As we’re hurtling toward exam season and the semester’s end, this article will give you tips to navigate the coming stormy weeks. The “Stress Less” initiative at the University of Newcastle is here, and it’s a beacon of relaxation and self-care amid the chaos. 

What’s Stress Less all about? 

Stress Less is like a warm, comforting embrace during busy academic seasons. It’s an initiative that aims to help us manage our stress and well-being. This semester it will run during Weeks 12, 13 and exam week. 

You will find an incredible range of activities and incentives designed to help us relax and de-stress. What’s better is that they are organised across several of the university campuses. You can find out more about the activities this semester on the UNSA website.

How can you take advantage of Stress Less? 

Stress Less provides a chance to unwind and recharge during some of the busiest times of the semester. Across the weeks, there’s a range of activities designed to ease stress and support wellbeing. From cuddling therapy dogs to relaxing with meditation or powering through study sessions, it’s all about finding balance and taking care of yourself.

Here’s where you can get involved:

• Newcastle
• Callaghan campus
• NUspace campus
• Central Coast
• Ourimbah campus
• Gosford campus

At Callaghan, there’s something for everyone. You can take a study break in the Library’s chillout zones with games, puzzles and colouring activities, or grab some free fruit and snacks to keep you fuelled. If you’re studying late, Night Rations offer free tea, coffee, hot chocolate and treats to keep you going. The Library MakerSpace is also running drop-ins, so you can try out stress-busting activities like knitting, bracelet making or even 3D printing. Painting and pilates sessions at Wollotuka give you another way to get creative or stretch out and relax between study sessions.

There’ll also be plenty of chances to score free food, vouchers and prizes through events like Stress Less Spin & Win, Trivia, Campus Security BBQs and other pop-ups around campus. Culture Fest Karaoke Night is another fun way to take a break, connect with friends and enjoy a relaxed evening of music, food, games and cultural activities.

If you prefer being active, NUsport is offering free access to the gym, pool and group fitness classes, plus fun chill-out spaces and colouring stations to help you unwind. There’ll also be meditation classes, therapy dog visits, a baby animal petting zoo and other creative workshops happening across campus to keep spirits high.

As an introvert, I do most studying on my own and am guilty of endlessly postponing my social life. However, I’ve realised that sharing how I feel and learning how others cope with stress is incredibly helpful. During Stress Less, I always try to step out of my routine, connect with others and take time to recharge. These small breaks make a huge difference in how I handle the semester’s busiest moments.

Not on campus? Here are other ways to stress less. 

I get it, I also live far from campus. So, I often have to resort to my own strategies to reduce stress while completing my assignments. Here are some strategies you can try if you can’t make it to the available Stress Less activities: 

• A Nice Cuppa 

Coffee or tea, no matter the weather, is always comforting. I like to treat myself to a large flat white on oat milk at my local café (too bad for my first house deposit!). What’s great is that a coffee often comes with free small talk with the barista, which helps get your mind out of the stress zone. If you prefer a homemade beverage, this is also a great way to lift your head out of your books for a quick pick-me-up during stressful moments. 

• Stretch  

If your degree requires you to sit down for long hours, check out this seated stretch video on our university’s website. In the coming weeks, I will be completing most of my assignments sitting at a desk, in a static position. If I do not stretch regularly, I almost need re-education of my legs to be able to stand again at the end of the day! Taking care of your body will positively impact your mind and effectively helps manage your stress.  

• Beach Strolls and Park Walks 

When I need to reset, I try to head to the beach or a nearby park. I feel privileged to live in coastal NSW and I take advantage of our beautiful land to rewind. Sunsets are magical in our region and offer wonderfully soothing gradients of colours to admire.   
If nature isn’t your jam, walking to and from the shops is a choice I often take too. 

• Staying indoors 

There are days when I feel overwhelmed and prefer to stay indoors. I combat that by walking around my place or doing some housework. Taking a break might sound counterintuitive, but it’s incredibly productive. It lets your brain breathe and recharges your focus, making you more efficient when you return to your tasks. I also take a short nap to recharge my brain, it’s an instant mood booster. Another indoor activity that helps me stay sane is creating something with my hands. Whether it is cooking or drawing, it provides a much-needed break from studying, allowing my mind to reset and gather fresh ideas. 

Whether you are on or off campus, there are ways to help you manage your stress levels. If you are studying on your own and are feeling stressed out about the end of the semester, you’re not alone! We are in the same boat and Stress Less at the University of Newcastle is a lifeline! If, like me, you cannot make it to campus, make sure you practice self-care and take breaks. Your wellbeing is the key to your success!  If you’re still feeling a little lost or stressed, check out the study and wellbeing resources available on the university website.

Feature Image: Created using Adobe Firefly and Photoshop