In college, it can be really hard to practice mindfulness. For those who might be unfamiliar with the term, mindfulness is “the skill of paying attention to the present by noticing when your mind wanders off” and refocusing your attention back on your breath and your body’s sensations. You might automatically think of someone sitting criss-cross-applesauce on a mat saying “ohmm,” but mindfulness can be as simple as taking a deep breath when you’re worried about an exam or if you’re upset about a fight with a friend. Here are some easy ways to practice mindfulness.
- Get a journal! Journaling is a great way to practice mindfulness because it allows you to write out all your thoughts and leaves you feeling more clear-headed.
- Listen to a guided meditation on YouTube, or use mindfulness apps like Calm and Breethe.
- Go for a walk or do some yoga to workout some stress and draw your attention back to your body and the present.
- Try the 5-4-3-2-1 technique in moments of stress or anxiety to help yourself calm down and come back to the present.
- Use progressive muscle relaxation to relieve your body of tension.
Whether you’re good at handling your anxiety or you crack under pressure, everyone can benefit from mindfulness and more mental clarity. Mindfulness is an incredibly underrated technique for tackling mental problems so the next time you feel overwhelmed, try tapping into the present instead of letting your mind wander to the worst case scenario.