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Simple Ways to Start Living More Mindful

By on December 8, 2022
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By Mollie Wilson

The years after a woman graduates from high school are some of the most transformative and most fun of her life. Many women today choose to further their education after high school and go to college. So many, in fact, that women are now the majority on most college campuses. 56 percent of college campuses are now female, and 42 percent are male. Young women are officially taking their education into their own hands, and are no longer content to sit on the sidelines, watching their husbands’ careers take off. They have jobs, careers, and dreams of their own, and most of the time, those dreams hinge on doing well in school. This pressure can put a tremendous amount of stress on young women and at a time when their mental health and mindfulness might not be the top priority or even on their radar. To prevent burnout, young women in school need to begin to learn to de-stress, be more mindful, and pay more attention to their mental health.

College is a naturally very stressful time in a young person’s life. They’re out on their own for the very first time. Many of them are far from home. They have classes, homework, and exams to study for. Many have jobs or play a sport in addition to their school work. Many don’t have long-standing friends to turn to, being in a new environment and on a new campus. On top of that, there’s the stress about the future, and where their place and purpose is in this world.  It’s a situation that breeds anxiety with minimal opportunity or time, or even knowledge, for practicing mindfulness and observing one’s own mental health.

Whether you’re a college student or are just looking to become more mindful in your busy life, these tips will help you shape healthy habits and become a happier you!

1. Take Time-Outs.
Time-outs aren’t just for disgruntled and ornery two-year-old’s. They can be a college student’s best friend as well. Whether it’s taking a moment in between back to back classes to take a deep belly breath, or stepping away from the books for a moment after a 4-hour study session, it’s crucial to take a step back a few times a day and have a moment to yourself.  Close your laptop or put your phone away and take 5 minutes to breathe and calm your mind. Avoid worrying about that test or if you ever texted Sam back and take this time to center yourself. We promise, taking 5 minutes to calm yourself down will help you get way more productive than running around like a chicken with your head cut off, and then pulling an all-nighter on high-alert stress all night.

2. Eat nutritious and micro-nutrient dense foods.
This is a significant epidemic around college campuses everywhere for both men and women. It’s so notorious. “The freshman 15,” refers to the average 15 pounds a student gains while in their first year of college. Students are on their own and for many are, for the first time, solely in charge of feeding and fending for themselves. That’s right; no more of mom’s home-cooked meals five nights a week. Students often are so busy that what they’re eating and fueling their body with is the last thought on their mind. Missed dinner because you were studying until 2 am? Well, guess what? The only thing open at 2 am is McDonald’s or Taco Bell. Not the most nutritious of choices. By making sure to fuel your body with healthy food, be it for a big test or after a night out with a little too much fun, you give your brain the vitamins and substance it needs to be in peak shape and to allow you to be more mindful and less stressed.

3. Incorporate exercise or movement into your daily routine.
This tip goes hand-in-hand with eating healthy, nutrient-dense foods. Your brain can’t function right if your body can’t function right. Exercise is a natural way to de-stress and take an hour out of your day to disconnect from class, friends, and your busy schedule. The endorphins from a good workout will put you in a better mood and release built up stress as well. If going to the gym just isn’t your style, set aside 30 minutes of your day to go for a walk around campus without distractions. Listen to music, your favorite podcast, or a good audiobook. Not only will this boost your mood, but it will also allow you to be present and mindful for a full 30 minutes every single day.

4. Get better sleep (without messing up your sleep cycle).
Getting good sleep is paramount while in school because chances are, you’re always struggling to get enough of it. Regardless, always prioritize quality over quantity when it comes to a good night’s rest. Getting better sleep is the first step to being less stressed and more mindful throughout your day. Without this, the rest of these tips are like filling a bucket with a hole in it; a good practice, but not effective enough to overcome the natural barrier caused by the hole. While getting a good sleep in a new environment can be tough, there are some tried and true things help you get the sleep you need, even before you’re 100 percent comfortable in your new dorm. If you’re having trouble falling asleep, try a noisemaker. Not only will this block out potential sound from your roommate or hallway, but it will also soothe you into a deep sleep. If you have anxiety that’s causing you to lay awake at night CBD oil can be a great relaxant.

Coconut CBD oil is one of my favorites. It will calm your anxiety and allow you to have a better quality sleep without creating a reliance on melatonin. Plus, you can even put it in your tea! If you’re having trouble getting comfortable due to your new surroundings, try a lavender pillow spray. These are known to have soothing effects that can help put you at ease to drift off faster.

No matter what ends up working for you, finding a way to de-stress and be mindful amidst the craziness of a college student will make your college experience that much better and will set you up with healthier habits for what comes next when you finally make it across that graduation stage.

 

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Picture1Mollie Wilson is a freelance writer from North Carolina. When she is not writing, she is perusing an adventures life- backpacking, climbing, exploring local coffee shops, and traveling.

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