The life of a college student in this day and age is extremely stressful, with a multitude of deadlines, exams biweekly and ominous research papers on the horizon it is totally understandable that students often can find themselves overwhelmed. This is especially true for first years who are stepping away from home maybe even for the first time. I know personally that at times I can feel the weight on my shoulders which is increased when my mind drifts to the field of philosophy and the potential responsibility I may have to accept if I choose to take a viewpoint similar to existentialism.
So in an attempt to help others I will explain some ways I find a reprieve from my everyday stress.
- Meditation: This can be done anywhere at almost any time. One of the simplest ways to get yourself in the right headspace is to turn on relaxing music or ambient sound. Focus on your breath and how it moves both in and out. Just the simple task of focusing on your breath can calm you down, slow your heart rate and relieve stress. For those who are more advanced at meditation and are able to spend long periods of time thinking I would suggest a different way. Go into the meditation session with a question or an idea, something that needs an answer or a topic you want to develop an opinion on. Spend your time going down the multiple logical paths that you could choose. Try and view the problem from multiple angles and viewpoints. Even venture away from a view that focuses on sustaining your ego. This style of meditation or deep thinking often allows me to step back from the pace of the lifestyle I lead.
- Toil: Spend your time doing something that you are passionate about or something with a purpose. I often find that hard work that doesn’t have a looming deadline can be really helpful. When I was ever having a rough day or something was on my mind back home I would go and chop wood. Just the simple task of putting an ax through a block of wood could allow me a short break from the stress I was experiencing. Personally hard work feels good and when you come out of it with results wether this be a pile of firewood or a personal record in the weight room the feeling can take almost any weight off your shoulders.
- Disconnect: If all else fail and the work load is becoming to much it is ok to give yourself a break. I find that sometimes all I need to get back into the game is a walk through the woods with no music, no texts, no deadlines just me the trees and the trail. Everyone has a place where they feel free I am sure of it. I know that everywhere I go I am looking for these places, wether they be the edge of a cliff, the top of a building, the bank of a river or a log in the woods. Allow yourself to find that place that you feel safe and alone. Solitude can be a gift that many don’t realize in the hyperconnected society we have.