Growing your mo’ isn’t the only thing going on in November, it’s also one of the most stressful months of the year for students. With the end of the semester looming, midterms and term papers due, students need resources to help get through the tough academic period.
November is Wellness Month for students at the University of Calgary and the school is helping students cope with stress.
Posters around MacEwan Student Centre ask students what they think is the best way to unwind, part of the month sponsored by the SU Wellness Centre.
“It’s only my first year but I think hanging with friends is the best way to deal with stress,” said first-year environment and psychology student Nathan Rider. “Keeping your sleep habits regular is very important.”
Wellness Centre director Debbie Bruckner said there are a large number of students asking for a means to relieve stress. She said November is a very busy month for the centre, which offers services to help promote mental, spiritual and physical well-being.
“It’s really important for students to have the resources to succeed in and outside the classroom,” said Bruckner. “November is a difficult time for students so we developed a series of workshops to help students cope.”
The SU invites students to attend any of the seven workshops offered throughout the month including Good Body, Good Feelings and Good Connections. The workshops are free and focus on a wide range of topics promoting well being.
Nov. 22-26 is Wellness Week, featuring a wellness fair with additional services to students. Free food and prizes will be given to students who participate in games in the ICT food court.
“I think it’s awesome that the SU puts it on,” said third-year engineering student Pheelan Mah. “It’s a tough time of year for everyone, we all need a way to de-stress.”
Although the Wellness Centre provides services all year round, Bruckner agreed they are especially important during the busiest months and the extra workshops will be offered again in the Winter semester.
Wellness Workshop Schedule
Good body: your best physical self –
Tuesday, Nov. 16 3:00 – 4:30 p.m.
Good connections: build healthy relationships –
Wednesday, Nov. 17 3:30- 5:00 p.m.
Good heart: your best spiritual self –
Thursday, Nov. 18 3:30 – 5:00 p.m.
Gift s for the journey: your spiritual life –
Tuesday, Nov. 23 3:30- 5:00 p.m.
Good grades: your best academic self –
Wednesday, Nov. 24 3:30- 5:00 p.m.
Wellness in career: discovering your passion, finding abalance –
Thursday, Nov. 25 3:30 – 5:00 p.m.
How to avoid the bad things while enjoying the good things: sexual health –
Tuesday, Nov. 30 3:30- 5:00 p.m.