Finding Calm in a fast-paced environment
University life is exciting and full of opportunities, but it can also be overwhelming. With academic pressures, social commitments, and personal responsibilities, it’s easy to get caught up in the rush, leaving little room to pause and take stock of how we’re feeling.
That’s why we have collaborated with the Students' Union to introduce Calm Spaces, designed to bring gentle, accessible wellbeing support into everyday university life and making it easier for everyone to access small but meaningful moments of calm when they need them.
What is a Calm Space?
We recognise that for many, wellbeing support needs to feel natural, optional, and integrated into daily life, so we are placing subtle prompts with gentle relaxation, mindfulness and wellbeing tools like calming strategies and grounding exercises in familiar spaces that you already use - library areas, communal spaces, seating areas, and quiet locations across campus. See some examples of what to look out for here.
We hope that this will help to reassure and support you when needed. A moment of reflection or a simple breathing exercise might be enough to help you to reset and refocus. We hope that they may also serve as a gentle reminder to check in with yourself and to look for further support if needed.
How can you use the Calm Spaces?
These spaces are there to be used in the way that feels most helpful to you. You don’t need an appointment or permission, just a few moments to pause and reset.
Each space provides simple, evidence-based wellbeing strategies that can be practiced discreetly in any setting, offering practical ways to regain a sense of balance while carrying on with your day. For example:
- The 5-4-3-2-1 Grounding Technique – A quick and effective way to anchor yourself in the present moment.
- Breathing exercises – Short, controlled breathing patterns to help calm the nervous system.
- Self-reflection prompts – Encouraging gentle self-awareness and mindfulness.
What’s Next?
This is just the beginning. We will continue to explore how wellbeing can be integrated into the university experience in ways that are natural, accessible, and student led. We welcome feedback and ideas from students and staff on how we can expand and adapt this initiative to best meet the needs of our university community. If you would like to share feedback or ideas with us please email student.wellbeing@shu.ac.uk
Look out for our Calm Space prompts and reflections as you move around the university.
