8 May 2017: University of Canberra students will be able to pat puppies, visit a petting zoo and practice some origami as part of Stress Less Week which starts on MONDAY.
The event aims to help students de-stress ahead of exams which begin the following week. A number of free activities will be available to students including the popular petting zoo, colouring in, origami and more.
The exam period can be a challenging time for students, but University of Canberra wellbeing expert Dr Thomas Nielsen said there are some positive strategies students can put into place to cope during this time. These include self-coping mechanisms like ensuring students are getting enough rest, eating well and moving their body.
“Moderate intensity exercise is especially beneficial as it increases heart rate and blood flow to the brain, which can be a great boost before a study session or an exam,” Dr Nielsen said.
Food science and nutrition expert Nenad Naumovski also recommends eating healthy foods like fresh fruit, vegetables and lean sources of protein and steering clear of highly processed, take-away and convenience foods.
“It’s important to have a healthy diet at the best of times but especially during periods of stress,” Dr Naumovski said.
“While it’s tempting for time-poor students to rely on convenience foods, they would benefit from eating more fresh fruit and vegetables. These foods are nutrient rich and contain antioxidants and other bioactives that can support the functioning of the brain and body overall,” he said.
Sports psychologist Dr Richard Keegan acknowledges that studying for exams can sometimes feel overwhelming. However, he said it is good for students to set aside time to create a timetable as part of their exam preparation.
“Planning is key so write down your goals, organise a schedule which includes breaks to eat and exercise, and map out your progress. This will help keep you on track and give you the confidence you need going into exams, knowing you have prepared the best you can,” he said.
- Dr Nielsen can discuss strategies students can use to cope with stressful situations: 0400 865 678
- Dr Keegan can talk about exam preparation: 0457 276 419
- Dr Naumovski can discuss foods that help boost brain power: 6206 8719
- UC Life! Campus Life Coordinator and organiser Megan Rodd can discuss the event: 0458 712 214
Monday 8 May
10am – 11.30am: Enjoy a free coffee, hot chocolate, tea or chai latte and cake and relax with colouring in and origami – Concourse
Tuesday 9 May
12pm – 1.30pm: Cuddle a furry friend as the Delta Therapy dogs visit campus and enjoy a free barbecue lunch thanks to the UC Nesian student club - Concourse
Wednesday 10 May
10am – 2pm: The Noah’s Ark Farm Friends Petting Zoo returns to campus. Pat rabbits, guinea pigs, goats, a calf, chickens, ducks and more – Between Building 5 and the Library
10am – 3pm: The Rotaract Club of University of Canberra (RCUC) will be hosting a handball competition with prizes and free Zooper Doopers for the winners up for grabs – Concourse
12pm – 1.30pm: Sport at UC is hosting a sports carnival. Take part in an obstacle course with prizes up for grabs. The UC Grizzlies Rugby League Club and UC Pumas Soccer Club will be running their own drills. There will be a barbecue fundraiser with proceeds going to support students attending the Eastern University Games in July – Concourse
Thursday 11 May
11am – 12pm: Enjoy free toasted sandwiches while playing novelty games of giant Jenga and chess – Concourse
Contact the University of Canberra media team:
Amanda Jones: 0409 140 415
Kim Pham: 0418 806 293