From exercising, to reading or even binge watching TV shows, university students have multiple ways that they deal with handling stress.
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Now, spending time patting rescue greyhounds can be added to that list.
Students at the Australian National University got the chance this week to interact with 10 greyhounds brought in from the ACT Greyhound Support Network as a way to reduce stress levels ahead of exams.
The event's organiser Lucy Yang said it was a chance for students to take a break from their busy schedules and be able to relax.
"It definitely helps reduce stress because it's a distraction from the usual routine that you go through at uni," she said.
"In that moment you aren't focusing on your exams and panicking anymore because you're with the dogs."
Hundreds of students took part in the two-hour session, with places quickly being booked out.
Ms Yang said the session at ANU was inspired by a similar event held last year by the Greyhound Support Network at Narrabundah College for year 12 students ahead of their final exams.
"It struck a chord because as an ANU student, there's nothing but stress, so it helps students relieve stress and also promote greyhounds as a species," she said.
"What we find is that most people haven't met a greyhound in person before, so a lot of what they know about the breed comes from misconceptions."
Among the people taking time out of their day to pat the greyhounds was first-year student Rebecca Walmsley, who said the visit had a large effect on her mental wellbeing.
"Being a first year it's hard because everything changes, but this had a positive effect because you can't be stressed patting an animal," she said.
This isn't the first time ANU has used animals has a form of stress relief, with kittens being brought in to the university for the same effect last year.
The University of Canberra has also used kittens and petting zoos ahead of major exam periods to help its students reduce stress.
Associate professor and expert in student wellbeing at the University of Canberra Thomas Nielsen said interacting with animals helped to release endorphins which boosted happiness.
"Having a connection with them and being something for them is part of a meaningful life," he said.
"It's something that we enjoy doing because it breaks the monotony which is a part of daily life, and routines and regularity aren't necessarily exciting."
