April marks Stress Awareness Month, and SAMRU is here to support you with our Stress Less Week as the winter semester reaches its end of final exams and projects. Discover ways to clear your mind and body all on campus without spending a dime! 

This semester, we have some new Stress Less programs and pop-up events you don’t want to miss!  New additions like the Study Space, S’mores Lounge, Free Massages, and a Sage Natural Wellness Pop-up, plus returning favourites like the Puppy Room, Free Plants and Exam Relief Snack Stations!

But wait, there’s more! Be sure to keep an eye out for our QR codes at the Stress Less programs for a chance to enter our contest – you could win one of two $50 grocery store gift cards!

Keep reading to uncover all the details, and make sure to drop by all the programs available through Stress Less Week, running from April 10th to 12th and April 15th & 16th! 

Sage Natural Wellness Pop-Up

April 10th – 12th | SAMRU Reception (Z222) | 11:00 am – 3:00 pm 

Join us for a mini-workshop on essential oils education, complete with giveaways, stress-relief products, mindful kits, and exclusive purchase discounts!

Massage Pop-Up

April 11th – 12th | April 16th | 2nd Floor Wyckham House | 11:30 am – 2:30 pm 

10-minute massages courtesy of MRU Massage Therapy students for a rejuvenating escape from stress and tension. 

Free Plants

April 10th – 12th | April 15th & 16th | SAMRU Reception (Z222) | 9:00 am *until supplies last

Plants in the home can reduce tension because it reminds us of the outdoors, nature and a slower pace of life, which is instantly calming. Pick up your very own Free Plant (donated by the Mount Royal Greenhouse) in the SAMRU Reception all week long during Stress Less.

Free DIY Crafts

April 10th – 12th | April 15th & 16th | SAMRU Reception (Z222) | 9:00 am *until supplies last

Many people use crafting as self-care! Don’t have time to sit in on a craft? That’s a-ok! This year you can pick up a variety of fun crafts and take them home to do at your own pace/time. Visit SAMRU Reception to see which crafts they have for you to take home!

Exam Relief Snack Stations

April 10th – 12th | April 15th & 16th | 11:30 am *until supplies last 

Do you study so hard that sometimes you forget to nourish your mind and body? SAMRU has Exam Relief Snack Stations to help you get through those intense cram sessions! Check out the locations all week long from Apr 10th – 12th and Apr 15th & 16th, starting at 11:30 AM until supplies last.

Snack Station locations:

April 10th: Main Street
April 11th: Library
April 12th: EA Building
April 15th: Library
April 16h: Main Street

Smudge Space

April 10th – 12th | April 15th & 16th | Cultural Inclusion Centre (Z203) | 11:00 am – 2:00 pm

Smudging is a cultural tradition practiced by a wide variety of Indigenous people in Canada and throughout the world. Everyone is welcome! Smudging involves burning a selection of herbs and is used to cleanse oneself. A qualified member from the community will be providing the service.

Study Space 

April 10th – 12th | April 15th & 16th | Council Chambers (Z236 on the second floor of Wyckham House, up the stairs in the centre of the food court) | 9:00 am – 4:00 pm 

Looking for a quiet spot to study? Head up the stairs in the middle of the Wyckham House food court to our Council Chambers. It’s the perfect place to study quietly and get your work done. Drop by anytime between 9:00 am and 4:00 pm.

S’mores Lounge 

April 10th – 12th | Wyckham House Main Floor | 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm

In need of a chocolate pick-me-up? Head to our s’mores lounge, where you can roast your own marshmallows and enjoy a sweet treat that’s sure to lift your spirits.

Popcorn & Games 

April 10th – 12th | April 15th & 16th | West Gate Social | 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Come by West Gate Social with all your friends between 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm during Stress Less to play board games and enjoy some complimentary popcorn.

Puppy Room

April 10th – 12th | April 15th & 16th | The Gallery (On the second floor of Wyckham House, next to the study lounge area) | 11:00 am – 1:30 pm

Back by popular demand, the Puppy Room is back on campus during Stress Less Week! Research shows that petting, hugging, or otherwise touching a loving puppy can rapidly calm and soothe you when you’re stressed or anxious. Meet these pups in the Gallery (Z224, adjacent to the 2nd-floor lounge) and let your stress melt away! Participants will be admitted on a first-come, first-served basis.

SAMRU Centre Activities 

April 10th – 12th | April 15th & 16th | Pride Centre (Z211), SARC (Z204), PSC (Z210) | 9:00 am – 4:00 pm

Check out the SAMRU Centres on the second floor of Wyckham House for drop-in activities like puzzles, colouring, and more!

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Unwind and destress this exam break at Wyckham House! Whether you need to clear your mind or relax your body, we’ve got you covered. Check out our full Stress Less Schedule and program details at samru.ca/stressless.

For general inquiries and suggestions, reach out to us at info@samru.ca.