StressLess Week 2026

For over 10 years, StressLess has been about creating a moment in the calendar for all students to take a moment to slow down, try something new, and focus on their wellbeing in a way that feels natural and supportive.

This week isn’t about adding more to your to-do list. It’s about giving you the opportunity to take a break, reconnect with yourself and others, and spend time in an environment that is designed to help you feel more at ease.

StressLess Week is coming - April 2026!

Each year, StressLess is guided by a different theme, and this year we are focusing on the NHS 5 Ways to Wellbeing. These are simple, everyday actions that can support how you feel, and they help shape the events and experiences taking place across the week.

The 5 Ways to Wellbeing are:

• Connect — spending time with others and building a sense of belonging
• Be Active — moving your body in a way that helps you feel good
• Take Notice — slowing down and becoming more aware of the present moment
• Keep Learning — trying something new and exploring different experiences
• Give — doing something kind for yourself or others

These are not things you need to achieve or complete. Instead, they are gentle reminders that small actions can make a meaningful difference, especially during busy or stressful periods.

What is StressLess really about?

StressLess is about giving students space.

A space to take a break without pressure. A space to try something creative without expectations. A space to connect with others, or simply sit quietly for a while.

Everything across the week has been designed with that in mind.

This is your space on campus to pause, take a breath, and step away from the pressure of deadlines, exams, and everything else that can build up during the year.

Whether you come along for five minutes or stay for longer, the aim is the same: to give you a moment where you can step away from everything else and focus on yourself.

There is no right or wrong way to take part. You can get involved, observe, relax, or simply take in the atmosphere. It is entirely up to you.

Your StressLess Week

Monday — Connect

StressLess Kick Off

We begin the week by opening a relaxed and welcoming space where you can connect with others in a way that feels easy and unforced. This session is all about creating an environment where you can arrive, settle in, and feel part of something without any pressure to take part in anything specific.

There will be a range of creative activities available throughout the day, including designing your own journal cover, painting a plant pot and taking home a plant to look after, creating your own lava lamp, or building a vision board for the weeks ahead. These activities are there for you to try if you would like to, but you are equally welcome to simply sit, have a snack, and enjoy being in the space.

At the centre of the event is the De-Stress Dome, a calm, low-stimulation space designed to help you switch off from the busyness of campus. Inside, you will find soft lighting and a gentle atmosphere that allows you to take a moment to pause, breathe, and reset.

This is a space where you can come on your own or with others, and take what you need from the day. MORE INFO

Tuesday — Take Notice & Connect

Craft & Chat

Alongside the day’s activities, Craft & Chat offers a welcoming drop-in space designed to help you feel comfortable, relaxed, and connected.

This session is about creating opportunities to meet people in a way that feels natural and unforced. Sometimes connection happens most easily when you are doing something alongside others, without any expectation to talk or share.

Throughout the session, there will be a range of creative crafts available for you to take part in, with items you can personalise and take home. You can get involved as much or as little as you like — whether that means crafting the whole time, dipping in briefly, or simply sitting with a drink and enjoying the space.

Members of the Advice team and other support services will be present, giving you the opportunity to ask questions or find out more about what is available. Conversations can be as light or as in-depth as you choose, and there is no expectation to share anything personal.

You will also have the chance to explore the Students’ Union building through short, informal tours running throughout the session.

This is a space where you can take a break, meet others, and feel a little more at home in your Union. MORE INFO

Crafts & Coastlines

 FREE TICKETS HERE

Tuesday is all about slowing down and taking notice of your surroundings.

We will be heading out for a gentle walk along Southsea seafront, giving you the opportunity to step outside, breathe in the fresh air, and spend time in a calmer, more open environment. The walk is designed to be relaxed and unhurried, allowing you to take in the views, sounds, and simple details that are often easy to miss.

When we arrive at the beach, you will have time to take part in creative activities if you would like to. This includes painting a canvas to take home, creating a shell collage, or joining in with our Pebbles of Positivity, where you can decorate a pebble with a kind or uplifting message. You can choose to keep your pebble or leave it behind for someone else to find, as a small but meaningful act of kindness.

