A Break Before Finals: HSU’s De-Stress Fest Offers Relaxation and Holiday Fun By: Delani Bauer

Hardin-Simmons University (HSU) will host its annual De-Stress Fest on Wed. Dec. 3, offering students a chance to unwind before finals. The event will take place throughout the morning and afternoon in both Moody 208 and the Moody Porch.

De-Stress Fest is coordinated by HSU Counseling Services as a way for students to relax and recharge in preparation for exam week.

The first portion of the event will be held in the morning outside the Moody Center, where breakfast and coffee vendors will provide students with coffee drinks and breakfast burritos to start the day. The breakfast will be served in a grab and go fashion.

From 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., the second portion of the event will take place in Moody 208. Christmas holiday-themed stations will be available for students to participate in relaxing activities. Chick-fil-A will be served, along with a hot chocolate bar where students can create their own festive beverage.

Activities will include Christmas ornament decorating, cookie decorating, charm-necklace making, Christmas card crafting and a snow-globe selfie station. A massage therapist will be available to provide free massages and the K9 Companion therapy dogs will be available for students seeking a comforting cuddle.

Aaron Martinez, director of Mental Health Services for Student Life, said his favorite part of the event is “seeing students be able to fellowship and enjoy the event.” He helps host De-Stress Fest to, “give students an opportunity to take a break as the semester wraps up and finals or projects are due around the corner.”

Students wearing an ugly Christmas sweater or shirt will be entered into a drawing for a variety of prizes, with the grand prize being a $100 Visa gift card.

HSU Counseling Services encourages all students to stop by, get into the holiday spirit and enjoy a moment of rest. All HSU students are welcome to participate in De-Stress Fest. Finals can be a stressful time for many students, and HSU encourages anyone needing support to take advantage of its free counseling services during this busy season.