A Daily Dose of "Me Time"

Something that has really helped me to stay focused and happy so far this school year has been yoga. Just one hour of focusing on nothing but your mind and body really helps you to clear your head and allows you to lead the rest of your day with a positive outlook. Along with yoga,comes meditation. Now I don't mean sitting in a completely quite room with your legs crossed and your arms folded. You can meditate in many ways. 

Meditation: to think deeply or focus one's mind for a period of time; a method of relaxation.

Here's some tips on how to begin your relaxation.

1. Take a seat.  Learning to sit still can be a challenge, especially when there is so much going on-school, homework, social life, work- I know life can be stressful, but that is a fantastic reason to begin to meditate. Remember there are many different ways to sit, you don't have to sit criss-cross-applesauce to consider yourself in relaxation. Find a comfortable seat, in a chair, on a block, in bed, sitting on a blanket or a pillow. Make sure that you are sitting in a place that you would consider inspiring. My favorite place to go is the beach in the mornings before anyone is out and about. It is very peaceful and encouraging to be surrounded by the beauty of nature.

2.  Calm your thoughts.  The mind is always going, so this step is most often the hardest. Don’t allow yourself to run off with thoughts that enter your mind. Being aware of your thoughts while being able to let them go, will help you calm your mind and begin to relax. Once you realize that you are not your mind, that is when the mind begins to calm and your thoughts subside.

3.  Make and take time to meditate.  Even though you probably think you have more important things to do, such as partying or going to the gym, take twenty minutes out of your day to just have some time for yourself. Meditation is great for learning to be in touch with yourself and recognizing your needs. Get up twenty minutes earlier to meditate, and I promise you that sooner than later, you will experience a more productive, positive day.

4. Just do it! It takes 21 days to form a habit. That means that after doing mediating for 21 days, it will become part of your regular routine.  Just keep doing it and your well on your way to a happier, more positive life!

Now I know not everyone can sit in silence and try to focus on their thoughts and feelings, and that's okay. You don't have to mediate to take some time to yourself. It is important, especially in college, to give yourself time to relax. College is a very busy time-from class to homework to parties and in some cases to work-there is little time to just take a "chill day". 

I challenge you this week to take just twenty minutes out of your day and do something for yourself. Go to the beach and watch the sunrise, go on a run, go read your favorite book in the library-do something you enjoy. Making your mind happy will improve your entire day, week or even lifetime!