Weeklong Events Help Students Recharge and Refocus Ahead of Midterms

As Alabama A&M University students prepare for midterm exams beginning Thursday, the Office of Student Health and Counseling Services is encouraging the Bulldog community to pause, breathe, and prioritize wellness through its “Thrive 365: Midterm Wellness Week.”

The weeklong initiative, held October 13–17, features a series of interactive events designed to help students manage stress, make healthy choices, and sustain balance throughout the semester. Each day highlights a different aspect of well-being – from sleep and nutrition to fitness, preventive care, and mental health.

Event Schedule:

• Monday, Oct. 13 – Sleep Hygiene
  1:00 – 4:00 p.m. | Juice Bar, University Fitness & Recreation Center
  Students can learn practical tips for better sleep and receive relaxation items such as teas and sleep masks.
  
  
• Tuesday, Oct. 14 – Nutrition
  1:00 – 4:00 p.m. | Carver Complex, Hobson Wing (Department of Family and Consumer Sciences; Nutrition and Hospitality Management)
  Faculty and staff will demonstrate dorm-friendly recipes and share nutrition education resources.
  
  
• Wednesday, Oct. 15 – Fitness
  1:00 – 4:00 p.m. | The Quad (following Every Sunny Wednesday)
  Join the fun on the Quad for a group fitness experience featuring line dance instruction and movement breaks to boost energy.
  
  
• Thursday, Oct. 16 – Preventive Care
  1:00 – 4:00 p.m. | Knight Complex Ballroom
  A wellness fair will showcase multiple community vendors and campus departments sharing resources on preventive health.
  
  
• Friday, Oct. 17 – Mental Health Day
  1:00 – 4:00 p.m. | University Fitness & Recreation Center Gym
  The week concludes with yoga sessions and mental health resources to help students de-stress and finish strong.

Organizers say “Thrive 365” reflects the department’s ongoing commitment to supporting students beyond the classroom.

“Our goal is to remind students that self-care isn’t a luxury – it’s a necessity,” said Kristeen Baker, assistant director of AAMU’s Health and Counseling Services. “By focusing on wellness in small, consistent ways, students can thrive all year long – not just during midterms.”

For more information, contact jessica.harley@aamu.edu or 256-372-5601.