Mindfulness & Meditation for Students

Being a college student myself, I know the importance of staying physically AND mentally healthy.

If the mind is not in ease, it can be very difficult to concentrate and study for that upcoming test.

Below is a great article I found called "Meditation & Mindfulness on Campus" by Kenya McCullum. It reviews the values of self-meditation and offers tips on how to maintain relaxation for college students.

This article was originally published by Kenya McCullum.

Mindfulness Meditation for Students

Mindfulness: This process helps reduce distractions, and improves living in the present and focusing on what’s happening now. Mindfulness helps deal with the overwhelmed set of emotions caused by the stressful demands of college life. It can be practiced while doing any daily activity.

Meditation: This process creates relaxation and tranquility by calming the mind. It can done by concentrating on a certain area in a room, visualizing, or focusing on the breath. Mediation can be practiced when sitting, standing, walking, or lying down, and is associated with yoga, tai chi and Qi gong.

Benefits: Mindfulness and meditation improves students health and academic performance. 

• Reduces stress and anxiety
• Increases concentration/ focus
• Improves memory

How to Incorporate Mindfulness in College Life

1. Take deep breaths- helps slow down the mind and heart rate, which then alleviates stress. 
2. Maintain a gratitude journal- write in a journal only positive things going on in life.
3. Pay attention to nature- paying attention to the things that often goes unnoticed makes people appreciate and enjoy the moment, instead of worrying.                                                                                                                                          
4. Do one thing at a time- prioritize tasks and accomplish one thing at a time.                                                                       
5. Visualize- a part of mindfulness where students should think positive and envision success, which increases confidence.

Meditation Exercises for Daily Routine

• In between classes: Find a comfortable and quiet place to sit and relax.
• Before or during a study session: Practice nostril breath work, this creates clarity of the mind.
• Before an Exam: Conscious relaxation practice, can help alleviate stress and leave an energized feeling.

This article is beneficial for the average college student. Balancing, school, work, and personal life is challenging, but can be easier to deal with when the mind is at ease. Incorporating meditation and mindfulness into daily activities, helps reduce the stress in students lives. 

For the full article, visit https://www.affordablecollegesonline.org/college-resource-center/mindfulness-meditation/