Stress Free Zone

With the weight of finals looming, it's hard to focus on studying when you're also grappling with the pressure of world events, political tensions, and personal challenges that seem to pile on every day. Come take a break during our Stress Free Zone events! The University community has come together to offer you multiple ways to relax and recharge before the semester ends. Join us for art activities, games, food and a spa day! 

To request disability accommodations, please contact Student Disability Services at (773) 442-4595 or sds@neiu.edu at least 48 hours in advance.

December 1, 2025

Pamper Party

9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Student Counseling Services Corridor B-119 

Treat yourself to a rejuvenating escape at our Pamper Party, featuring soothing activities and calming refreshments all day long. Enjoy massage chairs and foot massagers from 9:30–3:30, along with complimentary snacks, hot tea, cocoa, and coffee to keep you cozy.

Join us in the B-119 Community Room for special wellness sessions:

• Sound Bathing: 12:15–1:00

• Spa Therapy: 3:00–4:00

Cat & Canine Cuddles

1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Student Counseling Services Corridor B-119 

Take a break and boost your mood with some furry therapy! Come relax, unwind, and enjoy comforting cuddles from friendly cats and dogs. It’s the perfect way to de-stress, smile, and reset your day one wag and purr at a time.

Check Up from the Neck Up

9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Student Counseling Services Corridor B-119 

Prioritize your mental wellness with a quick, supportive check-in focused on mental health and suicide prevention. Stop by for resources, encouragement, and a moment to take care of you.

As a thank-you for participating, enjoy a ramen package or a hot cup of soup, a little warmth for both body and mind.

CCICS Relax & Recharge

12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
CCICS Lobby

Enjoy relaxing music, games, arts & crafts, a massage chair, hot tea, and snacks, all in a peaceful, welcoming space created just for you. Come de-stress, recharge, and take a moment for yourself!

December 2, 2025

Check Up from the Neck Up

9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Student Counseling Services Corridor B-119 

Prioritize your mental wellness with a quick, supportive check-in focused on mental health and suicide prevention. Stop by for resources, encouragement, and a moment to take care of you.

As a thank-you for participating, enjoy a ramen package or a hot cup of soup, a little warmth for both body and mind.

Picture Your Potential: Vision Board & Motivational Quotes

10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Building B119

Join us for an uplifting session where you'll craft your own vision board, bringing your goals and dreams to life. Surround yourself with positivity as we explore motivational quotes to inspire your journey. Whether you're manifesting personal milestones or career aspirations, this is your chance to relax, recharge, and refocus, all while having fun in a supportive, stress-free atmosphere.

Don’t miss out on this empowering experience to fuel your ambition and picture your potential!

SPIN & WIN

1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Student Counseling Services Corridor B-119 

Try your luck at our prize wheel for a chance to win exciting giveaways, including CTA Venture Cards, T-shirts, and fun Mystery Gifts! Spin, smile, and score something special!

Wellness & Community Celebration

Noon - 2:00 p.m.
Cafeteria Fish Bowl SU 003

Take a break, nourish your body, and celebrate wellness at Bienestar y Sabores! Stop by for a comprehensive wellness check, including blood pressure, oxygen levels, glucose, and immunization screenings. Then treat yourself to a delicious mix of flavors with Hispanic cuisine from Uncle Julio’s, tamales, conchas, pizza, coffee, hot chocolate, and Abuelita hot chocolate.

Relax and recharge in our wellness space with fun activities for students: play Lotería, enjoy puppy therapy, and connect with friends while engaging in self-care. A perfect blend of health, comfort, and community come for the wellness, stay for the fun!

CCICS Relax & Recharge

12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
CCICS Lobby

Enjoy relaxing music, games, arts & crafts, a massage chair, hot tea, and snacks, all in a peaceful, welcoming space created just for you. Come de-stress, recharge, and take a moment for yourself!

