It’s no secret that college students’ stress levels skyrocket when preparing for an exam. Statistics show that four in 10 college students reported experiencing high levels of stress, and one in five students feel stress all of the time, according to a survey conducted by the Associated Press and mtvU.
Turn your anxious “ohhhh my gosh” into a peaceful “ommmmm” by meditating during the days leading up to a test.
Meditation is becoming a popular recommendation among health practitioners to lower stress levels. Meditation helps you calm down so you are better able to manage your time, multi-task and perform under pressure. It can be practiced immediately before the test to relax or during the study hours to help open your mind to absorb new information while studying. More importantly, meditating can help you fall asleep the night before the big day.
Stimulating mixtures of caffeine and focus inducing drugs such have become “magic study pills.” However, solutions like these are neither safe nor healthy, and the after effects are nothing close to magical. Make these simple swaps and you’ll find the most effective stress relievers are free, natural and harmless.
Put down the cookies, pick up some berries:
Healthy dieting has benefits that exceed maintaining weight; certain foods are natural stress relievers. “Healthy foods like whole grains and protein can improve your mood and give you long-lasting energy to tackle everything that comes your way during the day,” according to foxnews.com. Greek yogurt, fish and almonds are proteins that will keep you satisfied and focused. Blueberries are a great option to feed your brain; they will become your restless mind’s new best friend.
Put down the remote, pick up some weights:
Speeding up your heart slows down your mind. Exercise in any form, whether it is running, kickboxing or Pilates, provides an outlet for getting rid of negative tensions that can feel binding. Endorphins, your mind’s personal cheerleaders, are released during exercise, signaling the brain to be happy. Find your aerobic outlet, and release those toxic thoughts!
Put down the cell phone, pick up some Z’s :
The red blinking of your blackberry catches your eye, and the jingle of your iPhone makes your ears perk up. When you are focused on who is texting you, sleep is as impossible as sprouting wings and flying away. Sleep is essential to rejuvenating the mind, body and soul. Not enough sleep can leave you feeling irritable, making productivity seem impossible. Rituals such as smelling lavender, writing in a journal or drinking tea before bedtime can promote healthy sleep habits. Every morning provides the opportunity for a fresh start. Open your eyes, and seize the day.
Put down the frown, pick up a smile Sharing is caring, but your happiness is your priority. Be selfish. When you are positive, your energy radiates and is absorbed by those who surround you. Positivity is contagious. An atmosphere full of optimism eases the mind. You can do anything you set your mind to. Your best attribute is your smile, so show off those pearly whites.
Meditation Tips for Novices:
• Do your research: Reading books on spirituality and the history of meditation opens your eyes as to why it’s important. Its purpose becomes clear, and this helps you on your meditative journey.
• Practice: Meditating daily is the key to putting your stress behind you for good. It is a skill that becomes more natural with practice and time. You will continue to get better and better.
• Appreciate nature: Meditating outside allows you to appreciate the beauty of the world and the simple things in life. The fresh air aids in clearing the senses.
• YouTube: Beginners can find inspiration on Youtube, where guided meditation videos are easily accessible.
Try this pre-test guided meditation:
Close your eyes, and imagine you are sitting on the beach on a sunny day. You hear the waves colliding against the drums of your ears making music with each beat. Visualize all of the knowledge you have learned flowing through your body as the waves bring them forth. Hold out your palms and imagine the information radiating through your fingertips as your count backwards from ten while breathing deeply. Remind yourself that you know the answers, and allow them to flow through you and exit at your fingertips.
