BUSU’s Wellness Week this November is meant to help students unwind amid university-related stresses.
The midterm season for this Fall has passed for most Brock students. Still, this milestone is often a signal that the road to exam season has begun, and with it, periods of high stress, dozens of late nights and a seemingly never-ending flow of work.
In times like these, rest and self-love are important, even when it seems like there’s no time to take care of yourself. BUSU is providing tools to help in this time of high stress. Nov. 6th marks the beginning of BUSU’s Wellness Week, entailing four days of wellness-themed events and activities to “de-stress, kick back and have some fun.”
Here’s a look at what is promised for the week-long initiative from BUSU.
Monday, Nov. 6th
Wellness Week begins with the Wellness Fair at Union Station, from 11 a.m to 5 p.m. Students can drop by whenever they’re available to learn about what student wellness looks like and get free merchandise from vendors in the community.
From 6 p.m to 7 p.m, Justine Cotton will be leading a beginner’s Library Yoga session in the Learning Commons Classroom B (ST 230). Mats will be provided, but spots are limited so RSVP if you plan on attending this event.
Finally, from 7:30 p.m to 10 p.m, Crock A Doodle is providing students the chance to do Pottery Painting at Union Station for free. Spots are limited, but students’ creative pieces will be cured in a kiln after the event and available for pickup at a later date.
Tuesday, Nov. 7th
The activities of Wellness Week Day Two begin with another niche creative activity: mindful origami folding. This beginners’ course is open to folders of every skill level in the Learning Commons Classroom B (ST 230) from 12 p.m to 1 p.m.
From 1:30 p.m to 3 p.m, there will be therapy dogs at the Pond Inlet. Students who enjoy petting many dogs at the same time will not want to miss this event.
The day will end with the eighth Trivia Tuesday of the fall term at Isaac’s from 5 p.m to 7 p.m. As always, the first, second and third-place teams of this game will receive gift cards to Walmart, UberEats and Isaacs, respectively.
Wednesday, Nov. 8th
Start Day Three off with a coffee at Union Station from 11 a.m to 12 p.m. BUSU president James Maxwell-Barillas, vice president of external affairs Alyssa Hall and vice president of university affairs Carleigh Charlton will be around to answer students’ questions and concerns about BUSU and the student experience.
The second session of Library Yoga with Justine will run at the same time and place as on Day One. “Gentle poses and mindful breathing exercises” will allow students to decompress and learn some wellness techniques they can take home.
After a three-year hiatus, BrockTV’s Render This Film Festival returns to The Film House – at the First Ontario Performing Arts Centre – in downtown St. Catharines. Book your free tickets here to support student filmmakers and find out who’ll win.
Thursday, Nov. 9th
The final day of Wellness Week starts with a free hot breakfast, including pastries, juice and fruit, in Union Station from 7:30 a.m to 10:30 p.m. This event is sponsored by Student VIP and will run as long as supplies last.
Students will need to be fueled for the last event of the week, a free, all-ages karaoke night at Isaac’s from 8 p.m to 11 p.m. Pizza and pop will be provided while supplies last and the bar will be open for everyone 19 and older. Prizes will be awarded as well: two $50 Landmark gift cards for best duet, a $100 Ticket Master gift card for the audience favourite and a Bluetooth speaker for the lucky winner of a random draw.
Maintaining personal wellness is the best way to manage the intense work and busy schedules of a full-time university course load, on top of any other personal stressors. It may not always feel like there’s time to relax, but relaxing is integral to maintaining positive mental health. Karaoke, pottery, movies and more can all be ways to decompress and prepare for upcoming anxieties.
To view BUSU’s list of wellness resources at Brock, see here.
