The University of Idaho offers Well Space Wednesdays, a weekly stress relief event for students held every Wednesday from 3 to 5 p.m. in the UI Recreation Center.
Each week has diverse activities encouraging students to relax, connect and strengthen their well-being.
There are only three more events left in the semester dedicated to de-stressing students.
On April 18, students can play through an escape room. On April 25, they will be assembling glow stick gear for Dash After Dark and May 2 offers do-it-yourself stress balls. Past events included relaxing with therapy dogs, making trail mix, creating mandalas and exploring kinetic sand.
“Junior year of college has been a busy and challenging time filled with thousands of opportunities, which unfortunately means tons of stress,” said Emily Pinkney, a public relations major. “A cute pup can instantly take some weight off my shoulders, and I’m so glad UI provided students like me with an opportunity to have their day brightened.”
Senior journalism and mass media student Sherman Ewing said the event was an amazing way to take a break and get some peace of mind.
“The atmosphere is really open and inviting because it has a water fountain and signs welcoming people of all ages, ethnicities, religions, gender identities and sexual orientations,” Ewing said.
The Vandal Health Education team includes a professional director, campus dietitian, mental health program coordinator and alcohol and drugs program coordinator. Trained and certified peer educators provide health education to students through workshops, trainings and events.
Vandal Health Education aims to provide the best health for students as they pursue their studies so they can thrive in the academic world. Services and education range from tobacco, sleep, nutrition, wellness, physical health, sexual health, healthy relationships and stress management. Health resources are provided by the Counseling and Testing Center, Nutrition Counseling, student health clinic, and Well Space.
Well Space isn’t just limited to Wednesdays. Students are welcome to stop by to relax, seek information and resources, talk to peer educators, work on a health project and be surrounded by a positive environment.
Ali Trumbo, a junior organizational science major, said she frequently goes to the Campus Recreation Center to work out but hasn’t explored any Well Space Wednesday opportunities yet.
“I can’t wait to check the next ones out because I think it’s extremely important to take care of your health, especially in college,” Trumbo said. “It’s comforting to know the university is making an effort to help students with the stress of college and remind us to take care of ourselves.”
Sierra Rothermich can be reached at [email protected]