UAE Universities hold wellness days and other events to support students overcome stress

By planning a variety of weekly activities, universities in the UAE are actively cultivating a culture of positivism on their campuses. Even special wellness days have been set aside as students get ready for the new school year. At Canadian University Dubai, one such program is called “The Wellness Wednesdays’ at Canadian University Dubai, which brings together students from different fields to promote mental health awareness, offer opportunities for personal skill development, and facilitate new connections among participants. Explaining the initiative, President of the CUD Wellness Society, and psychology student Vaishnavi Varma said, “We know that well-being can impact academic performance, so we wanted to do something to provide a time-out for students to focus on themselves and to connect with one another. Wellness Wednesdays provides the opportunity for students to meet in a relaxed environment where they can socialize, collaborate, de-stress, and also support one another”.

Students get together once a week to participate in projects including painting, creating candles, and meditation. They can engage in physical activity as well. The program collaborates with other university clubs to put on special activities in honor of holidays like Sports Week and Mental Health Awareness Month while working with neighborhood businesses to foster a sense of community among students.

“We know how important it is to dedicate time to well-being and relaxation, and the Wellness Society took the initiative to establish a weekly program that encourages and enables students to schedule this as a regular commitment. The fact that this is a student-led activity means we have seen a high level of engagement and excellent feedback on the positive impact this has for participants”, says Maryam Farahmand, Student Life Officer at CUD.

Student Yasmeen Khadri, a frequent participant in Wellness Wednesdays, says, “The events are great to join because they provide me with a dedicated time for self-care and help to promote my overall well-being. I love to enjoy simple activities like painting and jewelry making, which help to reduce my stress and foster my personal growth. It's a valuable opportunity for me to prioritize my wellness, connect with a supportive community, and engage in activities that bring me joy and relaxation”. Similar to this, many other colleges provide a wide range of inclusive programs and services that let students take part in campus life while getting help for their well-being and making new friends.

“These include weekly events and competitions ran by our sports teams and social clubs throughout the academic year, the mdxMindset Talks monthly wellness workshop series that was launched by our Wellness Office this academic year on World Mental Health Day, and the extensive range of support offered by departments like our Centre for Academic Success”, claims Professor Tenia Kyriazi, Deputy Director Academic Operations, Middlesex University Dubai. “mdxMindset Talks was one of this academic year’s landmark initiatives from the Wellness Office, bringing students, staff, industry professionals and community members together for open, safe conversations around mental health”.

A few colleges are also starting podcast series with a mental health theme. “In the upcoming academic year, the Wellness Office will be growing its offering with the launch of the mdxMindset Podcast, a podcast series aiming to raise awareness about mental health and wellbeing topics, lessen stigma and encourage open conversations and help-seeking”, she added

Universities also emphasize programs like the Sudoku club that are essential in promoting student happiness and fitness. Varsity clubs are also planning competitions with monetary awards that serve as incentives, enticing students to actively participate and pursue success in these health initiatives.

“By providing a dedicated space for students to engage in this game, procuring Sudoku books and making them available in the common rooms for practice and leisure activities, the club has not only encouraged intellectual stimulation but also created a vibrant community of like-minded individuals”, Says Burcu Aydin, Director of Student Affairs, Gulf Medical University.

She clarifies the healthiness of Sudoku goes beyond entertaining. “As scientific studies have shown it has a positive effect on reducing blood pressure, anxiety, and overthinking. By participating in this mind-challenging game, our students are not only enhancing their cognitive abilities but also improving their focus and thinking speed, which are crucial skills for aspiring medical professionals,” Aydin added.