Mindful Momentum

Our generation is facing unprecedented levels of stress, anxiety, and loneliness, yet meaningful dialogue about mental health remains elusive.

OverStress is here to change that narrative with our Weekly Mental Health Challenge – Mindful Momentum.

Inspired by research and real-life experiences, our challenges aim to help teens feel happier, more productive, and sociable.

We're challenging the culture of overachievement and perfectionism by encouraging self-care, taking breaks, and addressing burnout head-on. Join us as we embark on a journey of self-discovery and growth, one challenge at a time.

From initiating conversations with new people to practicing mindfulness through meditation, each challenge is designed to foster connection, promote well-being, and combat the stigma surrounding mental health.

Together, let's turn the tide on burnout, depression, and overwhelm, and cultivate a generation that prioritizes their mental health and supports one another in the process.

Mindful Momentum: Empowering teens to thrive, one challenge at a time. Weekly challenges are sent out weekly via email and posters in schools and community areas.

Follow along to make sure you don't miss a single challenge!

Week 1

The first week of Mindful Momentum kicked off with an important fusion of tasks: a look at how small actions can affect both outside and in. Starting a conversation. Paying someone a complement. Often times, making someone else's day better is the easiest way to improve your own. On the other hand, this first week also emphasized journaling, meditation, and even, dare I say, taking a break from social media. These internal actions are well known for their quick and potent positive effects on the mind. By combining the two, the first week of Mindful Momentum was truly the week of balance, giving a wide range of tasks that served to ease participants into Mindful Momentum.

Week 2

Venturing away from the focus on actions in the first week of Mindful Momentum, the second week instead centered on a Mindful perspective. While actions see amazing results, a different perspective is what solidifies these results. A Can vs. Cannot attitude, taking time to observe one's surroundings, and of course, smiling. These are less actions but more ways of approaching life that encourage growth and health. It is in the times when it is hardest to feel good that a shift in perspective, a simple smile even when it seems useless is what brightens a day.

Week 3

This was the time to refresh. Plummeting into a freezing cold shower to reset the body for the rest of the week. Eating lunch undisturbed by the constant ringing of a phone to find comfort in the ordinary. Enjoying the great gift of music to excite the ears and calm the mind. And perhaps, the most important refresh of all in calling a friend even for just a short conversation. To refresh all the available options in life is to awaken new possibilities and set the foundation for new improvements. It is not a complete reset, but a time to reflect that opens more capability to grow.

Week 4

Our week 4 Mindful Momentum was about taking the next step. First, on top of AP exams students had to face a tremendous mountain of finals that obscured the summer break on the other side, causing this time to be understandably stressful for many. That's why this weeks challenges gave the rope, carabiners, and harnesses to climb. With the active recall strategy, moving, and most importantly, sleep, students could feel prepared to take on their finals. Yet even after scaling the mountain, it is important to find the next step. This week encouraged preparation for making the most out of summer - Goals, planning out a calendar, cleaning up your workspace. That way, the following summer time is clear and of course, meaningful.