When I was in high school, I had an English teach who started each class with a few minutes of meditation. At the time, my classmates and I loved it because we merely thought of it as a way to eat into class time. But, the more we did it, the more I realized the way it made me feel - more centered, focused, and calm. I never wanted to take the time to pursue it by myself, though, because I didn't know how to, really. I felt silly sitting in silence by myself.

Getting to college, however, I always felt these moments where I was overwhelmed. Like I had a million things to do, and couldn't do any of them properly. And, when a cool blogger I follow on Instagram posted about this app she used on her phone, I decided to download it and just try.

(It's called Headspace! Get it!)

The first time I tried to meditate by myself, I could only do it for two minutes. It sounds ridiculous, but you don't realize how much useless stuff you worry about until you challenge yourself to sit still. I thought meditation was weird, until I really tried it. Now, I’m grateful for the minutes I can be alone. I don't get to it everyday, but I can promise you I feel better the days I do. Try it, see if it helps you!

1. Calm Mind
2. Good concentration
3. Better clarity
4. Increased Communication
5. Relaxation
6. Lowers blood pressure
7. Improves immune system
8. Increases serotonin production, which positively impacts mood and behavior
9. Increases energy level
10. Decreases anxiety
11. Emotional stability improves
12. Intuition develops
13. Greater confidence
14. More mental strength
15. Increases optimism
16. Increases memory retention
17. Better information processing
18. Better cognitive function and creative thinking
19. Lessens inflammatory disorders
20. Improves breathing and heart rates
21. Helps reduce alcohol and substance abuse
22. Improves decision making
23. Makes you stronger against pain
24. Improves self-awareness
25. Helps us allocate brain-function resources.