December 3, 2025

Gratitude & Emotional Wellness Activity

10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Student Counseling Services Corridor B-119

Nurture your mind and spirit with our Creative Art & Anxiety Reduction Tools session. Make your own Gratitude Jar or Gratitude Journal to capture positive thoughts, and take home a stress ball to help manage tension throughout the day. A perfect blend of creativity, mindfulness, and self-care!

Check Up from the Neck Up

10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Student Counseling Services Corridor B-119 

Prioritize your mental wellness with a quick, supportive check-in focused on mental health and suicide prevention. Stop by for resources, encouragement, and a moment to take care of you.

As a thank-you for participating, enjoy a ramen package or a hot cup of soup, a little warmth for both body and mind.

Wellness & Chill: Sip, Snack & Refresh

Noon - 2:00 p.m.
Cafeteria Fish Bowl SU 003

Recharge your mind and body at Wellness & Chill, hosted by the Office of Health Services! Get a quick wellness check, including blood pressure, oxygen levels, glucose, and immunization screenings, while enjoying a delicious spread of chicken, pizza, fresh fruits, snacks, coffee, tea, and hot chocolate.

Unwind with Paint & Sip, and boost your mood with some puppy therapy. It’s the perfect blend of health, creativity, comfort, and furry fun, a little pause to refresh and take care of yourself!

Picture Your Potential: Vision Board & Motivational Quotes

10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Building B119

Join us for an uplifting session where you'll craft your own vision board, bringing your goals and dreams to life. Surround yourself with positivity as we explore motivational quotes to inspire your journey. Whether you're manifesting personal milestones or career aspirations, this is your chance to relax, recharge, and refocus, all while having fun in a supportive, stress-free atmosphere.

Don’t miss out on this empowering experience to fuel your ambition and picture your potential!

SPIN & WIN

10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Student Counseling Services Corridor B-119 

Try your luck at our prize wheel for a chance to win exciting giveaways, including CTA Venture Cards, T-shirts, and fun Mystery Gifts! Spin, smile, and score something special!

CCICS Relax & Recharge

12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
CCICS Lobby

Enjoy relaxing music, games, arts & crafts, a massage chair, hot tea, and snacks, all in a peaceful, welcoming space created just for you. Come de-stress, recharge, and take a moment for yourself!

December 4, 2025

Pamper Party

12:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Student Counseling Services Corridor B-119

Take a moment for yourself and unwind with our soothing massage chairs while enjoying complimentary hot tea, cocoa, and coffee. Get creative and centered with Creative Art & Anxiety Reduction Tools, designed to help calm the mind and lift your spirits.

Stop by for a Check-Up From the Neck Up, a supportive mental wellness and suicide prevention check-in, complete with a ramen package or hot cup of soup as a warm thank-you.

Don’t forget to try your luck at SPIN & WIN, where you can score fun prizes like CTA Venture Cards, T-Shirts, and Mystery Gifts!

Special Sessions:

• Sound Bathing – B-119 Community Room | 12:15–1:00
• Spa Therapy – B-119 Community Room | 3:00–4:00
• Dog Therapy: Canine Cuddles – SCS Corridor B-119 | 3:00–4:00

SPIN & WIN

12:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Student Counseling Services Corridor B-119 

Try your luck at our prize wheel for a chance to win exciting giveaways, including CTA Venture Cards, T-shirts, and fun Mystery Gifts! Spin, smile, and score something special!

December 5, 2025

Check Up from the Neck Up

1:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Student Counseling Services Corridor B-119 

Prioritize your mental wellness with a quick, supportive check-in focused on mental health and suicide prevention. Stop by for resources, encouragement, and a moment to take care of you.

As a thank-you for participating, enjoy a ramen package or a hot cup of soup, a little warmth for both body and mind.

SPIN & WIN

1:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Student Counseling Services Corridor B-119 

Try your luck at our prize wheel for a chance to win exciting giveaways, including CTA Venture Cards, T-shirts, and fun Mystery Gifts! Spin, smile, and score something special!