Central Michigan Life

Issue date: 12/7/07 Section: News

Grand Rapids freshman Caitlin Dabrowski pets Baxter, a certified therapy dog with Dog Tales Inc., Wednesday night at Wheeler Hall. The dogs were brought in to relieve some of the stress associated with finals week. This is the fourth year the dogs have come to campus. Dabrowski came to see the dogs even though she lives in Deerfield Village. "I do this every time they come," she said. [Click to enlarge]

Most college students already know there is more to life than studying.

Just as there are many different ways to study, there are many different ways to relax in between cram sessions.

Some students prefer to find their serenity in a cup of java.

"I usually just go to the coffee house," said Westland junior Ashley R. Stone. "It's a relaxing atmosphere and no one really bothers you."

Others prefer to stay closer to home to take their breaks.

"I normally just kick back and listen to my music," said Mount Pleasant freshman Shellaine Gale. "It just gets my mind off of things."

Man's best friend also can help students cope with the stress of finals week.

Certified therapy dogs from Dog Tales will visit several residence halls during exam week to offer residents a furry diversion from their studies.

"Many (students) have dogs at home that they don't see often enough and during a time of stress like exams bring, they would love to cuddle their own family dog," said Betty Lewis, founder and coordinator of Dog Tales.

Lewis also is the executive secretary for the philosophy and religion department.

Dog Tales will visit Calkins Hall from 7 to 8 p.m. on Sunday, and Thorpe Hall from 8 to 9 p.m. The dogs also will be at Robinson Hall from 7 to 8 p.m., Sweeney Hall from 8 to 9 p.m. and Merrill Hall from 9 to 10 p.m. on Tuesday.

This will be the fourth year Dog Tales has been offered to the residence halls. Lewis said therapy dogs have been proven to reduce blood pressure by 50 percent.

"The distractions the dogs bring from the grueling studying for finals really helps them study better when they do get back to their studying again," Lewis said.

Another way to recharge before the big test is a good power nap.

"If someone is anxious because of performance anxiety or if they are not prepared for a test, not sleeping will probably make it that much worse," said Elizabeth Meadows, associate psychology professor.

Meadows also suggested taking small breaks during study time. She said she would brush her teeth in between reading chapters to break up the monotony when she was a student.

"It doesn't need to be a really fun break," she said.



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