Life is filled with farewells and losses, regardless of the wealth, relationships, or status we accumulate. While parents and teachers often emphasize the importance of striving for success, they rarely teach us how to cope with loss. Facilitated by Mr Arnold Leung, a Registered Social Worker and President of the Hong Kong Life and Death Studies Association, this workshop aims to bridge that gap. Through interactive games and discussions, students explored what truly matters in life and the inevitability of loss. The key takeaway was to cherish and preserve joyful memories while we can.

Positive intrapersonal and interpersonal skills contribute to better mental health and improved quality of relationships. These skills are important elements for future professional success and achievement.

The workshop, facilitated by certified counselor Ms Fiona Tsang, aims to enhance participants' intrapersonal and interpersonal skills through skill-sharing and practical exercises. The facilitator highlighted key areas for building intrapersonal development, focusing on self-awareness, self-management, and personal growth. In addition to intrapersonal skills, tips are provided for participants to practice and improve their ability to collaborate, communicate, and interact effectively with others.

By the end of the workshop, participants acquired valuable skills for both intrapersonal and interpersonal development, thereby enhancing their overall well-being.

The JUSTalk Series is a Human Library session that invites Peer Companions from the Counseling and Wellness Center and caretakers of mental illness patients from Richmond Fellowship of Hong Kong to share their personal experiences in a small group setting.

In the workshop, each human book shared their experiences in accompanying their loved one, peers and even themselves through the difficult times, highlighting the challenges and resilience they faced as well as the importance of companionship and empathy they needed. Participants listened empathetically, offering words of support and appreciation. Through open dialogue, both the participants and the human books exchanged thoughts and recognized the strength within youth, allowing everyone to reflect on their own experiences.

In a soothing session led by Ms Jennifer Wong, a Certified Singing Bowl Therapist, students experienced relaxation for the body, mind, and soul. The resonant sounds of the singing bowls guided participants into a deep meditative state, while the vibrations worked to heal and rejuvenate them, fostering a profound sense of tranquility.

Emi Wong is Hong Kong’s most-subscribed YouTuber, boasting over 7 million followers in the fitness and lifestyle niche. As a public figure, Emi frequently encounters negative comments and criticism, which have imparted valuable lessons in resilience. In this engaging session, she shared her emotional journey and insights on navigating public scrutiny while maintaining her mental well-being. Emi candidly discussed her feelings of being lost and in transition, even at this stage of her life, as well as her experiences as a digital nomad.

The Tea Sensory Workshop offered participants a soothing tea-tasting voyage, expertly led by Mr Enoch Ko, founder of The Natural Tea Co. Participants were guided through the art of tea tasting using the humblest of vessels - a bowl.

During the workshop, Enoch shared insights into different types of tea, the proper procedures for tasting, and his personal experiences in collecting tea from various regions in China. Participants delved into the hues, forms, scents, and flavors of the tea leaves, gradually unraveling the complexities with every sip.

The session emphasized stimulating and reviving the senses, grounding participants in the present moment through the experience of tea. By the end of the workshop, participants gained a deeper appreciation for tea tasting as not just a sensory activity, but also as a form of meditation that fosters inner tranquility and a connection with nature.

Certified incense instructor Helen Law, a Certified Professional Incense Artisan and Instructor, crafted a relaxing and harmonious environment for participants by integrated incense, rhythmic drumbeats, and guided breathing practices.

The instructor started the workshop by burning a selection of incenses, filling the room with organic aromas to ease stress and anxiety, and to revitalize participants' minds and bodies. Following this, participants engaged in deep breathing exercises accompanied by rhythmic drumming. As the sounds resonated within them, they synchronized their breath with the rhythms, fostering a de-stressing atmosphere that allowed them to reconnect with their inner selves.

By the end of the workshop, participants not only immersed themselves in the interplay of soothing scents and sounds but also acquired breathing techniques for achieving calmness. These techniques empowered them to manage stress and anxiety effectively, enhancing their overall well-being.

The workshop was facilitated by Mr Jason Sze-To, a Student Counselor at the Counseling and Wellness Center. He provided participants with a gentle yet enriching introduction to yoga, emphasizing the connection between mind and body through movement and breath. This engaging session featured a variety of basic yoga poses designed to cultivate body awareness and promote mindful breathing techniques. Participants learnt how these practices can effectively reduce stress and enhance overall well-being.

By the end of the workshop, participants not only gained a deeper understanding of yoga but also acquired the skills to incorporate these practices into their daily routines for meditation and relaxation. Feedback from participants reflected a positive impact, with many expressing gratitude for the opportunity to explore mindfulness in a supportive environment.

The workshop was facilitated by Ms Kelly Lee, a Counseling Psychologist at the Counseling and Wellness Center. She provided participants with a valuable introduction to self-compassion in a nurturing and supportive environment. Kelly delved into the underlying theories of self-compassion, explaining the scale of self-compassion and emphasizing the critical importance of treating oneself with kindness during challenging times, particularly in the demanding context of university life.

Participants actively engaged in practical activities, such as designing personal self-compassion cards, which served as tangible reminders to cherish and love themselves amidst their struggles. This creative exercise not only fostered self-reflection but also encouraged a more compassionate mindset.

By the end of the workshop, participants emerged with deeper insights into the concept of self-compassion and practical strategies to be less harsh on themselves, ultimately enhancing their emotional well-being and resilience. The workshop empowered participants to navigate their personal challenges with greater kindness and understanding, reinforcing the idea that self-compassion is essential for maintaining mental health in a fast-paced academic environment.

The online workshop was facilitated by Miss Gigi Pang, an experienced certified counselor. She introduced the signs and patterns of Impostor Syndrome (IS), helping participants identify and address this phenomenon.

Throughout the workshop, the facilitator prompted questions via the chat box, encouraging active participation and interaction among students to share knowledge and insights. She guided participants in practicing skills and techniques to overcome IS. Additionally, she emphasized the importance of cultivating positivity as a defense against IS, offering daily practices such as mindfulness and breathing exercises for participants to engage in alongside her.

By the end of the workshop, participants became more aware of IS and learned skills to combat its signs while nurturing self-compassion within themselves.