Students at CSI are finding ways to manage stress from finals through summer by turning to relaxation activities and support systems during demanding academic months.
By: Anwar Alrafati
A Finals De-Stress chair yoga event at CSI will offer students a way to reduce stress and stay balanced during finals week and summer preparation.
The “Flow and Glow Chair Yoga” session, scheduled for May 14 from 3 to 4 p.m., is designed to help students manage academic pressure during one of the most demanding times of the semester. The event introduces simple yoga techniques that can be done while seated, making it accessible to students of all experience levels.
The session focuses on gentle movements that promote relaxation, flexibility, and balance while encouraging students to take a break from studying. Organizers said the goal is to provide students with practical tools they can use during finals week and beyond.
Aisha Abdelfattah, a CSI student, said stress tends to increase significantly as the semester comes to an end.
“This time of the semester can feel overwhelming because everything starts happening at once,” Abdelfattah said. “Finals, deadlines, and planning for summer can all build up quickly.”
She said events like chair yoga offer a helpful way to step away from academic pressure. Abdelfattah explained that taking breaks, especially through structured activities, can improve focus and reduce anxiety.
“I try to remind myself to take breaks and not let the stress take over,” Abdelfattah said. “Even something simple like attending a campus event like this can help clear my mind.”
Students said the weeks leading up to finals often involve balancing multiple responsibilities, including exams, assignments, and planning for summer classes or jobs. Without time to reset, many said it becomes difficult to stay focused.
Ryan Mousa, another CSI student, said managing time effectively is one of the biggest challenges during this period.
“It’s hard to keep up with everything when you have finals and other responsibilities at the same time,” Mousa said. “You really have to manage your time carefully to avoid getting overwhelmed.”
Chair yoga is designed to be an accessible form of stress relief, allowing students to participate without needing prior experience. By using a chair for support, participants can perform simple stretches and movements that help release tension while remaining comfortable.
Students said having activities like this on campus provides an important break from long study sessions. Events focused on wellness give students the opportunity to reset mentally and return to their work with a clearer mindset.
Dunia Mujalli, a CSI student, said maintaining a routine is important when managing stress.
“Having a routine helps me stay on track and not fall behind,” Mujalli said. “It also gives me time to step back and not feel stressed all the time.”
In addition to physical benefits, the event encourages students to slow down and focus on their well-being. Organizers said practices like chair yoga can help students build habits that support both academic performance and mental health.
As finals week approaches, students said they are looking for ways to stay productive without becoming overwhelmed. Combining study time with short breaks and campus activities can help create a more balanced routine.
The chair yoga session is one of several efforts aimed at supporting students during high-stress periods. By offering simple and accessible techniques, the event gives students tools they can continue using beyond the classroom.
“I’ve learned that managing stress is just as important as finishing assignments,” Abdelfattah said. “Taking care of yourself helps you stay focused and get through everything.”
