Signage near guild office promoting the Stamp Out Stress Day event.
By Nash’aa Nashid
Put down your lecture notes and text books – it’s time to channel your artistic side.
Murdoch Guild wants students to rise from the study slump – just for one day – at the upcoming Stamp Out Stress Day.
A new art competition is planned to design the cover of the student guild diary.
Murdoch Guild Media and Events Officer Lindsay Walton said the guild wants students to focus on something creative rather than academic.
“We try to put on events or activities that will help students not think about work for a couple of hours,” Ms Walton said.
Stamp Out Stress Day has been running for more than 10 years but the new focus on art has come after feedback from students who want less academic alternatives.
The guild held a Mental Health Day last week, and the Stamp Out Stress Day, on October 26 will focus on students’ well-being and provide them with an array of activities to minimise stress.
Ms Walton believes that it is important for students to have a day where they can forget about their studies and focus on having fun.
“We are limited in what we can do for students to relieve pressure as we are more activity based as we are in events. But we do scratch the surface and distract the students for an hour or two,”Ms Walton said.
Guild Student Assist Officer Hazel Mangazva said that many students experience mental health problems.
“Unfortunately there are so many stresses that students experience just being on a full-time load with study,” Ms Mangazva said.
Photography student Harriet Burrows said she has benefited from the support that the student guild offers.
“They are a fantastic resource for students, they are so supportive of you and they are going through the stresses of university too so they are understanding and helpful,” Miss Burrows said.
Ms Walton hopes that students can take a break from the stress of university and enjoy the day filled with free massages and henna.
“It’s important to make these events for students to meet or make new friends. Plus it is way better than going to lectures.” Ms Walton said.
Stamp Out Stress Day will be held on Thursday, October 26 on Bush Court from 10am to 2pm.