Wind down between study sessions at Stress Less Week

What exactly is 'Stress Less Week'?

During Week 8 of each term, the Arc Wellness team hold series of fun and relaxing activities at the Helen Maguire Lawn with the idea to help students unwind during what is typically the most intense point of the term. This particular week has been deemed, quite fittingly, Stress Less Week (SLW).

Designed to give students an easily-accessible chance to refresh, Stress Less Week originally kicked off in 2013 as a way to help UNSW students take a much-needed break from their study grind and prioritise their mental wellbeing. A major turning point was the first post-COVID edition back in 2022, as this was the moment where SLW quickly flourished into the popular event it has become today. This isn't an event that asks students to step away from their studies or responsibilities. Rather, it's all about providing those small, accessible moments of relief during a high-pressure period.

What fun activities can I expect?

Arc Wellness have built up a solid line-up of popular activities over the years that students always flock to, such as:

• Paint break: no restrictions, prompts, or limits. Just a student, canvas and paints, and wherever their creative juices flow;
• Pat-a-Pup and Pat-a-Paca: some much-needed fun and cuddle time with trained therapy-dogs and fluffy alpacas;
• Bike N Blend: blender bikes to create your own yummy, healthy afternoon treat;
• Giant chess with the Chess Club to get the brain and body moving;
• Free breakfast every morning to get your day started in the best way; and
• Free ice cream: As it says on the cone, a free sweet treat before your next class or study sesh.

In addition to all the Arc Wellness activities, there are always lots of clubs, and Arc volunteering programs bringing their own moments of fun during SLW.

Highlights for this term

All the aforementioned classics are definitely coming back for this term's SLW, as well as the following activities we want to give a shout out to:

1. Gaming Zone - Morven Brown Study Zone

The 'Place 2 Be' volunteering team are hosting a gaming zone to bring Stress Less Week to Upper Campus all through Week 8. There will be board games, icebreaker and speed-friending games, and a Mario Kart competition, along with the Check Point team serving hot chocolate and tea throughout the afternoon.

2. Silent Disco - UNSW Quadrangle

The Wellness Warriors are encouraging students to boost their endorphins and relieve stress through exercise at a Silent Disco on the Quad! It's an opportunity to listen to music, spend time with friends and take part in movement as a break from study.

3. Scrolling Break Colouring Competition  - Home Ground

To promote a collective reduction in our campus' screen time, Arc are offering students a mindful break with colouring sheets while they visit Home Ground. The winner of the competition will receive 5 free drinks from Home Ground courtesy of Arc!

4. Dance Fitness Class with The Groove Room - Arc Dance Studio

Randwick-based dance studio The Groove Room is hosting a free dance workshop in the Arc Dance Studio on the Wednesday of Week 8 with a fun, beginner-friendly Hip-Hop and Latin-inspired workout that's open to all students!

5. Junk Deco Station - UNSW Quadrangle

Arc is introducing a new craft activity for their Craft Corner: A decoration station to create junk phone cases, AirPod cases, Jibbitz and more!

With sweet and savoury treats galore, a range of clubs doing their own thing, plenty of fun activities to take your mind off your studies for a bit, and of course, cute animals who demand your attention, SLW has something for everyone.