Mindfulness is the practice of being present and focusing on one thing at a time. College is a place that seems to thrive on multitasking and being able to handle several things at once.

But, that can be overwhelming after a while, especially when your classes become more demanding and involved. So, I find it strange that students are expected to juggle five classes but produce quality work in all of them - oh, and work a job and be involved on campus.

But, just trying to calm your mind and keep it focused on one thing at a time can make a worlds difference in how you handle all your work and busy schedule.

Here are some ways to easily practice mindfulness when the hustle of school becomes a little overbearing:

1. Accept that regardless to how much you don't want to do something - you're going to have to

This is one of the biggest things I practice everyday. When I think about all the school work, reading and going to work I have to do, it's easy to stress and want to put things off. But, realizing you're going to have to do it no matter what and taking those tasks one by one is an easy way to reduce stress. Pretending they aren't there and then having to do it later is the #1 way to stress yourself out.

2. Start your day in a positive way

Starting your day with some sort of positive affirmation is a great way to set the tone of your day. I personally get Notes From The Universe emailed to me every morning. These emails are short, uplifting messages that can help you go throughout your day with a positive mindset.

3. Journaling

Journaling is a great way to just get everything out and not have all your thoughts swimming around in your head. Getting things down on a paper is a very therapeutic way to reduce stress. Also, journals are a nice thing to have to look back on later and look at your progress!

With that, I know I am trying to work on my mindfulness everyday and sometimes it is easy, sometimes it is not. Just trying to focus on being mindful is practicing mindfulness, so how can you go wrong?