Animals to reduce exam stress!

Exams can be a stressful time and there are various suggestions to relieve anxiety during this time.  Eating well, getting enough sleep, or exercising are shown to work well but don't forget animal therapy.  Animals can assist with relieving anxiety and providing support leaving you feeling calm.  There is also research suggesting that it also lowers blood pressure and heart rates as well as lowering levels of neurohormones (Ernst, 2012).

Other animals such as farm animals (piglets, goats and baby chickens) can also provide stress relief.  At UC Berkley a "Llamapalooza" was held during final exams where llamas were "munching grass while the adoring masses petted, fed and photographed them" with the intent to assist students to relax before exams!

JCU Student Life have held various events including Student Success Week, Exam Plan Time and National Student Volunteer Week with dogs, cats and farm animals. Check the events box for information about upcoming events.

Other research has shown that students under stress benefit equally from the presence of a friendly dog or a friendly human and that these enhance well-being and mental health (Grajfoner et. al., 2016; Lass-Hennemann, et. al., 2014). So please show kindness.  One kind word can change someone's day.

Explore books, eBooks, articles and more using One Search. Here is a search we prepared earlier on this topic.

If you, or someone you know, is struggling with mental health, contact Headspace (1800 650 890), Beyond Blue (1300 224 636) or JCU Counselling and Wellbeing to seek help.

Don't forget that our JCU Libraries examination super hours end this Friday. For more information, click here.