Penn organizations will host wellness events during the University’s Reading Days.
Pottruck Health and Fitness Center and Penn Libraries will host therapy dogs, serve free food, and put on various activities to help students to relax ahead of finals period. The Daily Pennsylvanian compiled programming on campus from April 30 to May 3.
Erik Estrada, Campus Recreation Assistant Director of Member Services and Outreach, told the DP that Pottruck’s April 30 “Rec & Relax” event intends to “get people’s blood moving,” which has “positive results when retaining information and memorizing things.”
In the past, Wellness at Penn has given out sleep kits during the event and educated students on the importance of proper sleep, according to Estrada.
“We try to have a wide range of different activities — some that are more physical, some that are more relaxing and wellness related,” he explained.
There will be “open access” to the Pottruck recovery room and massage therapy services — including professional masseuses to “give out free massages to students who attend.”
Estrada added that a therapy dog will be at the event, allowing students to “pet their stress away.” Rec & Relax will also offer complimentary food samples through partnerships with local shops — including GIANT Heirloom Market, Dig Inn, and Greek from Greece.
He expressed hope that students “make time for rest, recovery,” and themselves through the event.
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“Obviously, you have got to study and get your academics in order, but taking the time to destress and take care of your mental wellness and physical wellness will have further benefits and implications,” Estrada said.
Penn Libraries is hosting a series of events throughout Reading Days — such as a May 1 “DeStress Fest” at Van Pelt-Dietrich Library at 4 p.m. This initiative is meant to be a “relaxing and fun study break,” and will feature therapy dogs and snacks. Fisher Fine Arts Library will host an “Analog Corner” with coloring pages and crafts from April 30 to May 3. The event will also offer tea to any attendees who come equipped with their own mug.
Student Engagement Librarian Alexandrea Glenn told the DP that the events are “meant to support” students in their downtime.
“It does support you academically, because you do need a break, but it is also just meant to be an enjoyable time — a break from the rigor of all of the study,” she said.
Glenn explained that she designed “DeStress Fest” to create resources for current Penn students that “would have helped” her when she was an undergraduate.
“I am often trying to make sure that I’m filling whatever gap is needed,” she added.
