Is this national "let's be stressed out" week? Because I'm about done with it.
Yeah the leaves changing is pretty, and pumpkin spice tastes great, but autumn is approaching, so it's cold outside, there are too many exams/assignments, and the end of the year is happening way too fast for my course load. I don't know about you, but my motivation has been a bit scarce lately.
For some reason, college life has led us to believe that being busy is equivalent to being successful, having a social life and having a purpose. Did you know that is completely untrue? Here are some other things that busy can be equivalent to tired, stressed, lonely, overworked. Being busy means exactly that - you are busy, occupied, you are doing something. Sometimes you need to do nothing. Sometimes you need to plan out to do nothing, because the more we get caught up in our schedules and our plans, the more disappointed and overworked we will feel when they go wrong.
So how do you do nothing? I can tell you this does not include watching Netflix, browsing the internet, engaging in social media, or even reading a book. Doing nothing means literally existing in a quiet space and recharging. There are many healthy and effective ways to unwind, such as drawing, napping, writing your thoughts or having a coffee. But when you do nothing, you don't want to do those things. While these are relaxing ways to take a break, you are still working your mind and adding another task to your busy life.
This probably sounds easy, but really it is very challenging to force yourself to do and think about nothing. So here's what you do when you do nothing - you sit down. Try looking at a blank area, like the floor or the wall, and focus on breathing. Think about your muscles and try to release any tension. Think about how your lungs are moving and the only thing happening is silence and breathing. Now that will allow you to truly relax and focus on nothing.
When you go to your "nothing" space as I like to call it, don't go there with your thoughts and stresses (leave those for a time like the shower, where all good thinking is done). By literally doing nothing, you will truly be able to focus on meditating and relaxing without the distraction of whatever is stressing you out, whatever you could be doing instead, or whatever people are posting on social media.
My challenge to you in times of stress is to literally do nothing and love it. Enjoy taking time every day to do absolutely nothing and let your mind get away from distractions during the changing season.
