Every year my main New Year’s resolution is to lose weight. However, this year I’ve been introduced to something that may be much better. What resolution could possibly be better than weight loss? Could anything truly be better than shedding those stubborn last five pounds? Well my new resolution has seemingly magical potential. Let me introduce you to mindfulness meditation. To many people, mediation simply seems like hocus pocus for monks and hippies, but in reality it’s not magic—it’s science. Here are 11 reasons why mediation needs to be added to your daily routine.

1. It can help you sleep.

More sleep? Yes please! You can never have enough sleep. It’s one of life's most beautiful things.

2. It relieves stress.

Our lives can be stressful, especially during midterms and exams. Sometimes we just need to be grounded to relieve some of that pressure, and meditation is the perfect medication.

3. It can be as short or as long as you need.

You can meditate for five minutes or you can meditate for hours. You can meditate at any time, any place, and for an unlimited amount of times. What else is like that?

4. Anyone can practice it.

So get grandma, grandpa, or your crazy roommate onboard! This resolution is perfect for anyone in any age group.

5. It can make your grades better.

Need I say more? At the beginning of every semester, most students say, “This is the semester where I do all the required reading and go to every class.” Just like all of our other resolutions, two weeks later we’ve given up. This is just one way to help keep the grades from slipping.

6. It can help you lose weight.

Mediating kills two birds with one stone. The original resolution was to lose weight, but with mindfulness being the priority, you can lose weight and so much more.

7. It lowers the risk of depression amongst teens.

Depression and anxiety is a massive problem amongst college students. Science has proven that mindfulness mediation can significantly lower the risk of depression.

8. It improves physical health.

In recent years, scientists have discovered benefits such as reducing chronic pain, treating heart disease, and lowering blood pressure associated with mindfulness meditation.

9. It’s free!

It’s hard financially being a college student. Mediation is a way to treat yourself that won’t break the bank.

10. There are multiple methods.

What works for one person often doesn’t work for another. What’s so beautiful about meditation is that you can find what works for you! Methods range anywhere from basic mediation and focusing on your breath to lighting candles and using sensory techniques.

11. There is no excuse not to!

What works for one person often times doesn’t work for another. What’s so beautiful about meditation is that you can find what works for you! Methods range anywhere from basic mediation and focusing on your breath to lighting candles and using sensory techniques.

While it may seem silly, mindfulness mediation has helped me immensely with my transition to college. The transition is oftentimes stressful, daunting, exciting, and almost every emotion in between. If you’re not sure where to start, there are many free apps in the App Store that can guide you through different mediations based on what you need. So whenever you’re stressed out, instead of getting angry or sad, just remember your new resolution and breathe.