Levin said.
“Our bodies are made to move. That doesn't mean you need to go to these exact workout classes, but move in a way that works for you,” she said.
For students looking for organized opportunities to keep moving, KenyonFit has them covered with a variety of classes. The schedule is posted in the KenyonFit app/portal for signups.
"Moving their bodies is one of the best tools students can use to combat stress and clear their minds while pushing through the rigor of finals week,” said Tiffany McCallen, fitness and recreation programming coordinator. “Whether students prefer to center themselves through calming yoga classes, to dance like nobody's watching at a Zumba class, or to zone out in the pool, there's a KenyonFit class for them."
And for those who think they need a little more support during finals week? Cox Health and Counseling Center has you covered.
“We hope your finals week goes as well as it can,” Levin said. “And we're here for you if you need us.”
Cox is open weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. when the College is in session. To make an appointment, please call 740-427-5525. Students may also request an appointment by emailing the center at health@kenyon.edu or through the student health portal.
For free, confidential mental health and well-being support offered 24/7, TELUS Health Student Support is available via the app, telephone and web.