By Sarah Galloway, Events Coordinator
Returning to Queen’s each year is always a mix of excitement and nerves. The buzz around campus, seeing friends again, and diving into classes can be great—but it can also be overwhelming. This year, living in a university house for the first time has brought its own challenges. Between figuring out grocery shopping and trying to create some kind of routine, I’ve realized how important it is to make time for myself—especially through staying active.
One thing I’ve learned is how much moving my body helps when I’m feeling anxious or stressed. At school, it’s easy to get caught up in the intensity of schoolwork and exams. There’s always another reading, another assignment, or another deadline pending. But what I’ve started doing, even on the busiest days, is finding little ways to move. Whether it’s walking to class through campus or going to the ARC, those moments help clear my mind and bring me back to the present.
I think what surprised me the most is how much being active helps with the stress of living away from home. Moving out felt exciting—more freedom, more independence—but it also came with its fair share of anxiety. On harder days, it helps you to get out of the house and go for a walk. There’s something so calming about just stepping outside, clearing my head, and finding a bit of peace. Those small moments of movement help me reset and feel more grounded, even when everything else feels chaotic.
I’ve also started to notice how movement isn’t just about being alone—it’s a great way to connect with people. One of my housemates and I started to try and do one thing to keep ourselves active and healthy every day; and it’s become our way of escaping the chaos of school together. Even just convincing everyone in the house to go for a late-night walk (or ice cream run) has made our living situation so much more fun and supportive.
During exams, it’s tempting to stay glued to my desk, but I’ve found that stepping away— even for a 10-minute stretch, a quick run, or a walk to the pier—makes me so much more focused when I come back. It’s like hitting a reset button.
At Queen’s, life gets busy, fast. But making even a little time for movement has helped me feel more grounded and less overwhelmed. It’s not about having a perfect routine or hitting the gym every day—it’s about finding what works in the moment. For me, it’s been a way to care for my mental health, and I hope it can do the same for others too.
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