by Tracey B Regimbal
We’ve all heard of exam anxiety. We’re also familiar with puppy love. But have we heard of combining the two? Dalhousie recently raised a helping paw to facilitate their students during this stressful period. What did they do? A puppy room.

Word:
Puppy Room
Def:
noun
A room filled with puppies.
purpose
Help students combat their exam anxiety.

What could be better than Dalhousie’s Dog Days? McGill’s very own! On December 4 and 6, 2012, Redpath Library  will be opening its doors (for the second time) to a campus-wide therapy session as we play host to cuddly canines. University students and faculty can fight their anxiety by opening their arms to the puppies – a welcome distraction to grueling schedules and daunting exams.

Anxiety, nervousness, depression, anger, frustration and irritability are just some of the many symptoms provoked by stress.  As a primary contributor to poor health, taking steps to counteract stress should be at the top of your list (or directly under “studying”). Ted Talk’s Jane McGonigal explains the need to fight these emotions in her lecture about the correlation between reduced stress and prolonged life. Her primary tool? Offsetting every negative emotion with three positive emotions. I think playing with puppies should count for more than three. For more information on Stress Management click here.

I understand that writing about this will probably hinder my own chance at meeting with a puppy, but I guess I’m just a humanitarian like that. I’m also a cat person. Want more details?
For a snapshot of last year’s visit from one of our furry friends check out this video.
You can also read more about Dalhousie’s project here.

You’re welcome.