New Year, new me? More like, New Year, new semester, am I right?
Ahem. Pardon the awful joke.
Just when we think we’re able to let go of whatever stress we may have had trying to move on from last semester (including assignments due the week before the new one starts), reality is often kind enough to remind us that we’re just playing ourselves. Thus, we poor students fall back into the spiralling abyss of deadlines and stress and just… life in general. Sometimes it even seems like our short break never even happened. Adieu, winter break. We don’t even know if you really happened or not!
As a part of ‘My NSU Week’, there was a ‘De-Stress Day’ held on the 18th of January. Incidentally, this was also the first day the new semester started, which made it the perfect opportunity to see what the event was all about! The Student’s Union was also using the De-Stress Day to promote Night Line which, as you can probably guess, is a confidential night counselling service to help students who may be experiencing stressful times, and don’t really have anyone to turn to during those hours (we’ve all been there at some point, haven’t we?).
One of the things that caught my attention was the fact that I was able to get a free massage. I haven’t had one in ages, so this was an opportunity I did not want to miss. And boy, did it feel good. Granted, it was a super quick session, but nevertheless I did feel slightly better after. I suppose the downside is that I’m more desperate for another massage session now… deep sigh. There were also yoga classes held upstairs at the Domain, but unfortunately I couldn’t attend any of the sessions because I had to dash to class halfway through the event.
The smoothies were great as well. Plus, they were free, so there was the added joy in knowing that. I was particularly happy because the smoothie I had had mango in it, which I hadn’t eaten since I left Malaysia, even though I’m very well aware that you can buy them here from most supermarkets... don’t know why I never got around to it here though! Cue another deep, wistful sigh.
Oh, did I mention that they managed to bring an owl? Yes, a real, breathing owl! And yes, it was also related to the promotion of Night Line, since their mascot is in fact… an owl. Honestly though, the owl itself was one of the most beautiful owls I’ve ever seen in my life! Plus, her feathers were so soft to the touch, I still can’t get over how nice and soft they were!
Despite my short time at the event, I did find it a rather enjoyable experience. For me, the highlight of it all was, without a doubt, being able to touch an owl. I mean, it was honestly an experience on my side (I think it also had to do with the fact that I’ve never actually touched one before). Look, I’m just going to put it out there, but there’s something oddly therapeutic about petting animals, okay? I’m sure you’ve had the familiarity of wanting to melt into a puddle of happy goo whenever you’ve touched a nice animal (unless you’re allergic to them in which case I apologize). Especially those fluffy, friendly dogs! Hmm, perhaps they could bring one along the next time this event happens?
Eat clean... free smoothies all round.
De-stress with a free massage!
The Night Line's very own Owl mascot.
