It is so easy in this day and age to be trapped in an endless, vicious cycle of clutter, noise, and a disconnect between mind and body. We always seem to be doing something: texting, tweeting, calling, scrolling, liking, commenting. It is rare to find someone not plugged into their phone or iPad or any other technology.

There seems to be such a disconnect between the stillness and mindfulness of one's own self. We are all so much more curious about whose posting what rather than our own selves. We have become unaware of our own body and mind connection.

This summer I decided to take a closer look at this whole "meditation" and "mindfulness" that so many people seemed to swear on for a better, fuller, and happier life.

And here's what happened:

1. I was less stressed.

Some may argue, it's summer, who's stressed? But working two jobs on top of editing for the Odyssey, it felt like I was busier this summer than the actual school year. Meditating for just five minutes every day helped me with taking deep breaths when I became anxious or felt overworked.

2. I slept better.

I've always been a restless sleeper with chronic nightmares. While those things did not go away, I found that I was getting a more sound sleep at night with fewer wake-ups in the middle of the night.

3. I felt more connected to what my body wanted and what my body needed.

Meditating and mindfulness is very centered on the notion of grounding oneself, of being aware of one's own presence. By doing so, I felt much more conscious of my body. I was able to determine what it wanted and what it needed. I wanted to take more care of it.

4. I ate better.

Though part of this was due to the fact that I wanted to get more fit, I found that getting in touch with my body and how I was feeling made it easier to pick the cleaner and healthier choices that are better for my body and health.

5. I was able to sit without any distractions.

I was always someone who had to be doing something. This summer, with meditating, I helped learn the wonderful trait of sitting still with no distractions. It became easy to simply be lost in my own thoughts or just enjoy the silence for a little while.

6. I was not as dependent on caffeine.

When I started eating and sleeping better, I stopped glugging coffee. Now don't get me wrong, I love coffee. But I found that I was not dependent on it to boost myself in the morning. I went from drinking multiple cups a day, to only a few cups a week- by choice, not necessity.

7. I was more at peace.

Though difficult to explain, there was a sense of peace that I have grown to love after my time spent meditating. I found myself thankful for each day, whether good or bad.

8. I was happier.

I like to think this was a direct result of the first seven things I listed. I became taking better care of myself, getting in touch with myself and trying to mend the connection that I had severed between my body and mind. No matter what it is, I know I feel much happier than when I had first began my daily meditations.

I don't think I'll ever be one of those full blown yoga gals who swear by their hour-long meditations. However, I can say that I do enjoy those five to ten minutes I spend with my calm, meditate and mindfulness apps.

Like anything, it takes practice and you cannot expect to be good at it the first time you try. However, it is so easy to set aside five minutes a day that genuinely improve your mood and your life.

As for me, I cherish my few moments a day where I can just sit and breathe through a guided meditation. And I recommend you give it a try, too.