by Kristin Terrill
Daily Lobo
Stress affects everybody.
As finals commence, stress levels among students can soar. That's why the Health Education Program at the Student Health Center is hosting the Final Rubout - a free 15-minute massage that will take place today and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the SUB Scholars Room.
Massages can help reduce stress by relaxing tense muscles so that circulation is improved, said Shirlee James-Johnson, manager of the Health Education Program.
The pain of sore, tense muscles can be eliminated by manipulating soft tissue and improving circulation, James-Johnson said.
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The purpose of this event is to provide students with a variety of resources to help cope with stress, James-Johnson said.
The symptoms of stress affect academic performance because when the body is not relaxed, it is not functioning. One may have trouble concentrating, sleeping and remembering material that is covered in class, James-Johnson said.
Some ways to reduce stress include being physically fit, taking time to relax by meditation or some other method and getting the proper nutrients in the diet, James-Johnson said.
Senior Jason Degani said he relaxes by going to a movie, reading, listening to music or sitting by the Duck Pond listening to birds.
"I do yoga and I run," said freshman Brittany Burns.
Burns has also used massage to help alleviate her stress, she said. Her stepmother performs a form of massage called Brima. It is a spiritual, meditative method of massage that involves pushing on certain pressure points, said Burns.
The Final Rubout has enough space for about 130 massages. Johnson recommends showing up at 9 a.m. when the sign-up begins to ensure there will still be space. She said the sign-up is usually full by about 11 a.m.
Students who want to get a free massage are required to show their Lobo ID and sign up outside the north entrance to the SUB.
The Student Health Center also provides one-hour massages to UNM students, staff and faculty. The cost for students is $40, and the cost for staff and faculty is $45. SHC insurance offers more than 50 percent reduction in costs, James-Johnson said. The fee for these massages can be paid through a bursars account, VISA, check or cash.
There will also be a drawing for a free one-hour massage at the Student Health Center, along with other activities at the sign-up desk, James-Johnson said.