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IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — The University of Iowa wants its students stressed about final exams to relax, so that end, the school is offering them free breakfast, yoga classes, massages and other tension-relieving perks.
The stress-busting activities at the Iowa Memorial Union began over the weekend and continued Monday morning with a pancake breakfast, the Iowa City Press-Citizen reported (http://icp-c.com/1yY9IGk ). Throughout the week, students will find quiet study spots, free snacks and coffee in addition to yoga and massages.
"We've been talking a lot about stress reduction ... and about how easy it is to not feel supported during (the finals) process," said Tyler Hackman, the student marketer responsible for the program. "Our goal is to help guide (students) through this process and help them have a more positive experience."
Natalie Fuglewicz, a pre-med freshman from Itasca, Illinois, described her stress level as being "10 out of 10" with five finals scheduled for this week. She had just finished her final in general chemistry before joining the pancake breakfast Monday, and her last final in anthropology is scheduled for 3 p.m. Friday.
Freshman Jalyn Clark, a freshman from Winterset studying business, said her stress level was better following her first final Monday morning. But with two more to go, she said she's planning on taking advantage of the massages and free food before Thursday.
Angie Reams, the University of Iowa's assistant to the dean for student care initiatives, said there is also help for those students feeling more than just stressed. For students feeling overwhelmed, there is University Counseling Services and other programs.
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Information from: Iowa City Press-Citizen, http://www.press-citizen.com/
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