With finals week just around the corner, students might find themselves stressed and staring at their laptops more than they would like.

NMU will be providing students many ways to destress before finals week. Whether you like something more physical like Yogalates or something more laid back like painting, there is something for everyone this coming week to get students ready for finals.

For those who are looking to destress before finals, the Lydia M. Olson Library is hosting a Yogalates in the Library for all to attend, free of charge with equipment provided, from 4-5 p.m. on Monday, April 18 on the main floor of the library.

“Yogalates in the Library” is a combination of yoga-flow and mat pilates set to modern music. No matter your fitness level or exercise experience, students can practice stretches, work on their balance, do core work and employ intentional movement in all muscle groups to gain strength and improve posture.

“Last semester, we held a similar event and had a turnout of 5-10 people. We’re hoping for the same numbers this semester as well,” said Faith King, junior social media design management and student marketing assistant for Lydia M. Olson Library. “Students seem to enjoy this activity. I think it’s kind of exciting to have yoga offered in a place such as the library. A change of scenery can be refreshing.”

King said that students who do not have the time to make it to the Fit Zone or the PEIF, Yogalates at the Library can be a fun way to get in some movement between study sessions during finals week.

According to THE Sha Wellness Clinic, yogalates uses a mind-body connection to improve physical, emotional and spiritual levels of those who practice it. Mental benefits are also noticeable as exercises ARE performed accurately and fluently need all attention to increase the total control of the body and breath.

However, Yogalates at the Library isn’t the only way to destress on campus before finals. In partnership with the Art Therapy Club, the Student Equity and Engagement Center is hosting a Painting Your Worries Away event for students on Tuesday, April 19, at 7:30 p.m. in Hedgcock Atrium.

“Painting Your Worries Away” is a free event for students.

Painting Your Worries Away will have guest speakers from the Women’s Center in an educational event centered on mental health and the incorporation of art into the process of taking care of oneself. Participants will paint and color while learning more about the social work profession and how art positively impacts mental health.