The aim of this thesis was to find out how students experience mindfulness exercises and how the exercises affect stress control. The starting point for this work was the stress experienced by students, which came out in other research material. The theoretical background of the thesis defines terms regarding mindfulness, stress and stress control.

This thesis was done by partnering with Häme University of Applied Sciences and the target group consisted of students from the School of Wellbeing in Hämeenlinna. Fourteen students participated in the study. During the study, two events were planned and held to introduce and practice mindfulness. The source material for the study was gathered by questionnaires and by observing the participants during these events. This thesis was carried out as a qualitative research and the research material was analyzed by using thematizing and coding.

The results of the study showed that the students found mindfulness useful. The exercises reduced stress by relaxing the body, calming the mind and by increasing the feeling of acceptance towards themselves and others. The students wished that regular mindfulness exercises would be part of their studies and they recommended this method to other students as well. According to the results of the study, mindfulness suits well for social and health care students as a method of reducing stress.