Every College Student Needs to Meditate and Here’s Why:
In a world as chaotic as ours, even the busiest of bees can and should make time for a minute of mindfulness. Mindfulness can be interpreted in numerous ways but one of the biggest ways to be mindful, is to practice meditation; but what does all of that mean? The dictionary definition of meditation is a mind and body practice that has a long history of use for increasing calmness and physical relaxation, improving psychological balance, coping with illness, and enhancing overall health and well-being. All good things! Anyone can experience the awesome benefits of meditation, but we talked to licensed massage therapist and owner of Hummingbird Holistics Faith Kennedy about why college students in particular should give it a try!
“A lot of students come to me worrying about final exams, midterms and overdue assignments. Meditation allows you to get out of your own head and take a break from the stress.”
Faith has studied the art of yoga, tai chi, and qi gong among other shamanistic traditions for many years. She has spent summers in the Amazon as well as Peru learning all she can about her own spirituality--- she is no less than an expert in what she does! At the closing of my interview, I asked Faith if she could provide any tips and tricks to meditation newbies on getting started/improving their skills in mindfulness. Her response was something most would never consider but has proven successful to many:
“Meditation and mindfulness go hand in hand with one another and there’s no one single method to do so. What I recommend specifically for burnt out students, is actually taking a walk to clear your mind rather than sit and try to clear your thoughts the classic way. It’s much harder to relieve the anxiety if you’re sitting down around all your books and papers worrying about when the next assignment is due.”
Email Quinsig’s counselingandwellnessoffice@qcc.mass.edu to join in on their “Mindful Moments” guided meditations! Advisors will send you a Zoom link and every Monday 8:30-9 and Thursday from 2-2:30 you can sit back, relax and take that necessary step back from your studies.
If you’d rather meditate on your own time, Youtube has millions of guided meditations and meditation music playlists! You simply have to type in the words “meditation music” or “guided meditation” and you’re already there! The only downside is ad interruption so I personally prefer Spotify meditation playlists because I have premium which means 0 ads (this is my favorite one)! Spotify – Meditation Music 2021 Going to QCC, you’re eligible for the student Spotify Premium discount so be sure to look into that for uninterrupted serenity!
Once you’ve settled in with a playlist (if you choose to sit down for your meditation) you can turn off the lights and light a candle, incense or sage for a dim and pleasant smelling ambiance. This is my favorite way to manifest positivity in my life because as a busy college student, it’s hard to quiet my thoughts. The combination of watching a candle or other options listed above along with the music gives me something to focus on. As my mind begins to wander, I can consciously describe how I’m feeling and the things I’m seeing in the moment. This forces me to physically redirect my mind from school, work, and anything else to the present.
You can use this time to pray or talk to anyone you talk to up there in your faith as well! Meditation and mindfulness is a universal activity people from all walks of life can find benefit from.
“Buddha was asked, ‘what have you gained from meditation?’ He replied ‘nothing!’ ‘However,’ Buddha said ‘let me tell you what I’ve lost; anger, anxiety, depression, insecurity, fear of old age and death.’’’
Email Quinsig’s counselingandwellnessoffice@qcc.mass.edu to join in on their “Mindful Moments” guided meditations! Advisors will send you a Zoom link and every Monday 8:30-9 and Thursday from 2-2:30 you can sit back, relax and take that necessary step back from your studies.
If you’d rather meditate on your own time, Youtube has millions of guided meditations and meditation music playlists! You simply have to type in the words “meditation music” or “guided meditation” and you’re already there! The only downside is ad interruption so I personally prefer Spotify meditation playlists because I have premium which means 0 ads (this is my favorite one)! Spotify – Meditation Music 2021 Going to QCC, you’re eligible for the student Spotify Premium discount so be sure to look into that for uninterrupted serenity!
Once you’ve settled in with a playlist (if you choose to sit down for your meditation) you can turn off the lights and light a candle, incense or sage for a dim and pleasant smelling ambiance. This is my favorite way to manifest positivity in my life because as a busy college student, it’s hard to quiet my thoughts. The combination of watching a candle or other options listed above along with the music gives me something to focus on. As my mind begins to wander, I can consciously describe how I’m feeling and the things I’m seeing in the moment. This forces me to physically redirect my mind from school, work, and anything else to the present.
You can use this time to pray or talk to anyone you talk to up there in your faith as well! Meditation and mindfulness is a universal activity people from all walks of life can find benefit from.
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