Written by Sophia Warkentin (Student of MSc International Sustainable Development)

April marks Stress Awareness Month, and with topics due for our dissertation and only two modules left in their course for many students, stress levels were picking up around campus. There was no better time for Loughborough University London to step in and offer a Puppy Therapy session for students to decrease stress and enjoy our time on campus between classes.

I participated in Puppy Therapy after an intense class covering research methods, and while my head was buzzing with potential case studies and surveys, when I slipped off my shoes, stepped into the room, and saw the adorable 8 week Labrador puppies, my thoughts quieted.

After a quick demonstration on how to safely interact with the puppies, we spent our therapy session cuddling, feeding, and playing with the puppies. The atmosphere was extremely calm and happy, with the staff members bringing puppies around to us and making sure we all got pictures interacting with our puppy friends to remember the day.

High levels of stress can interfere with work, school, and friendships, so it is important to take time to slow down and interact with animals to relieve stress. Although at first I did not think puppy therapy was a genuine form of therapy, the Animal Health Institute actually claims that “just fifteen minutes of playing or petting a friendly dog can measurably reduce stress and lower heart rate and cortisol levels”, something which University students need to offset the stress created by our busy lives.

For many of us, doubly navigating a new culture while completing studies, stress is an every day phenomenon. Loughborough University London seeks to offer coping strategies as well as stress-relieving activities to support us through our studies. I know I’ll be hoping for more animal-related activities from Student Services in the future!