Sometimes what a law student needs is a chair massage, a giant coloring poster decorated with sloths, or a visit from therapy dogs. Might seem silly, but there is actually great value in pressing pause to indulge in special treats or mental and physical relaxation, said Jesse Landstrom, the Law School’s senior associate director of advising and wellness programs and a member of the Office of the Dean of Students.

That's why Landstrom plans a variety of wellness activities throughout the academic year, all aimed at providing comfort, promoting wellness, and supporting Law School students in their self-care routines.

“Wellness programming is an important way for us to provide holistic support to our students,” said Landstrom, shown above talking to a student. “My approach is to meet students where they are—for some students, they prefer a one-on-one appointment to talk through wellness goals or ask about resources, and some prefer to attend a program. Offering a variety of programs gives students the opportunity to engage in a way they feel comfortable, and gives us an opportunity to show that we care."

In the past, the Dean of Students Office has provided do-it-yourself stress kits, yoga and meditation sessions, chair massages and visits from therapy dogs.

Above, some squeezable gavels for law-themed stress kits.

Study Break Stations, complete with games and puzzles, are popular, too. Some, like a giant coloring page Landstrom occasionally posts in the Green Lounge, are meant to be light-hearted and relaxing—a bit of easy creativity. "During Exam Week especially, we want to encourage students to take a break, and take care of themselves during this busy and often stressful time," Landstrom said. "The giant coloring page is a good example of an activity that offers a quick way to stop and take a few minutes for creativity and relaxation, and to provide a break before moving on to the next task. These activities also give us a chance to check in, ask how exam week is going, and offer our support and encouragement." 

Offerings have also included free comfort food during exams: hot dog carts, protein smoothies, bubble tea, visits from the Tamale Spaceship food truck, and a pancake dinner in the Green Lounge.

Members of the faculty and staff prepare to serve pancakes and other breakfast food during a study break.

"I encourage students to work on ways to support their wellbeing," Landstrom said, "not just during Law School, but as an investment in their long-term health and wellbeing."

Stressed about your Torts final? Overthinking your unfinished paper or upcoming moot court argument? Dreading the cold call that you know is coming your way? Sometimes what a law student needs is a chair massage, a smoothie bar, and a giant coloring poster decorated with sloths.  

Might seem silly, but there is actually great value in pressing pause to indulge in special treats or mental and physical relaxation, said Jesse Landstrom, the Law School’s senior associate director of advising and wellness programs and a member of the Office of the Dean of Students. 

That's why she plans a variety of wellness activities throughout the academic year, all aimed at providing comfort, promoting wellness, and supporting Law School students in their self-care routines.

“Wellness programming is an important way for us to provide holistic support to our students,” Landstrom said. “My approach is to meet students where they are—for some students, they prefer a one-on-one appointment to talk through wellness goals or ask about resources, and some prefer to attend a program. Offering a variety of programs gives students the opportunity to engage in a way they feel comfortable, and gives us an opportunity to show that we care. I encourage students to work on ways to support their wellbeing, not just during Law School, but as an investment in their long-term health and wellbeing.”

In the past, the Dean of Students Office has provided do-it-yourself stress kits, yoga and meditation sessions, chair massages and visits from therapy dogs.

Offerings have also included free comfort food during exams: hot dog carts, protein smoothies, bubble tea, visits from the Tamale Spaceship food truck, and a pancake dinner in the Green Lounge. Study Break Stations, complete with games and puzzles, are popular, too.

Some, like the giant sloth coloring page Landstrom occasionally posts in the Green Lounge, are meant to be light-hearted and relaxing—a bit of easy creativity.

"During Exam Week especially, we want to encourage students to take a break, and take care of themselves during this busy and often stressful time," Landstrom said. "The giant coloring page is a good example of an activity that offers a quick way to stop and take a few minutes for creativity and relaxation, and to provide a break before moving on to the next task. These activities also give us a chance to check in, ask how exam week is going, and offer our support and encouragement."