Most of us have probably come across some form of guided meditation throughout our academic career, perhaps for one day in a middle school Health class when they try to expose students to "alternative forms of stress-relief," or towards the end of a yoga class while the instructor is winding down the session,

Personally, I never felt very comfortable with guided meditations. I always worried that what I was imagining in my head was not what the guider intended. They say to "picture a box," and while it's supposed to be relaxing, I'm left wondering if my box is big enough, if it's dense enough, if it's in the right location. By the end of the session, I'm too behind on the rest of the script because I've spent so long thinking about this box. They've moved on to talking about a beach or a mountain or something else at this point, but I'm stuck and more stressed than I was prior to starting the practice.

However, a few weeks ago, I found myself at an unhealthy place with my mental health and was indecisive on what to do. I wasn't desperate for help, but midterms were bringing along constant waves of anxiety, and I was starting to drown among them. I constantly had this impending sense of doom even if my actual exams were weeks away.

I knew I had to try something to improve my well-being. I wouldn't be able to practice regular meditation, I couldn't force my mind to focus on anything but my own breathing. So, I figured I should find something that engaging, where I could exercise my brain without straining it.

After doing some research, I found a couple of guided meditation podcasts that could be catered to one's individual needs: problems at work, general stress, even scenarios as specific as "guided meditation for when you miss your pets at home" (it was tempting, but I couldn't make it my priority at the moment).

Eventually, I came across a few that interested me and decided to make it my nightly ritual to listen to one or two right before bed. It could improve my sleeping patterns (which were completely off from midterms) and distract me for a moment about the flashcards sitting on my desk.

It was a little difficult to really get into it for the first few days, as the problems I previously struggled with in guided meditations had not magically disappeared. Still, I persisted, determined to at least give it a genuine effort.

Within a week, I found my overall mood improving. I was less restless at night, I woke up revitalized, and my thoughts weren't constantly disrupted with worries about GPA fluctuation and pangs of angst over the formulas I had to memorize. I was excited to return home from a long day and indulge myself in another meditation practice, one I could actively focus on the whole time.

I am continuing to learn that guided meditation isn't about right and wrong imagery, it's about taking the time to use your imagination to your advantage. The relaxation tactics can be implemented into your daily routine, so it's not just a brief 30-minute practice that can calm you down.

It may be uncomfortable at first to be alone with your own thoughts for an extended period of time, but guided meditation is now an essential part of my day. It's actually become fun, teaching myself to be at peace with my mind.

So don't hate. Meditate.