Destress with Pets Goes Virtual

According to the Washington Post, scientists believe that the major source of people’s positive reactions to pets comes from oxytocin, a hormone whose many functions include stimulating social bonding, relaxation, trust and easing stress. 

With COVID-19 preventing the event’s typical format, HAWC continues to care for the emotional well-being of students by offering Destress with Pets on March 8, a virtual alternative to the annual event, featuring images of a variety of animal companions. Seattle U students, faculty and staff have submitted pet pictures to post on the HAWC Instagram page (@seattleuhawc) for students to view via ConnectSU ahead of finals week.  
 
“Our virtual event is designed to provide a stress-free and comforting environment for students to take a small break from studying—the week before finals—to relax,” says Jaanhavi Kannan, ’22, HAWC treasurer.