You are also welcome to simply take a moment for yourself, enjoy the surroundings, and spend time in the space at your own pace. MORE INFO

StressLess Staunton Farm Trip 

FARM TICKETS HERE 

Tuesday also offers the chance to step away from the city and reconnect in a different way.

We will meet outside the Neptune Building before heading out together to Staunton Farm for a relaxed day in a calmer, greener environment. Connecting is not just about conversation — it can also be about sharing an experience, spending time outdoors, and feeling part of something without pressure.

Once we arrive, you will be free to explore at your own pace. You can meet the animals, wander through the gardens, take photos, or simply enjoy being somewhere quieter than usual. The farm is home to a range of friendly animals, offering a gentle and grounding change of pace from campus life.

After visiting the farm, we will head into the nearby park for a laid-back picnic. You are encouraged to bring your own lunch, find a comfortable spot, and take some time to properly switch off.

We will return to the Union together later in the day, hopefully feeling a little lighter and more refreshed after a simple and enjoyable day out. MORE INFO

Wednesday — Keep Learning

StressLess Info Fair

Wednesday focuses on discovering new opportunities and learning more about the support available to you.

Our Information and Support Fair brings together a range of services and organisations, giving you the chance to explore different types of support, ask questions, and find out what might be helpful for you. Everything is set up to be relaxed and informal, so you can take your time and engage in a way that suits you.

You will also have the opportunity to try something new through our student societies, who will be running taster sessions throughout the day. This is a chance to explore new interests, meet people, and experience something different in a low-pressure environment.

Therapy dogs will also be joining us, offering a calm and comforting presence as you take a break and enjoy the space.

This is an opportunity to learn something new, discover what is available to you, and leave feeling a little more informed and supported. MORE INFO

Thursday — Give & Be Active

StressLess Spa

Thursday is dedicated to slowing down and taking time for yourself.

The StressLess Spa offers a calm and relaxing environment where you can unwind and enjoy a range of self-care activities. You will be able to try face masks, hand masks, hand creams, and other treatments, alongside creative activities such as decorating candle holders, making bath bombs, and creating your own sugar scrub.

As part of the experience, you will also receive a self-care spa pack to take home, so you can continue to enjoy moments of relaxation beyond the event.

This session is about giving yourself permission to take a break, to rest, and to enjoy a slower pace for a while in a supportive and welcoming space. MORE INFO

StressLess Guided Mat Pilates

 FREE TICKET HERE

Thursday also gives you the opportunity to gently move your body and reset.

We will be joined by a qualified instructor for a guided mat Pilates session designed to be calm, accessible, and suitable for all levels. Whether you are completely new to Pilates or already familiar with it, this is a chance to slow things down, focus on your breathing, and move in a way that feels comfortable for you.

Each session will last around 45 minutes and is free to attend. You are encouraged to take part at your own pace, with no pressure to push beyond what feels right for you.

Please wear comfortable clothing that you can move in easily and bring water with you. Mats will be provided.

This is a relaxed and supportive space where you can take time to move, stretch, and reset. MORE INFO

Friday — Be Active

StressLess Games Afternoon

We end the week with an opportunity to relax, have fun, and be active in a different way.

The Games Afternoon is designed to help you switch off and enjoy a change of pace in a relaxed and welcoming environment. Being active is not just about physical movement — it can also be about engaging your mind, interacting with others, and doing something that makes you feel more energised.

Throughout the session, you will be able to take part in a wide range of games, including board games, card games, and group favourites. You can join in as much or as little as you like, try something new, or stick with something familiar.

There will also be a low-key quiz running during the session, with prizes to be won. You can take part on your own or as part of a team, and join in whenever it suits you.

Food and refreshments will be available throughout, giving you the chance to take a break, refuel, and enjoy the atmosphere.

This is your time to play, laugh, and unwind at the end of the week in whatever way feels right for you. MORE INFO

Find your moment with StressLess

StressLess Week is here to give you space when you need it.

Whether you come along to one event or join us throughout the week, everything has been designed to help you feel more supported, more connected, and more able to take a moment for yourself.

Take a look at the events, choose what feels right for you, and come along whenever you are ready.