Finding Your Sparkle: A Conversation on Mindfulness, Play, and Wellness with Sarah Moskal

In a world that often feels like it’s moving at warp speed, taking a moment to pause and reconnect with ourselves can seem like a luxury—or even an impossible task. But what if the key to managing stress, boosting mental health, and rediscovering joy isn’t about adding more to our to-do lists, but rather about tapping into the simple, playful practices we’ve overlooked?

That’s exactly what we explore in this episode of STEAM Studio Spotlight with Sarah Moskal, NIU’s Interim Associate Director for Student Wellness. Sarah brings a refreshing perspective on well-being, blending mindfulness, curiosity, and even a little STEAM-inspired creativity to help us navigate the chaos of daily life.

Wellness Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All

Sarah starts by redefining what “wellness” really means—it’s not just about physical health or the absence of illness, but about nurturing all parts of ourselves: emotional, social, occupational, environmental, and even spiritual well-being. It’s about asking: Am I living in alignment with who I am? Do I feel safe and supported in my surroundings?

For students (and let’s be honest, all of us), the biggest hurdle is often time. “I don’t have time for self-care” is a common refrain, but Sarah challenges that notion. Wellness doesn’t have to mean hour-long meditation sessions or drastic lifestyle changes. It can be as simple as stealing “time confetti”—those tiny pockets of moments between meetings, classes, or chores—to do something that brings a little joy. Maybe it’s listening to a favorite song, doodling, or even (as our hosts discovered) sitting outside and identifying bird calls.

The STEAM Connection: Curiosity as a Gateway to Mindfulness

One of the most fascinating parts of the conversation is how Sarah bridges mindfulness and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math). Observing the world with curiosity—like a scientist noticing details or an engineer tinkering with solutions—can actually be a form of grounding. When we focus on sensory experiences (What do I see? Hear? Feel?), we pull ourselves out of spiraling thoughts and into the present moment.

Kristin shares a personal example: her evening ritual of identifying bird songs with her husband. What started as a casual hobby became a mindful practice, helping her decompress and reconnect with the present. Sarah calls this “tricking yourself into learning”—using play and exploration to build resilience without it feeling like a chore.

When Mindfulness Feels Out of Reach

Of course, none of this is a magic fix. Sarah is quick to acknowledge that for those dealing with anxiety, depression, or other mental health challenges, “just breathe” isn’t always enough. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing your own baseline and seeking support when needed—whether through NIU’s Counseling and Consultation Services (free for students!) or other professional resources.

And for the doom-scrollers among us (no judgment—Russ does it!) Sarah offers a gentle reframe: What if, instead of numbing out, we used even a fraction of that time to engage with something that truly replenishes us?

This episode isn’t just a pep talk about self-care. It’s a practical, relatable, and sometimes humorous look at how to weave wellness into the cracks of our busy lives. Whether you’re a student drowning in deadlines, a professional juggling a million tasks, or just someone looking for ways to feel a little more grounded, Sarah’s insights—and the team’s playful banter—will leave you with actionable takeaways and maybe even a new appreciation for the birds outside your window.

So, if you’ve ever felt like wellness is just another item on an impossible checklist, give this episode a listen. You might just find that the path to feeling better isn’t about doing more—but about rediscovering the sparkle in the small moments.

Listen to the Full Conversation

Listen to the full episode of STEAM Studio Spotlight. Find more episodes by searching “Northern Illinois University STEAM Studio” on major podcast platforms.