Exam Season Support Group – harnessing the powers of yoga, mental health for young people, neuroscience, creativity and more...

12 weekly meetings in a space where young people can let down their guard and connect with a sense of wellbeing. Through sharing practices, creative play and easy yoga postures, participants will be supported during these times of high intensity. These sessions act as a counterpose to the stress and pressure of the exam season.

The meetings will be hosted by Jessica Williamson and Amber Scott, both mothers and professionals in their respective fields: counselling and yoga.

Jess will be providing a safe space for young people to speak their minds and be supported in doing so. Through various targeted activities, participants will be able to talk about difficult feelings and experience the benefits of companionship. During a period where their mental health can be extremely challenged, Jess will teach skills that help balance mood, counter overwhelm and process anxiety.

The yoga sessions will focus on grounding in the body, connecting with a sense of comfort and ease where it exists and drawing on the breath to release contracted areas. Particular areas of tension during the exam period are the hips, shoulders and jaw. Gentle stretches combined with curious attention are aimed at relaxing and softening tense muscles and joints. Yoga postures bring awareness both on and off the mat so that the body can be more supportive to the studying brain. Simple meditation techniques that uncouple the mind from the thoughts can provide an immense sense of relief to the heavy workload required for these exams. Students’ concentration improves when there is space for decompression and embodiment.