‘Tis the season to bake holiday treats, listen to holiday music and relax as the new year approaches… unless you’re a high school student preparing for final exams. A great way to destress is to indulge in opportunities for students to take their minds off their textbooks and find ways to relax and enjoy the holidays.
NormanAid sponsored a Norman De-Stress Winterfest in the STC courtyard during lunch on Dec. 14. The event was filled with popular, catchy tunes, from “Last Christmas” by Wham! to “Santa Tell Me” by Ariana Grande.
Playing with puppies, making friendship bracelets, boxing, coloring and making cards — the winterfest fostered all of these activities. . The puppies were definitely the main attraction, however. Students lined up to cuddle and play with the adorable puppies.
(Ruby Matenko)
“It [puppies] de-stresses everyone because they are super cute and adorable,” junior Sophia Diamond exclaimed.
Afterwards, students headed over to all the other activities offered at the tables grouped around the patio.
(Kate Oller)
“We recognize the stress that finals and holidays can bring about, and we want to teach students fun ways that they can de-stress,” Ms. Franks, head of Norman-Aid and wellness counselor, said. “We’re really just letting them know that we recognize what they’re managing and that Norman Aid is here for them.”
Students look forward to winter break and enjoy celebrating the holiday spirit with their classmates at fun events like these. It provides a way to alleviate final exams and holiday related stress.
When asked how students can de-stress during the holidays, Norman-Franks said, “It’s different for everybody. Some people might like to meditate, and others, that [meditating] might actually be not relaxing for them at all, so it really depends on each person to find what coping skill works best for them.”
