The University of Würzburg is offering a unique wellness initiative aimed at fostering a more balanced and focused start to the week for its students and staff. , marks the next installment of “7.a.m. Reset – Gelassen in die Woche” (7 a.m. Reset – Calm into the Week), an online session led by Saskia Drapart.
This isn’t a typical university workshop. Drapart, whose work centers on the intersection of mental health, mindfulness and movement, guides participants through a 20-minute practice designed to cultivate a sense of calm and clarity. The sessions blend gentle movements, conscious breathing exercises, and brief mental exercises, offering a practical toolkit for navigating the demands of academic and professional life.
The program, organized by the university’s “Gesunde Hochschule” (Healthy University) initiative, directly addresses the growing need for accessible mental health resources within higher education. The university has been developing a holistic health management system since 2018, and this phase, funded by the Techniker Krankenkasse (TK) health insurance company, extends those resources to include students, recognizing the unique pressures they face.
Drapart’s approach, as detailed on her website, Mind Motion, emphasizes regulation over performance. Her work isn’t about achieving a specific physical feat, but about fostering a deeper connection with one’s body and mind. This is particularly relevant for individuals experiencing chronic stress or discomfort, where the interplay between mental and physical states is often pronounced. She offers courses and workshops focused on stress reduction and self-care, incorporating practices like yoga and progressive muscle relaxation.
The “7.a.m. Reset” sessions are specifically designed to help participants:
- Strengthen their mental health and effectively manage stress.
- Promote mindfulness and resilience in daily life.
- Improve concentration, self-awareness, and recovery skills.
- Establish a healthy and mindful start to the week.
The initiative comes at a time when universities globally are increasingly recognizing the importance of student and staff wellbeing. A similar program, highlighted by TU Dresden, focuses on supporting good mental health among students through virtual exchanges. While details differ, the underlying principle – proactively addressing mental health needs – is consistent.
The University of Würzburg’s commitment extends beyond single sessions. A follow-up session is already scheduled for , demonstrating a sustained effort to provide ongoing support. The “Gesunde Hochschule” also offers a range of other events, including “Aktive Pause” (Active Break) sessions led by Dr. Andreas Petko and Sabine Steindl, and a “5 P.M. Reset – Gelassen in den Abend” (5 p.m. Reset – Calm into the Evening) session also led by Drapart on .
The university’s health management team, reachable at gesundheit@uni-wuerzburg.de, encourages feedback and participation from the university community. They actively seek input on how to improve health-promoting processes on campus, fostering a collaborative approach to wellbeing.
The “7.a.m. Reset” program isn’t presented as a cure-all, but as a practical tool for building resilience and cultivating a more mindful approach to the week ahead. In a demanding academic and professional environment, the opportunity to pause, breathe, and reconnect with oneself – even for just 20 minutes – can be a significant step towards improved wellbeing. The accessibility of the online format further lowers barriers to participation, making it a valuable resource for a broad range of individuals within the University of Würzburg community.
For those interested in learning more or registering for the sessions, details can be found through the university’s event listings. The program requires no prior experience, making it an accessible entry point for anyone seeking simple, everyday methods for relaxation and stress reduction.
