Finals can be a tense time, with students typically pulling long hours at the library with an energy drink or favorite java brew – only to find that they get little done and endure undue stress. But some students will be approaching finals with a less frazzled mind this year.

Campus Recreation hosted an event on Thursday to provide a temporary escape from end of semester rigors and teach students ways to combat anxiety. The aptly titled “”Stress Busters”” offered students a variety of relaxation and health services, including massages, acupuncture, skin care consultations and spray tanning.

“”I think school is always stressful,”” said Jody Liller of campus recreation. “”The work is never done, worrying about finals, making sure you have your classes to graduate…it’s a huge amount of pressure.””

Liller said there are many ways to prevent stress during finals but that the closest thing to a cure-all is staying active and eating right.

“”Healthy lifestyle and fitness are really important,”” Liller said. “”Whether you come to Campus Rec, or run, ride your bike, go hiking… all those types of things relieve stress and make you more focused.””

Many organizations took part in the event, including Campus Health and Counseling and Psychological Services. The Nutrition Science club offered students healthy eating tips, as well.

“”Avoid Red Bull and caffeine,”” said Summer Root, a nutritional science senior. “”Exercise, eat a banana – you don’t want to rely on stimulants to keep you going.”” Root suggested eating whole grains, which are high in vitamins like B12. She also warned not to take medications like Adderall if they are not prescribed.

Medications are something that Armando Vargas, an unclassified graduate student, tries to avoid when dealing with stress. For him, acupuncture is a great alternative.

“”I feel the layers of stress sloughing away,”” Vargas said, tiny pins sticking out from his ear lobe. “”It can be used for managing things without medication. I think that’s a good thing. I believe your body is a temple and you should take care of it.””

According to Linda Joy Stone, an employee of Ancient Ways Acupuncture Clinics, the ear is something of a micro-system for the whole body and can be used in acupuncture to elevate the pain of many ailments.

“”We treat a lot of stress and muscular tension,”” Stone said. “”There are lots of women who come in to treat migraines.””

Back massages were in high demand at the event, with some students lining up for the 10-minute rubdowns by the event’s three masseuses.

“”It was really good. I feel like it relieved a lot of stress,”” said Rose Estes, a double psychology and English major, after her massage. “”I’m taking 19 units. I’ve been really busy and this is just what I needed.””

For more adventurous students, Sensei Gail Skinner offered demonstrations of Aikido, a martial art.

“”Aikido is about growing to be a better human being,”” Skinner said. “”My worst day practicing Aikido will always be better than my best day at work.””

Skinner encouraged students to step outside their boundaries and try the art, stating that it disciplined the mind as well as the body.

And for the sun fatigued, Pima Dermatology provided complimentary skin cancer screenings and Tanz On The Go gave those willing a touch of color in a mobile airbrush tanning station.

Earlier in the day a related event, “”From Stress to Success,”” was offered for UA employees and students. Jan Sturges, the class instructor, said students commonly fall back on alcohol and drugs to combat their worries.

“”At the end of the day, don’t crack open a beer,”” Sturges said. “”Relax. Do something that is mindful. Listen to some music that you enjoy… call up a friend and have a nice meaningful or fun conversation…those are the things that keep you focused and very aware without being stressed.””