Final’s Season A “Stressful” time at the Mecca

Student Engaging In Destress Fest Sip&Paint in Douglass Hall (Courtesy/ Crystalyn Johnson) 

During the week of Nov. 18, the Howard University Undergraduate Student Assembly (UGSA)  hosted its semesterly Destress Fest, a series of events designed to help students unwind, recharge and find a sense of calm as the semester comes to an end and finals week approaches. 

Aimed at providing students with the support they need to cope with academic pressures, Destress Fest focused on promoting mental, physical, and emotional well-being during one of the most stressful times of the academic year.

The week-long celebration featured a variety of activities and resources tailored to support the student body. Students had the opportunity to relax with soothing massages on the yard, enjoy healthy and energizing drinks and engage in creative outlets like yoga and a sip-and-paint. 

UGSA also provided free services such as haircuts and braiding tutorials, to help students take a break from their busy schedules while also encouraging self-care.

These activities not only offered a chance for students to de-stress but also created a sense of community and connection as students bonded over shared experiences. 

“Being at Howard especially you can get really caught up in the business of your schedule and the Howard hustle and you need a break from that,” Michael Arthur, sophomore marketing major, said. 

Different students have different ways of managing stress and avoiding burnout. Some turn to physical activities to release tension, while others may find peace in mindfulness practices such as meditation.

For some, simply spending time with friends, cooking or self-care provides a sense of relief. Events like Destress Fest not only offer these resources but also highlight the importance of mental health and wellness as integral parts of academic success.

Morgan Collins, a junior strategic and legal communications major, said, “To destress I usually go to bed or I might make myself something to eat. That usually makes me feel better or I’ll take a hot shower.”

As students prepare for finals, the events of Destress Fest serve as an important reminder that taking care of oneself is just as crucial to academic success as studying hard.

With mental health and well-being at the forefront of the conversation, it’s clear that initiatives like Destress Fest play a key role in creating a balanced and supportive campus culture at Howard University.