We’re in the middle of exams season when stress levels at LSE soar. Consider the following scenario with students in a frenzy, cramming last-minute revision whilst also typing away to meet the word count for their online assessments. A timeout was desperately in need. And the solution this week? Brace yourself for the most effective remedy: LSE’s very own Mental Health Awareness Week! Discover what LSE had on as part of their stress-relieving event calendar by reading on.
Monday 15 May
Attention all you edgy students at LSE, I mean, let’s face it, nearly everyone on campus is sporting those tote bags. However, last Monday was anything but typical. In fact, it was a tote bag extravaganza where you could attend a tote bag making masterclass, channelling your inner Karl Lagerfeld. In all honesty, it may not resemble a Chanel bag, but it’ll sure be a cool story to tell. From 20-minute massage stations situated in the LSE Treatment Clinic to procrastination workshops, there was an unusual bustle around the exam season campus.
Tuesday 16 May
Grounding, breathing, balancing, can you guess what effective technique am I making a hint at? You got it, it’s Tai Chi, of course! These sessions were ideal for those who ever yearned for a taste of the tranquil and life-changing journey that Julia Roberts embarked upon in Eat Pray Love. Okay, so it took place in the LSE Faith Centre, but this ancient technique for tranquilly transports you to a different dimension.
Along with Tai Chi, following the most recent TikTok knitting craze, LSE actually put on Knitting groups where people of all skill levels were encouraged to partake: and that’s inclusive of all free materials!
Wednesday 17 May
Those winding sounds you heard around campus on Wednesday were not the familiar hum of Boris bikes cruising by: it was probably smoothie bikes. Yes, you heard the delightful whirring sounds from pedal-powered blenders making delectable smoothies on wheels. it was the ultimate blend of fitness and health. Once again, LSE’s Treatment Clinic was really bringing its A-game during this week’s line-up of events, with acupuncture sessions also readily available during the day!
Thursday 18 May
Bring on Thursday, along with its daily table tennis sessions in full swing, but the main event stole the spotlight: Anapana meditation. Since our minds are constantly racing with things to do, meditation is particularly beneficial for students, and this blissful Anapana meditation practise was excellent for exploring the depths of mindfulness. And even better, this event was also free of charge, so you had no excuses not to go!
Friday 19 May
After much anticipation, Friday finally arrives; only a few weeks to go for exams to be entirely over, but what better way to get your mind off those final exams? Enter: street photography. A little disclaimer, just to be clear, after attending just one of these sessions, you won’t be a professional photographer. But one click at a time, following these tips and tricks you learn, your Instagram feed may eventually resemble the aesthetic Pinterest board you’ve been longing for. The Zen Project was also a highlight for some! Be sure to check out the link for more information.
Final Remarks
Well, there you have it! A fun-packed week all tightly condensed into a short blog. While the week was fully packed with tons of things to do, these were my very own highlights. Let me know if you attended any of these events; it would be great to hear a few testimonials in the comments below. Since these activities are a fantastic way to temporarily escape stress as opposed to acting as a solution for mental health, it is crucial to seek professional help from our Student Wellbeing Team. They are the real superheroes here! I wish you all the very best with your exams, and try not to stress too much; you’re halfway there!
