It’s that time of the semester when heavily weighted labs are due, midterms are worth 30 per cent of your final grade and group projects are being done with individuals who take a free ride while you do all the work. Stress and anxiety are all too familiar and you’re wondering how you’re going to survive until December.
Before you decide to go all Britney Spears and shave your head, you might want to consider meditation. Meditation is relaxation. It’s not about concentrating on one thing but actually about letting your mind go. It will help you calm your mind, improve your concentration, have better clarity and improve your communication skills. Overall, your body and mind will feel relaxed and rejuvenated.
On a physical level, meditation also has many benefits! Daily practice of meditation can lower high blood pressure and levels of blood lactate. This helps in reducing anxiety attacks. It will also assist in decreasing any tension-related pain, such as tension headaches, ulcers, insomnia and muscle and joint problems. Meditation will increase serotonin production, which improves your mood and overall behaviour. Your immune system will greatly improve, much needed in a school environment where everyone is always sick with colds! You will see an increased energy level as you gain an inner source of energy.
With all the physical benefits of meditation, there are also many mental benefits that come along, too! In addition to a decrease in anxiety, you will also gain an improved level of emotional stability. Creativity and happiness will be improved while problems will seem smaller, which will help you in those group projects!
“Meditation sharpens the mind by gaining focus and expands through relaxation,” according to artofliving.org A sharp mind without expansion causes
A sharp mind without expansion causes tension, anger and frustration. The balance of a sharp mind and an expanded consciousness brings perfection. Meditation makes you aware that your inner attitude determines your happiness,” according to artofliving.org.
Gain clarity and peace of mind so you can complete your semester with your best self (and your best grades) yet!
Not sure how to get started with your meditation routine and schedule? Don’t fret, NAIT has got your back! Free meditation sessions are offered Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11:30 a.m. to noon in the CAT Reflection Room (Room 406). Post-secondary can be difficult, so do what you can to keep your head above water. Take care of yourself and the rest will follow.
– Olivia Adams
