Empowering Wellness: SMU's Mental Health Week 2026 Highlights Physical Resilience

Engaging Activities for Wellbeing

This year's Mental Health Week at Singapore Management University (SMU), held from October 22 to 23, centred on the theme of physical resilience. The event aimed to encourage students and staff to take a moment to pause, rejuvenate, and engage in self-care practices that foster long-term mental wellness.

Organized by the Mrs Wong Kwok Leong Student Wellness Centre, the event promoted unique activities designed to highlight the importance of nurturing both physical and mental health. Michelle Koay, the Head of the Centre, emphasized, "Through initiatives like P.A.C.E., we want to show students that looking after themselves can be straightforward and effective."

Four Pillars of Self-Care: The P.A.C.E. Framework

The venue was transformed into an interactive wellness hub featuring four key areas to enhance everyday student life:

• P: Physical Spaces (Calm. Focus. Energise) - In collaboration with the SMU Libraries, participants explored mindfulness concepts and created their ideal spaces to study and relax.
• A: Activity (Move. Play. Recharge) - The Student Council of Discipline joined forces to challenge students with exercise routines linked to fun games like bean bag tosses.
• C: Chill & Rest (Pause. Reset) - Partnering with the SMU Students’ Association, this zone helped students identify their personal reset techniques and experiment with quick recharging methods.
• E: Eat Well (Build Your Bowl) - Curated by Student Care Officers, this area allowed students to evaluate their nutrition by constructing their ideal meal bowls.

Koay expressed her hopes that these curated activities would help students realize that self-care can be uncomplicated. "It's about identifying what works for you and establishing small, sustainable habits to support your wellbeing," she added.

Building Community Through Interactive Challenges

A standout activity was the P.A.C.E. 4 Stones Challenge, spearheaded by the SMU Peer Helpers. This inventive twist on the classic Five Stones game encouraged players to engage with each aspect of P.A.C.E. through fun physical challenges, all while fostering discussions around mental health.

Caresse Liow, a Year 3 student, shared, "Involvement in these events allows us to connect deeper with the student community and promotes healthy self-care practices. It's vital for students to explore diverse approaches to wellbeing."

As students prepped for upcoming examinations and project deadlines, the timing of Mental Health Week proved invaluable. Year 3 student Low Jing Xi noted the importance of the event during high-pressure periods: "It’s a timely reminder to focus on mental health and encourages open conversations about seeking support among peers," he said.

Participants had the chance to engage in three of the four activities and join a survey, leading to opportunities to win wellness technology and vouchers worth over $3,500. Principal Wellness Sponsor ACTXA provided on-site trials of their fitness gadgets, enhancing the event's focus on health.

A Comprehensive Approach to Staff Wellness

Recognizing that mental wellness plays a crucial role across the university, SMU’s Office of Human Resources organized workshops and talks for staff from October 13 to 22. Events included Mat Pilates, leather crafting, custom perfume workshops, and coffee tasting sessions to encourage mindfulness and movement.

In addition to these hands-on experiences, practical wellness talks covered topics ranging from coping strategies for caregiver stress to nutrition and sleep health. These initiatives aimed to provide staff with essential tools to handle both personal and professional demands effectively.

Isabella Rosalind of the Corporate Marketing and Brand team reflected, "Trying new activities, like Pilates, was a refreshing challenge, encouraging me to step out of my comfort zone and embrace the joy of new experiences."

Acknowledge Achievements in Mental Health Advocacy

During the celebratory week, the Mrs Wong Kwok Leong Student Wellness Centre was awarded the Silver Ribbon Mental Health Award 2026 for its impactful contributions to mental health advocacy. This commendation recognizes the Centre’s commitment alongside numerous individuals and organizations focused on mental health awareness.

Head of the Centre, Michelle Koay, accepted the award on October 10 during World Mental Health Day. During the ceremony, Shawn Huang Wei Zhong, Senior Parliamentary Secretary, acknowledged the importance of promoting mental health support within the community, highlighting SMU's ongoing commitment to fostering a caring campus environment.