Sergio Sandoval

Juniors Jenine Arenas and Cindy Lopez boxed to relieve their stress at the Stress Free Zone event in the University Mall Wednesday. The event was hosted by the National Honor Society in Psychology Psi Chi. They also provided biodots that predicted students’ stress levels. The dots were placed on students’ hands and changed color depending on students’ body temperature.

Renee Bamford
Staff Writer

The Stress Free Zone presented its fourth annual awareness celebration hosted by Psi Chi, the National Honor Society of Psychology, at the University of La Verne’s University Mall on Wednesday.

The Stress Free Zone included several booths that focused on different techniques on how to identify stress and healthy alternatives to release it.

“Stress Free Zone is a way for students to learn about their community and healthy ways to release stress,” said Vanessa Vazquez, Psi Chi president and junior psychology major.

The ULV counseling department had resources of how to better manage stress, to help recognize stress factors and information on the physical and physiological effects stress can cause. Stress management pamphlets provided relaxation techniques, breathing exercises and lifestyle changes that can help to reduce stress levels.

“During finals week it is especially important to manage your stress levels and keep them at a moderate level because stress can interfere with your academic performance,” said Rick Rogers, director of ULV counseling.
“It is important to keep up with your regular routines during stressful times and make time for exercising, eating right, sleep and social activities,” Rogers added.

The Learning Enhancement Center offered information about test-taking advice, tutoring, workshops, study skills and time management. They also handed out chocolate and explained how dark chocolate naturally contains a small amount of stress reducing elements.

“Our goal is to help students reduce their stress by helping them with their academic challenges,” said Bailey Smith, director of the Learning Enhancement Center.

There was an inflatable boxing ring set up for students to release stress by letting out their aggression in a safe and fun manner by boxing with their peers.

“Stress is everywhere in our lives, they should hold this event more than once a year,” said Felicia Hazelton, administrative assistant in psychology majors.

The Student Health Center offered free condoms and pamphlets focusing on relevant causes of stress including topics of STDs, alcohol and drug use, and mental health.

Catherine Castruita, massage therapist, held a booth representing Wild Earth Day Spa located on D Street in La Verne. Displayed were skin care products sold at the spa that were advertised as an alternative way of dealing with facial blemishes caused by stress, hormones and diet.

Renee Bamford can be reached at belle_renee@yahoo.com.