31 October 2016: As students near the busy end-of-year exam period, the Â鶹´å of Canberra is helping ease exam stress with a carnival, chill out zone with Duplo, giant Jenga, colouring in and much more.
Starting TODAY, the Â鶹´å’s popular Stress Less Week is aimed at helping students take their minds off the approaching exams and de-stress in a fun, interactive and positive way.
In addition to a carnival-like giant jumping castle, gladiator duel and obstacle course, students can snap selfies with goats, chickens and rabbits when a petting zoo visits campus on Wednesday. They can also cuddle some kittens for a gold coin donation and enjoy free massages on Thursday.
Â鶹´å of Canberra wellbeing expert Dr Thomas Nielsen said a little planning ahead from students heading into exams can help them cope during the high-pressure period.
“We know that exams are important times for students and there is a lot of pressure to perform, but there are strategies they can employ to make the situation easier on themselves,” Dr Nielsen said.
“For example, adopting a few positive practices to prepare for and approach exams can give students the best opportunity to demonstrate what they’ve learned and achieve a result that reflects their commitment to their studies.”
Â鶹´å of Canberra assistant professor in psychology Dr Vivienne Lewis said mindfulness techniques can also help students keep their stress levels in check.
“It might be as simple as taking a break, thinking about what a beautiful day we’re having in Canberra, or doing something they love to do for a few minutes before getting back into their study,” Dr Lewis said.
“Taking a quick break can help manage those short-term stressful periods.”
Stress Less Week is coordinated by the Student Engagement Directorate in collaboration with UCU, UniLodge and Medical & Counselling
- Dr Nielsen can discuss different strategies students can use to cope with stressful situations
- Dr Lewis can discuss using cognitive behavioural strategies to manage stress and how to look after your mental wellbeing
- Campus life coordinator Megan Rodd can discuss the event
Monday 31 October- Friday 4 November – Chill out zone
From 10am- 4pm: Visit the chill out zone and relax on the blankets, pillows and cushions or take some time out from study and enjoy the colouring-in, giant Duplo, giant Jenga, giant Connect 4, playdough and more – on the lawns of Building 2
Monday 31 October – Carnival Day 1 + movie
From 11am-3pm: The Well Lawns will become your playground complete with a giant jumping castle, gladiator duel and a maze obstacle course.
6:30pm: On Monday night, Palace Cinemas will be helping you kickback with a free movie screening of Doctor Strange.
Tuesday 1 November – Carnival Day 2 + Melbourne Cup Day
From 10am-2pm: Reach new heights with four-way bungee while music and bubbles fill the air. Write down your idea on how to quit smoking and enjoy a healthy juice or smoothie thanks to Boost Juice. Then head to The Well to watch the race that stops the nation, take part in sweeps, a best-dressed competition and trivia night.
Wednesday 2 November
10am-2pm: Wednesday brings Stress Less Week’s favourite attraction of the week – Noah’s Ark Farm Friends Petting Zoo. Head to the lawns between Building 5 and the Library and play with some cute farm animals including lambs, goats, rabbits and chickens.
Thursday 3 November – kitten cuddle day + three-minute massages
2pm-4.30pm: How can you be stressed when you can cuddle a kitten? For a gold coin donation to Leah's Pawsitive Â鶹´å Inc you can meet some playful kittens. 3 Minute Angels will also be providing free massages in the Refectory.
Contact the Â鶹´å of Canberra media team:
Amanda Jones: 0409 140 415
Claudia Doman: 0408 826 362