Hundreds of students passing through Free Speech Alley on Thursday participated in Timeout, the Student Activities Board’s third-annual relaxation event in preparation for finals week.The event included free massages from Massage Emporium, smoothies from Smoothie King, health tips from various campus organizations and childhood games like hula hoops and Connect Four.”Timeout is about taking a quick break before we hit the finals time crunch,” said Celinda Miranda, SAB’s Ideas and Issues Committee adviser. “We want to raise strong awareness about all the stress finals week brings and provide information on how students can make good, healthy choices.”Leticia Garcilazo, committee chairperson, said the event offered people a chance to have fun before dead week.”People can come out, relax and unwind before they have to start studying,” she said.Representatives from LSU Dining offered students healthy eating habits.”We are really focusing on brain foods that promote memory,” said Briggitte Mosley, registered dietician for LSU Dining.She said fruits and vegetables are ideal, and foods high in sugar and fat should be avoided.Jessie Kathmann, communication studies senior, said the tips were useful.”It’s not that I want the junk food, but sometimes it’s just easy to grab it,” Kathmann said. “It was nice to have someone reinforce good eating habits.”Mosley said diet sodas with artificial sweeteners can actually  promote memory loss later in life and be counterproductive to studying.”The brain is 78 percent water,” Mosley said. “It’s important to keep hydrated with water so it can function properly.”Ashley Granger, wellness coordinator at the Student Health Center, said students shouldn’t become overwhelmed.”We try to tell students to take a deep breath, make a list and set a game plan,” Granger said. “It’s also important to keep in mind the amount of caffeine you’re consuming.”The Health Center provides counseling for students who may be experiencing large amounts of stress, Granger said.”When you need a break, it’s important to have a good group of friends you can call and talk to,” she said.Students should get at least six hours of sleep a night and keep naps between six and eight minutes, said Diane Mohler, assistant director of the Center for Academic Success.”The amount of rest you get makes a difference on how you perform on a test,” Mohler said. “If you’re not feeling comfortable with the material and you’re not getting a lot of rest, your brain will lock up.”Aubrey DeVillez, international studies sophomore and SAB member, said it’s important to be optimistic.”Take time out for yourself, and don’t get too stressed out,” DeVillez said. “Stay positive.”—————Contact Sarah Eddington at [email protected]