In the midst of the chaos, it’s crucial we remember to take time to improve our mental health. If your schedule is anything like mine, though, you don’t really have any time to spare. For those of you who are so busy that your only chance to breathe is a bathroom break, I’ve composed a list of 4 ways you can engage in mindfulness without skipping class.
Whether you walk or drive to class, you have a few minutes where your only task is motion. You need to get from point A to point B. Take this time to quiet your mind, and then reflect on how you’re feeling. Ask yourself questions like, “Am I feeling overwhelmed by the busyness of today, or do I feel healthily productive?” and “What do I need to do in order to be emotionally ready for the next activity I’m going to?” A big part of mindfulness is observing and pinpointing how you’re doing emotionally.
Maybe your meals are rowdy and social, the focal point of the cafeteria every time you walk in, or maybe your meals are more like a big sandwich eaten on the way to work. Whatever your mealtimes look like, you’re almost definitely chewing something. While you do so, count the number of times you chew. This may seem asinine but thinking about something so simple does help to quiet your mind. This is great for reducing anxiety or feelings of franticness.
While you sit in a lecture, there’s not much you can do without disrupting class or losing your focus. However, here’s what you can do. Start by tensing all of the muscles in your body and inhaling. Then slowly, beginning with your toes and moving upwards, unclench your muscles and exhale. Being mindful of how your body feels is incredibly helpful in regulating your emotional state.
Instead of closed-toe shoes, opt for a breathable sandal. Your feet and ankles have lots of pulse points, so cooling them down cools your whole body. This is necessary in moments of high anxiety, because stress actually heats your body up. Counteracting this is a great first step in calming yourself down.
There you have it! 4 quick methods to make sure you’re protecting your headspace even as you rush from place to place. Be safe, be mindful, and don’t forget to breathe!
Geneva College offers majors in psychology, biopsychology, social services, ministry and a master’s degree program in Counseling with three tracks. All programs at Geneva are taught from a Christian worldview with the Bible at the center, while secular viewpoints and theories are also covered. Learn more at geneva.edu or contact Admissions at admissions@geneva.edu | 800-847-8255.
-MJ '24
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Photo by Taylor Wright on Unsplash
Opinions expressed in the Geneva Blog are those of its contributors and do not necessarily represent the opinions or official position of the College. The Geneva Blog is a place for faculty and contributing writers to express points of view, academic insights, and contribute to national conversations to spark thought, conversation, and the pursuit of truth, in line with our philosophy as a Christian, liberal arts institution.
Oct 20, 2021
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