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!

      This year’s theme: The 5 Ways to Wellbeing

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

Each day of StressLess Week focuses on a different way to support your wellbeing, with events designed to help you explore, unwind, and take a break.

Monday — Connect

StressLess Kick Off - Welcome to StressLess 

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, mug decorating, 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.

Tuesday — Take Notice

Seafront Walk & Creative Session - Book your farm visit here  and join us at the beach 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.

Wednesday — Keep Learning

StressLess Info Fair - Get support here 

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.

And yes, the therapy dogs will be joining us as well, offering a moment of calm and comfort as you take a break and enjoy the space.

Thursday — Give

StressLess Spa - Just come along and relax 

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 free 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.

Friday — Be Active

StressLess Silent Disco - Book Tickets Here 

We’re ending StressLess Week on a high with something a little different.

Friday is all about Be Active, which is simply about moving your body in a way that feels good and helps you shift your energy. It is not about fitness or pressure, but about finding a moment to let go, have fun, and enjoy yourself.

Join us for a silent disco where you can put on a pair of headphones, choose your music, and dance however you like. Whether you are fully committing on the dance floor or just having a small sway to your favourite songs, this is your space to move in a way that feels comfortable and enjoyable.

With multiple channels to choose from, you can switch between playlists depending on your mood, sing along with your friends, or just get lost in the music for a while. There is no right way to take part, and no expectations — just a chance to enjoy the moment.

After a week of slowing down, creating, connecting, and trying new things, this is an opportunity to lift your energy, have a laugh, and finish the week feeling a little lighter.

Come along with friends or on your own, grab a headset, and take part in whatever way feels right for you.

Let’s end the week on a high note