Come to the Mentale Wasstraat (mental spring clean) during Student Well-being Week: 'I discovered I can handle more than I thought’
Want a unique experience that will help you to reduce stress, build resilience, and cope better with setbacks? Then come to the Mentale Wasstraat (mental spring clean) during Student Wellbeing Week (23 till 27 November) and take on special challenges alongside other students—from breathing exercises to ice baths and standing on a bed of nails.
Students Esmee, Jelle and Lena got a sneak peek during a previous edition of the Mentale Wasstraat and shared their experiences with us.
Esmee – Student of Greek and Latin Language and Culture
‘It was a very special evening. I had deep conversations with people I’d never even met before. I also felt much more emotional during the activities than I expected I would .
Standing on the bed of nails really put my mental and physical endurance to the test. But by going through it together, I drew a kind of strength from it. After getting through something so difficult, I was left with a sense of satisfaction and pride. I discovered that I can handle more than I thought. It’s something I'll remember for the rest of my life, especially when things aren't going my way. I think everyone can get something positive out of the experience in their own way.'
Jelle – Student of Governance of Sustainability
‘I expected to find the breathing exercises boring, but it was an incredible experience to focus intensely on my breathing and feel what that does to your body and mind. Afterward, almost everyone said it made them feel a little emotional. But the surroundings, lighting and overall atmosphere made it feel very safe.’
Above all, I learned just how big an impact breathing can have on how you feel and what you’re going through. For example, when you have to make a difficult decision, or when stress is getting too much for you. It was great to see how easy it could be to completely open up with each other about the challenges we face in our daily lives - and how good that feels. It’s definitely something that everyone should experience at least once.’
Lena – Student of Governance and Global Development
‘I was surprised you could feel so comfortable in such a large group of strangers. And I found the meditation surprisingly pleasant and calming - I usually have a hard time staying focused. The bed of nails was more painful than I expected, but it’s cool to discover that you can actually do it. You come to realise that you’re capable of much more than you think.
I’d recommend it to everyone. Even if it’s something you’d normally never do: just try something new and challenge yourself. The sense of community with other people is really special and you feel completely recharged when you leave.'
Sign up too!
Would you like to experience all this for yourself? On 24 November, the Mentale Wasstraat is coming to Leiden during Student Well-being Week. Sign up soon! There are limited places available.
Sign up now