Going back to in-person learning has been hard. Like, really hard. I went from working 9-5 Monday through Friday and coming home with no homework to being out all day doing classes, work, clubs, homework, etc. I haven’t had a schedule like this since before the pandemic and it is difficult being thrown right back in. I know many other students feel the same way. With the stress of an insane schedule, it may seem like you have no time for self-care. But stress is precisely why you need self-care.
Last Tuesday I found myself on the verge of an anxiety attack. Assignments, work training, club responsibilities, and my insecurities were racing through my mind after I left my 2 o’clock class. I checked my smart watch and my heart rate was much higher than it should have been. I had an hour between my class ending and when my shift started. As I was walking up from south campus, towards the SURC, I looked to my left and saw that the Japanese Garden was open. I needed to take a break, and I knew this was the right place to do it.
The Japanese Garden is a small area in the middle of campus, secluded by tall wooden gates and trees. Inside it feels like an oasis. There is a trickling stream, trees, flowers, and different statues from Japanese culture. There are multiple spots to sit and reflect, so I did just that. I sat on a stone bench and focused on my breathing for a few minutes.
When I focus on breathing, I visualize the air that is going in my nose through inhaling and out my mouth through exhaling. It can help to notice the coolness of the air when inhaling and the warmth of the air when exhaling. These sensations are simple enough to focus on for long periods of time, distracting you from your other worries and slowing your heart rate. Focusing on breathing also grounds you in the present moment because you can never experience a past or future breath.
After doing some breathing, I walked around the garden, looking at the different plants and noticing the details. I noticed the sap dripping on the trees that looked like crystalized honey droplets. The shallow holes in the bark were tunnels digging into the base of the tree. I touched the trees and the leaves on the bushes. So often we are in concrete or brick buildings, traveling along paved walkways and roads. We lack grounding in nature and the life around us in this cement society. It’s easy to forget that nature is alive, just like us, and drawing yourself back to it can bring your thoughts into perspective.
After spending time in the garden, I had to eventually go back to work. My mental state was much better than it was before my breathing. I was connected with the earth and with my inner self instead of worrying about outer circumstances.
If you’re on CWU’s campus, I would recommend checking out the Japanese Garden when you get a break in your schedule. Even if you only have a bit of time before class or work, sit somewhere in a comfortable position and bring your attention to your breathing. It works wonders. Prioritize yourself and your mental health.