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6 wellness activities in Canberra for university students
When university ramps up, so does the pressure. Deadlines, group assignments and long nights in the library can take a toll on your mental and physical health. That's why making time for small moments of calm is essential, especially during busy periods like exam season.
The good news? Studying at the Australian National University (ANU) means you're surrounded by great ways to reset. The campus is green and lush and Canberra offers plenty of low-cost, accessible activities that can support your wellbeing without leaving the city (or your student budget) behind.
Here are six calming, relaxing and healthy things around campus and Canberra that can help you pause, recharge and feel a little more balanced.
1. Attend a Pilates class at ANU Sport
Looking for Pilates in Canberra? ANU Sport offers convenient, student-friendly Pilates sessions right on campus.
Pilates is one of the most effective ways to support both your physical and mental health during stressful times. It focuses on strength, posture and breathing, helping you release tension and improve focus.
At ANU Sport, you'll find a dedicated reformer Pilates studio led by qualified instructors. The sessions are designed for all experience levels, so you'll feel supported whether you're new or returning.
It's a great way to squeeze in a reset between lectures without leaving campus. Plus, student memberships make it a budget-friendly option compared to many private studios around Canberra.
Pilates is a great full-body workout that can be a social activity at the same time.
2. Breath in the fresh air at Canberra’s nature trails
These bush walks in Canberra are perfect for clearing your head.
Canberra is one of the best cities in Australia because of its easy access to nature. Whether looking for a short trail between study sessions or a weekend walk with friends, plenty of calming options are close to ANU.
Try these favourites:
- Mount Painter: A short uphill walk with sweeping views across the city. Ideal for sunrise or sunset.
- Shepherds Lookout: A quiet trail leading to a lookout over the Murrumbidgee River. Peaceful and often overlooked.
- Black Mountain Nature Reserve: Right next to ANU, this reserve is full of bush trails and local wildlife. Great for spontaneous midday breaks.
Nature walks are a simple but powerful way to reduce stress and reset mentally. And in Canberra, you're never far from a great one.
There’s no better way to clear your head than to get some fresh air around Canberra’s nature walks.
3. Relax and stretch with some yoga
Yoga in Canberra is easy to access and even easier to start.
Whether it's a slow restorative flow or something more energising, yoga is known to reduce stress, improve concentration and support sleep (essential during exam periods).
ANU Sport runs regular yoga classes on campus and many great studios are nearby in Civic and Braddon. If you're looking for something outdoors, community yoga events often pop up around Lake Burley Griffin or Glebe Park during warmer months. Search "outdoor yoga Canberra" or check Eventbrite for free or low-cost options.
You can also practice at home with free online videos. Even 20 minutes between study sessions can make a real difference to your headspace.
Yoga has been around for thousands of years and is one of the most grounding practices you can do in your everyday life. Image credit: Supercurious
4. Get your hands dirty at the ANU Kitchen Garden
You don’t need to leave campus to find green space, just head to the ANU Kitchen Garden.
This student-led garden is located at ANU and welcomes anyone who wants to connect with nature. Whether you want to help water, plant vegetables or sit quietly among the greenery, it’s easy to ground yourself during a hectic week.
Gardening has been shown to improve mood, reduce stress and boost focus. It’s also a great social activity if you’re looking to meet people in a more relaxed setting.
Drop-in sessions are casual and open to all students and no green thumb is required. For session times, check in with the ANU Student Life website or follow social updates.
The ANU Kitchen Garden is located at the Canberra Environment Centre on campus.
5. Throw some pots at Canberra Potters
Want a hands-on break from the books? Try pottery at Canberra Potters.
Working with clay requires focus, patience and presence, making it a fantastic mental reset. Even if you’ve never tried pottery, beginner-friendly classes can help you tap into creativity and get out of study mode for a while.
Canberra Potters, located in Watson, offers short courses, casual workshops and weekend intensives. They’re well-known for their supportive teaching style and are popular with uni students looking for something practical and mindful to do outside class.
Bonus: you get to keep whatever you make. Wobbly cup included.
Canberra Potters has classes for every kind of maker, encouraging you to build your ceramic skills and you can become a member.
6. Admire art and creativity at the National Gallery of Australia
The National Gallery of Australia (NGA) is one of Canberra’s most peaceful places to visit.
With free general admission, the NGA is the perfect space to slow down and shift your focus away from deadlines. Whether you stay for 10 minutes or two hours, wandering through quiet, beautifully designed galleries is a gentle and effective mental break.
Don't miss the James Turrell Skyspace ("Within Without") behind the building, a light-filled space designed for stillness and reflection, especially at sunrise or sunset. You'll also find Lindy Lee's Ouroboros. This large circular bronze sculpture reflects the sky, the viewer and the landscape around it.
Inspired by ideas of renewal and connection, it's a powerful visual moment that invites pause. Regarding Canberra gallery experiences, this one is hard to beat for inspiration and calm.
The National Gallery of Australia has beautiful public art by artists from around the world.
Why wellness breaks matter so much for students
Academic life comes with a lot of pressure, especially around exams and final assessments. But taking time for small, consistent wellness moments, like stretching, walking, creating or simply pausing, can help reduce burnout and improve focus.
At ANU, you're surrounded by nature and opportunities to support your mental health, and you don't need a full day off to take advantage of them. Even 30 minutes can reset your energy and help you return to study feeling refreshed.
