Stress Less, Breathe More

As finals approach and the holiday season nears, student stress is reaching its peak, something the Student Nurse Association, Active Minds, and Pulse hoped to ease with their collaborative event, Balance & Breathe. The wellness-focused gathering offered yoga, tea-making, arts and crafts, and quiet spaces designed to help students decompress during one of the most overwhelming times of the year. 

For organizers Alicia Carrington and Aniyah Pope, the goal was to create a moment of pause for students who often feel pressured to push through exhaustion. “School comes with loads of unspoken stress.” Carrington said. “You never know what someone is going through, so it’s important to create spaces like this where students can take care of themselves.” 

Pope expressed that the timing was intentional, especially as many students juggle academic burnout, work responsibilities, and the emotional weight that comes with the holidays. Students who attended said the event provided relief right when they needed it most. “I really needed this mental break today.” said Nyaireon Cooper, a junior at Winston-Salem State University. She mentioned that she had been feeling overwhelmed by personal growth, expectations, and day-to-day responsibilities. The yoga session caught her attention, but it was the tea-making table that helped her feel grounded. “I made my own chamomile tea bag, and it was so calming. I’m going home to make more as soon as I get out of class.” Cooper added that the event helped her feel more supported. Yoga instructor Milanda McGinnis, who led the session, said practices like yoga are especially helpful during stressful periods. “Yoga gives you a place to release stress and work on confidence and discipline.” She explained that simple breathing and movement can lower heart rate, improve sleep, and help students manage the emotional strain of finals, travel, and family expectations. “Practices like yoga and creative activities help you show up as a healthier version of yourself.” 

As students prepare for exams and the pressures of the holiday season, Balance & Breathe served as a reminder to slow down, check in with themselves, and make space for small moments of calm.