In order to reach my required number of semester credits, I was told I needed to take a single credit sport and recreation class. After hearing this news, I realized I didn’t have time to take a class like that, nor did I have any interest. With being a full time student, working 20-25 hours a week and being involved in an organization on campus, I knew taking this silly meditation class would be a waste of my time. Well, I’m almost two months into the semester and I don’t think I’ve ever been more thankful to have this class.
Meditation is a specific way to rest the mind. When practicing, you are fully aware and alert, however, your mind is not focused on the crazy and chaotic world around you. The goal of meditation is to focus on the breath while eliminating all distractors and/or thoughts.The mind is not asleep, but clear, relaxed and focused on your breathing. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, 85% of college students reported being overwhelmed, 41% reported having anxiety and 30% reported stress having a negative effect on their academic performance. College is hard, there’s no other way of putting it. With juggling so many classes, work schedules, financial situations, social lives and other responsibilities all at once, college students turn to negative stress relievers as a way to relax. These negative stress relievers often times include alcohol or drugs, two things almost all college students turn to on a Friday or Saturday night as a way to celebrate the end of a hectic week.
Instead of grabbing that bottle, sit down and breath for 10 minutes. Don’t have your music or TV on, just sit, relax, close your eyes and breath. Whether it’s sitting straight up or lying down on your back, let the world pause for a moment. The Live and Dare organization reported that 10-20 minutes a day can enhance self-esteem, self-acceptance and increase optimism, alertness, and relaxation. It can also lead to a strong immune system and a high level of energy. I practice meditation for an hour in class once a week and throughout the week at home. Lately, I have felt more controlled over my crazy college schedule which has allowed me to keep track of it all. I have found myself getting things done on-time, being able to problem-solve efficiently and think ahead while planning accordingly. Although drinking with friends can be fun, getting an hour of breathing in makes it less of a “I have to drink cause I’m so stressed out” and turns it into “let’s have a drink because I earned it.” Give it a try!