With exams and final assignments fast approaching, it’s a hectic time of year for Queen’s students so the staff in the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science (FEAS) are holding a unique day of relaxation and stress relief.

Open to all engineering students, the Engineering Health and Wellness Day on April 8 encourages students to enjoy drop-in yoga classes, play with therapy dogs and get a massage to celebrate the end of classes and take a short break before the start of exams.

“We started thinking about what students are dealing with at this time of year, some of the issues they are working through,” says Stacy Shane, Manager, Student Services. “It’s nice to give back to the students and also help them prepare mentally for exams.”

The day starts at 8:30 am in the atrium in Beamish-Munro Hall and includes a wide range of activities including a PAWS Room featuring therapy dogs, yoga and relaxation sessions, 15 minute massages and a “throwback” room where students can indulge their inner child with Lego, colouring books, board games, jigsaw puzzles and other games and toys. Special guest, Richard Hayward (SC’01, Engineering Physics) will be present to talk to students about the importance of maintaining a life balance while studying engineering, as well as working as professional engineer. There will also be information sessions to provide students with studying tips and positive reinforcement.

All activities are free of charge and engineering students attending receive free exam care packages and snacks from Epicurious.

“We want students to reconnect with some of their old hobbies they enjoyed when life was simpler. We want them to enjoy a massage or connect with a dog to help them de-stress. It’s a free day for students to simply enjoy,” says Joanne Roston, personal counsellor for FEAS.

The faculty is hosting its first Engineering Health and Wellness Day with the hope of doing more in the future. In judging the success of the day, the organizing group is looking for something very simple.

“We are looking for smiles,” says Ms. Roston. “Sometimes students get so caught up in their academic lives, they forget to smile and just relax. If we see that, we’ve done something right.”

For more information on Health and Wellness Day, visit the Facebook page.