The 6-10 November is Stress Awareness Week, and the University, alongside the Students’ Union, has created a programme of online and face-to-face events for staff and students to learn more about stress and stress prevention.
We all know what it’s like to feel stressed and feeling under pressure is a normal part of life. But being overwhelmed by stress can lead to mental health issues and can make existing problems worse.
A small amount of stress can be useful. It can motivate you to take action and get tasks completed. It can also make you feel alive and excited. But too much stress can cause negative effects such as a change in your mood, your body and relationship issues.
This weeks’ activities are designed to highlight ways that stress might affect people and help our staff and students manage their stress before it becomes a problem. Students can access support for their mental health and wellbeing by contacting the Student Hub via Live Chat on the Portal. Find about more about the mental health and wellbeing support available for students.
Staff can find out how to access support, and a range of information and resources to support their mental health by visiting our Staff health and wellbeing webpage.
What’s on
There is a lot happening both on campus and online for staff and students to learn more about stress and stress prevention.
List of Stress Awareness Events
What’s on in the library
Room to Recharge
We’ve created a dedicated space where you can take a break away from your work in order to recharge and refresh. The area is equipped for mindfulness, quietly relaxing, or browsing the many wellbeing resources available. Within the space, you’ll find comfy seating, cushions, blankets, and an assortment of materials designed to enhance your sense of wellbeing. You will also find the library’s collection of books on the topic of health and wellbeing. Most importantly, you can relax and enjoy the views of our beautiful campus. The Library Wellbeing Space is located on level 2 next to the Short Loan Collection.
Puzzle it Out
Take a break and help us complete our jigsaw. Immersing yourself in a jigsaw puzzle can serve as an exercise in mindfulness and help relieve stress. Jigsaw puzzles are a great meditation tool as they allow you to focus on just one thing. Quieting the constant demands for your attention by engaging in a single task can put your mind into a meditation-like state. The library jigsaw can be found on level two of the library near the main entrance.
Bring a Book. Take a Book.
Pop into the library to bring a book and take a book from our book swap bookcase. The book swap is also a great way to save money, recycle old books, and read new ones. The book swap is located in the Library Wellbeing Space on level two next to the Short Loan Collection.
Health and Wellbeing Collection
We have an assortment of materials on stress and stress awareness in our Library Wellbeing Space. You will also find the library’s collection of books on the topic of health and wellbeing. #StressAwarenessWeek2023
Virtual Library Wellbeing Space
Take a break to relax and refresh in our Virtual Library Wellbeing Space. Download one of our colouring sheets or complete one of our virtual jigsaws.
Follow #StressAwarenessWeek2023 on social media.