I first practiced mindfulness last semester in my theology class. Our professor did a whole unit on spiritual practices, and for a month we began every class by taking 10 or 15 minutes to “be mindful”. I experienced first hand all of the benefits of mindfulness and I think that everyone should give it a try for the following reasons:
1. It teaches you to live in the moment.
I think most of us are guilty of dwelling on the past or planning for the future...especially as busy college students. It is difficult to live in the moment when you are constantly planning for the next day’s assignments. Mindfulness helps to slow your life down.
2. It reduces stress and anxiety.
When I first practiced mindfulness in my theology class I felt instantly de-stressed. It allows you to completely get your mind off of everything going on in your life.
3. It has concrete, scientific benefits.
Researchers have discovered increased grey matter/cortical thickness in certain areas of the brain of people who meditate. When you think about it, it is pretty incredible that taking just 20 minutes or so a day to sit and focus on your breathing can have such positive physical effects on your body.
4. It is a great way to have some “me time.”
Too many of us set our alarms for early in the morning, go to class/work all day, and come home only to do more studying until we absolutely have no energy left. We go to bed and wake up early the next morning to begin the same routine again. We run on caffeine and 5 hours of sleep and we think that it’s normal. I’m writing this to tell you that it’s not normal. Mindfulness will help you to remember that you are human--not a machine.
5. It is really simple, yet has real health benefits.
Anyone can practice mindfulness. All that you need is to make some time for yourself. Start with 5 minutes...and then 10 and 15 and 20. Once you get into it, 20 minutes will feel like 2 minutes and your body will thank you.