BYU Student Wellness Department's 'Balancing Your Busy Life' workshop helps students feel hope, gratitude

BYUs Student Wellness Department held a wellness workshop that focused on Balancing Your Busy Life at the Wilkinson Student Center on Nov. 5.

This was an interactive presentation taught by three wellness coaches: Cassidy Nelson, Ashlyn Reese and Sophia Kimball. The presentation gave practical tools and strategies aimed to help students feel hopeful in their goals and end the semester with more confidence and less stress.

They started off by having the participants share what stressed them out through an anonymous survey. Responses included things like school work, dating and family problems. This activity helped students realize that they were not alone with the struggles they face.

Ashlyn Reese, a senior studying exercise and wellness at BYU, talked about the importance of having gratitude through hard times. She shared how during her mission, she was very hard on herself, and it began to take a toll, so one day she prayed to God for help.

And the answer I got was to write down little things that I did every day that were positive in the day it turns out it worked. Not only did it work, but it changed my life, Reese said.

She shared that she still does this exercise, and focusing on the small and simple things in her life has helped her recognize the many things that bring her joy. She played a video called Flecks of Gold, released by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, that shows its often the small and simple things in life that bring people joy.

Students were invited to create a note on their phone titled Flecks of Gold where they can write down little things that bring them joy each day.

Next, Cassidy Nelson, a senior also studying exercise and wellness, presented on the autonomic nervous system and the importance of slowing down.

She said the autonomic nervous system is composed of two things: the parasympathetic nervous system, known as the rest and digest state, and the sympathetic nervous system, known as the fight-or-flight state.

She said both systems are needed. However, living in the sympathetic nervous system state for too long can be problematic, and its important to find ways to return to your parasympathetic nervous system throughout the day.

Nelson then had participants take turns reading a few quotes from Sister Patricia T. Holland.

As I look back at my life, and if I could live any part of it over again, I would do one thing differently, very differently: Simplify! said Sister Holland at a Worldwide Devotional for Young Adults on Jan. 8, 2023.

Nelson ended by having the students engage in a guided meditation video to help them return to their parasympathetic nervous system.

For the final section of the lecture, Sophia Kimball, a senior studying exercise and wellness, shared about the importance of exercising to reduce stress and boost energy.

She talked about how dancing is one of the best ways to exercise and increase joy in one's life when balancing a busy schedule. She then led the audience in a "Just Dance" YouTube video.

So never underestimate the power of movement, laughing and having fun. Its so, so important, especially when things get busier, said Kimball.

The presentation ended with a video featuring Elder David. A Bednar talking about prioritizing what matters most, and doing one's best to be fully present.

The coaches ended by reiterating the lessons they taught and invited students to enjoy healthy snacks.

Students left the workshop with a variety of different takeaways. Charlie Meyer, a senior studying mechanical engineering, shared what he liked about the lecture.

If you go to a wellness class outside of BYU, it might be like, Heres some things, but forget God. I love that they brought (it) back to God in almost every section, Meyer said.

Meyer said he felt inspired to show more gratitude in his life and work more consistently at making small improvements.

For more information about wellness events, visit the BYU Student Wellness website.