Less Stress, More Joy: 3 Tips for Busy Students

Oct 9

October always feels like a full month. Maybe you’re settled into the school rhythm, but there are looming deadlines and upcoming events.

I’ve noticed that when I’m constantly on my phone or overthinking assignments, I stop paying attention to how I actually feel. Being in my head can take away joy, peace, and accomplishment and replace them with anxiety and stress. Focusing on being present and mindful during these busy times may just be the key to experiencing more joy!

Embodiment: A Tool Against Burnout

What is Embodiment?

It's a pretty simple concept; the practice of being present to one's social, physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual sensations. It combines mindfulness, awareness, and joy to feel peaceful and to decrease stress.

Embodiment helps respond to needs that we may be ignoring. For example, when I get really sucked into my schoolwork, I will sometimes forget to reach out to friends or to catch up with my family. That social aspect of my life is so important, and I shouldn’t be sacrificing one area for another. Balance is key!

Embodiment counteracts burnout, which means that by “slowing down,” you are actually helping get to your goals faster, without feeling overly stressed or unmotivated.

3 Tips for Balance When Life Gets Busy

Mindfulness

Practising daily mindfulness is a great way to centre yourself and prepare for your day! It can calm our nervous systems during stressful seasons and help us to plan for a more well-rounded day.

Staying Social

Connecting with people you love and trust is another great way to balance out your schedule. Social connections give you a chance to reflect on and discuss any barriers you might be facing that are contributing to burnout. Talking to friends, family, or even your teachers can help you to feel more in tune with the things that matter to you.

Physical Exercise

Exercise is something that I use frequently to manage stress and to switch up my routine on days when I feel overwhelmed with work. Exercise releases endorphins that boost motivation and help you engage both your mind and body to its full potential! If you ever find yourself in a position where you need a break from your studies, I would recommend going outside and moving your body.

For me, embodiment has been about slowing down enough to notice what I actually need. When I make space for those things, I feel less stressed and more balanced, even in busy seasons. It’s not about doing everything perfectly, but about being present enough to enjoy the process. So, the next time you feel bored or overwhelmed, remember these tricks to bring back joy!

Sarah Brown
JOMO Student Intern

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Further Reading:

https://www.mhs-dbt.com/blog/mindfulness-teens-important-mental-health/