Therapy dogs Kodiak and Athena visit Monday, December 12, 3-5pm

Kodiak

We are happy to welcome our favorite therapy dogs Kodiak and Athena back to the Bentley Library for a “Take a Paws” stress-relief session!  Thanks to the Center for Health and Wellness, you can enjoy some Bernese Mountain Dog love in the art gallery on Monday, December 12, from 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Studies have shown that interacting with animals can have positive impacts on our social, mental and physical well-being. It’s posited that human-animal interaction activates the oxytocin system, which can improve interpersonal interactions and mood, reduce cortisol (the “stress hormone”), lower heart rate and blood pressure, improve immune system functioning, reduce anxiety, enhance empathy and improve learning.*

Self-care is especially important during this stressful time of year. We encourage you to visit the art gallery on Monday for your daily dose of dogs and oxytocin!


"Take a Paws"

* Beetz, A., Uvnäs-Moberg, K., Julius, H., & Kotrschal, K. (2012). Psychosocial and psychophysiological effects of human-animal interactions: The possible role of oxytocin. Frontiers in Psychology, 3, 234. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3408111/

“Take a Paws” With Therapy Dogs – Thursday, May 5th, 4-6pm

“Take a Paws” Stress Relief Session at the Library

We are excited to welcome therapy dogs Kodiak and Athena back to the Bentley Library for another “Take a Paws” stress-relief session! Thanks to the Center for Health and Wellness, you can enjoy some Bernese Mountain Dog love in the art gallery on Thursday, May 5, from 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. 

Kodiak the therapy dog
Kodiak
Athena the therapy dog
Athena

Also in attendance at this event is artist Linda Collins, whose paintings are currently on view in the art gallery. Dogs are one of Ms. Collins’ favorite subjects to paint, and her portrait of Kodiak is included in this exhibit. More information about the exhibit can be found in this blog post. You can learn more about the artist at http://www.dogfaceartwork.com/

Why have therapy dogs at the library? Studies have shown that interacting with animals can:"Take a Paws"

  • improve our interpersonal interactions & mood
  • reduce cortisol (the “stress hormone”), heart rate & blood pressure
  • improve immune system functioning
  • reduce anxiety
  • enhance empathy
  • improve learning

It’s posited that human-animal interaction activates the oxytocin system, leading to these positive effects.*  Don’t just take our word for it, come and see for yourself.  Stop by the library on Reading Day for your daily dose of dogs (and oxytocin)!

—————-

* Beetz, A., Uvnäs-Moberg, K., Julius, H., & Kotrschal, K. (2012). Psychosocial and psychophysiological effects of human-animal interactions: The possible role of oxytocin. Frontiers in Psychology, 3, 234. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3408111/

“Take a Paws” at the Library! Visit With Therapy Dogs on Reading Day.

The library is excited to host a Take a Paws session on Reading Day. Thanks to the Center for Health and Wellness, therapy dogs will be in the library’s art gallery on Tuesday, December 15th, from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Why have therapy dogs at the library? Studies have shown that interacting with animals can:pawslogo

  • improve our interpersonal interactions and mood
  • reduce cortisol (the “stress hormone”), heart rate and blood pressure
  • improve immune system functioning
  • reduce anxiety
  • enhance empathy
  • improve learning

It’s posited that human-animal interaction activates the oxytocin system, leading to these positive effects.*

Don’t just take our word for it, come and see for yourself.  Stop by the library Tuesday evening for your daily dose of dogs (and oxytocin)!

—————-

* Beetz, A., Uvnäs-Moberg, K., Julius, H., & Kotrschal, K. (2012). Psychosocial and psychophysiological effects of human-animal interactions: The possible role of oxytocin. Frontiers in Psychology, 3, 234. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3408111/

Stress-Less at the Library. Refuel, Relax, Recharge!

Stress-Less at the Bentley Library
co-sponsored by the Bentley Library and CSD Develop U Peer Educators

The art gallery has been transformed into a stress-free zone for exam period.  While the gallery is always a quiet, contemplative place, this week we’ve equipped the space with stress-busting activities to help you renew, regroup and refresh. You’ll find jigsaw puzzles, crosswords, and other quiet games to give your brain a break.

May 1 – May 3 the gallery will be stocked with water and snack bars to help you re-energize!

Thank you to the Develop U Peer Educators for their assistance and co-sponsorship of “Stress-Less”.

Stress-Less at the Library / Snack Break & Exam Week Stressbusters

Stress-Less at the Bentley Library
co-sponsored by the Bentley Library and Counseling & Student Development

Reading Day Snack Break
Tuesday, May 1 at 11:00am in front of the art gallery

Stress-busters in the art galley throughout exam period

We’re transforming the art gallery into a stress-free zone for exam period.  While the gallery is always a quiet, contemplative place, during exam week we’re also equipping the space with stress-busting activities to help you renew, regroup and refresh. You’ll find jigsaw puzzles, crosswords, and other quiet games to give your brain a break.

To kick-off things off we’re hosting a snack break at 11:00am on Reading Day (Tuesday, May 1) in front of the art gallery. All are invited to stop by and grab some fuel to get you going!

A big thank you to Counseling and Student Development (CSD) for their assistance and co-sponsorship of “Stress-Less”.