De-Stress With CAPS at End-of-Semester Play Day

It's important to take care of yourself and find healthy ways to deal with the extra stress and anxiety this time of the year brings.

Take a much-needed break from studying and join CAPS for a Play Day!

Pat Walker Health Center's Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) end-of-the-semester Play Day is 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, ‪May 2 in the Arkansas Union Connections Lounge.

This popular event includes many different activities that help relieve stress and take the edge off looming projects, papers and exams. Activities include: henna tattoos, yoga demonstrations, coloring, Legos, popping bubble wrap, and of course play dates with dogs from Fayetteville Animal Services!  

Mental health professionals will also be available to help discuss stress-relieving tips with students.

For more information about mental health services and CAPS, go to health.uark.edu.

Six Ways to Cope with Stress

1. Unplug – Limit your media consumption, particularly, the 24-hour news cycle of social media. Instead of constantly scrolling through newsfeeds, try to limit your exposure.
2. Find a healthy escape – Do something engaging or energizing to manage your feelings, rather than turning to substances like alcohol. Get outside, practice mindfulness, exercise, write in a journal, meditate, make art or watch a funny movie. Laughter is often a good antidote for stress and anxiety.
3. Do something – Channel your feelings into positive meaningful activity. Get informed and be proactive around issues that matter to you. Engage with your community through volunteering and advocacy.
4. Connect – Engage with supportive friends and allies. Talk it out if you need to, but also communicate your boundaries when needed. Not everyone will share your perspective, so make sure to avoid or limit conversations that have the potential to get heated.
5. Be present – It is important to be aware of and acknowledge our thoughts and feelings. Pay attention and give yourself permission to feel the way you do. Although avoidance and compartmentalizing can be useful, unaddressed intense emotion can also have negative impacts.
6. Refuel – Get back to basics and focus on restoring yourself. Get enough rest, eat well, drink plenty of fluids, and limit your alcohol and caffeine intake. Moving around daily also helps to reduce stress and anxiety levels.