Cover Photo by Seles Sanchez
Houston has a reputation. We’re always building something, fixing something and/or planning something.
As the fourth most populous city in the country, this place runs on the hustle and bustle.
And if you’ve ever sat in traffic on I-45 at 4:37 p.m. (peak rush hour), you know exactly what that feels like.
Red brake lights for miles. Constant merging. Everyone is inching forward like they’ve got somewhere urgent to be.
Between the traffic on I-45 and the never-ending assignment submissions in Canvas, life as a University of Houston student can feel the same way.
When you’re juggling classes, exams, work shifts, meetings, clubs and trying to maintain a social life, it starts to feel like there’s no pause button.
But here’s the thing: You can slow down — intentionally.
Here are some realistic ways to practice self-care around Houston (and around campus) when life starts to feel like I-45 at peak traffic.
Use the Campus Rec (You’re Already Paying for It)
You’re already paying for the University of Houston Campus Recreation and Wellness Center through your tuition, so you might as well step inside and use its amenities.
You don’t need a hardcore workout.
Try the group fitness class, from barre, cycling, to zumba- there’s a variety of classes to choose from that are essentially “free” with your paid tuition.
Not feeling a fitness class? Walk on the treadmill. Try the rock wall. Grab friends for pickup volleyball, basketball or badminton. It’s all there for you to use.
Moving your body releases endorphins — your brain’s natural mood boosters — and clears mental fog.
If you’ve been staring at a screen all day, chances are your body just wants to move.
Free Zumba Classes at POST
Not feeling like going to the Rec?
Every first Thursday and third Tuesday of the month, you can bust out a cardio dance move at POST Houston for a free zumba session hosted by AKP Fitness.
The next upcoming event is going to be on March 5th. Dancing with the skyline around you just hits differently.
Zumba is a fun fitness class that involves cardio and fun up-beat tunes to get your heart pumping and grooving – all in one!
Journal + Coffee = Sips and Relax
Want something slower and more chill?
Grab a drink at Brass Tacks or Segundo Coffee Lab and bring a notebook while people-watching.
There are also plenty of hidden gems of coffee shops near campus too — make it an adventure and explore a little!
Writing things down helps organize racing thoughts and reduce emotional overload.
Instead of doom-scrolling between classes, try brain-dumping onto paper. It’s productive in a softer way.
Go Visit Shasta at the Zoo
Pro-Tip: UH students get free entry to the Houston Zoo with a student ID, where you can go see Shasta VI.
Watching animals has been shown to lower stress and boost mood. And with recent updates to the zoo, the exhibits look better than ever.
There’s something grounding about observing creatures that are just existing.
Go Look at Some Art
The Menil Collection is always free, and Museum of Fine Arts, Houston offers free admission on Thursdays.
Art gives your brain something different to focus on — something creative instead of academic. No grades. No deadlines. Just color, texture and feeling.
Take a Mini Escape to Galveston
About an hour from campus is Galveston — the closest beach to Houston and something we don’t take advantage of enough.
Even if you’re not getting in the water, walking along the shoreline and breathing in salty air can shift your mood.
Beach walks are light cardio, and being near water naturally reduces stress.
Watching waves roll in makes your to-do list feel a little less overwhelming.
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