5 Free Ways to Incorporate Wellness as a University Student

Why Wellness Matters for University Students

Recently Soul Tara was invited to conduct a wellness workshop, including a sound bath and fire ceremony from Cosmic Starlight, at UCLA.  That got us thinking just how important wellness is for university students.  

University life is challenging —balancing academics, social life, and independence often leads to burnout and stress.  And yet so many of us are not taught wellness tools while growing up, this leads to feeling isolated and helpless when challenges arise in university.  

Healing tools can help calm your nervous system (more focus, better sleep), help you make more sound decisions (not out of panic), and enjoy the journey into adulthood (prescence).

5 Free Ways to Incorporate Wellness as a University Student

1) Breathing: Anytime you feel stressed take deep breaths until you notice yourself calm down.  This simple, effective technique can work in just a few minutes.  When we are stressed we activate our sympathetic nervous system which quickens are breath.  By breathing deeply you relax the body and shift the body into the parasympathetic nervous system.

2) Sound Baths:  We are constantly bombarded with information overload.  Even if your conscious mind cannot process all of that information, it impacts your energy body.  An easy way to help yourself relax, even if you are not into meditation, is to listen to a sound bath.  A sound bath includes pleasing frequencies are are harmonious to the energy body (aura + charkas), they are shown to improve neuroplasticity, strengthen the body's immune system, enhance creativity, and help with deeper sleep.  Here is a YouTube channel from our founder, new sound baths are posted every few weeks.

3) Journaling: If you aren't into journaling, a blank page can be intimidating.  But journaling is a great way to process emotions, many therapists recommend journaling as an on-going practice for their patients.  As a student, you can simply journal for 5 minutes checking-in with yourself.  No need to censor or judge yourself.  Just let your thoughts and emotions flow.  Afterwards, you'll feel a little lighter.  This is a great practice to incorporate as part of your morning or evening routine.

4) Gratitude: From modern say self-development experts to ancient wisdom, gratitude is always shared as an important practice.  List out things you are grateful for, it may start out as mechanic, but keep going until you actually feel yourself smile and feel the energy of gratitude radiate from your heart.  Don't worry if it takes a while until you truly feel it, be patient and wait for the magic to happen.

5) Movement: Mindful movement such as yoga asana improves the mind-body connection.  Do some short stretches, pausing and breathing deeply for each movement.  You'll be surprised how much impact 5-10 minutes can have.