Stressed out with classes and exams? You’re not alone, but you don’t have to stay stuck. University life can be overwhelming—trust me, I’ve been there with my Gen Z son and daughter. As a therapist and a parent, I’ve learned that sometimes, it’s not about doing more but about finding small moments to ground yourself. Those natural pauses in the day can be game-changers for your mental health. Let me show you how movement, mindfulness, and even just breathing can make all the difference.
Why Mindful Movement?
University throws a lot at you: exams, assignments, social expectations—it feels like it never ends. But one of the easiest ways to fight back against stress is movement. And I’m not just talking about hitting the gym or going for a run. We’re talking about small, intentional actions that you can slip into your day-to-day life. They may feel weird at first, but you’ve got this.
Quick Mindful Breaks: A Game-Changer for Stress Relief
We often think we need a lot of time to destress, but I’ve found with my son and daughter, it’s those quick pauses that make a real difference. Here’s one of my go-to’s: when I’m walking and need to lock or unlock a door, I take that moment to breathe deeply for 5 seconds. It might not seem like much, but consciously slowing down helps me re-center. Stopping at a red light? Same deal—feel your body, notice how the weight shifts from one foot to another as you walk. Those five slow steps? They’re
grounding you.
My daughter has even started using this trick during work breaks. She takes a few deep breaths, stretches out her legs, and gets back to her tasks feeling more centered—and hey, if it works for her, it might work for you!
Overwhelm Happens, and That's Okay
Let’s be real: sometimes, it feels like everything is coming at you all at once. I’ve had days where the only option that felt possible was to just lie flat on the floor. Literally. Flat. On the floor. My son and I joke about it now, but at the moment, that’s all I could do to reset. But that’s okay, and you know what? It works. Taking those five minutes to breathe through the overwhelm can give you the space to get back up and try again.
Movement You Can Actually Do
I know, not everyone is into hitting the gym or getting super sweaty. Good news—mindful movement doesn’t have to be intense or time-consuming. In fact, here are some simple ways to work movement into your day:
Qigong/Tai Chi: These slow, deliberate movements are perfect when you need to center yourself without feeling overwhelmed. I’ve found that both my son and daughter love practicing a few Qigong exercises before exams. It’s calming and gets your body moving without the intensity of a workout.
Dancing: You don’t need to sign up for a class! My daughter blasts her favorite music and dances in her room between study sessions. No choreography—just moving around, shaking out the stress. Try it! You’ll feel lighter, I promise.
Walking with Intention: Sometimes, just stepping outside is enough. Walk around the block, and while you do, feel your steps. Focus on the way your feet hit the ground, or notice the sounds around you. This helps to pull you out of your head and into the present moment.
You’re Not Alone: Overwhelm is Real
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone. My son sometimes says he feels like the weight of everything is pressing down on him. He’s not wrong—that’s exactly what it can feel like. But here’s the thing: you don’t have to stay stuck. Just lying flat on the floor for five minutes and focusing on your breath can help you reset.
You’ve Got This
Whether you’re deep into exams, juggling part-time work, or trying to maintain a social life, university life can feel like a lot. But you’ve got this, even if it feels weird at first. Start with small mindful breaks and moments of movement, and see how your body and mind respond. Trust me, it makes a difference. And hey, if it works for me and my kids, it just might work for you, too!
Ready to make mindful movement part of your day? It doesn’t have to be complicated, and it doesn’t require a ton of time. Try these tips, or message me for more ideas tailored to your routine.
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