Living in the Present Moment

Ease your mind and relieve tension with a grounding practice. Help yourself each day to find more balance.

What comes to mind when you think of relaxation? It could be taking a two-hour nap, playing with an animal friend, or simply doing something creative. However it may look to you, identifying a method of slowing down and being present is key to living a happy and healthy life.

Self-care is a way to recharge and protect your personal well-being. It is not something that is selfish, or expensive. When it comes down to it, self-care appears in the small everyday things that make us feel joyous. Going on walks, meeting up with friends, organizing our calendars and cleaning the house are all forms of taking care of ourselves

Being present means focusing on what is going on here and now. Photo by Levi XU on Unsplash.

A way to broaden your self-care toolkit is to use present moment techniques. These include, but are not limited to journaling, breathing exercises, reciting mantras and meditation. The Maha-mantra is a highly-recommended powerful spiritual tool for connecting with your highest self in the present moment.

Adding a centering component to your day-to-day makes your tasks easier. You begin recognizing your emotions and respecting their presence. Interested in learning how to be more present? Try incorporating some simple coping skills into your life and not just when things become stressful.

Our tip is to create a personalized self-care plan, that you can use to find a sense of balance and peace each day. The ancient Sanskrit term for a self-care plan is sadhana, which is considered an investment in happiness. Having a sadhana, or daily self-care practice is an anchor that helps to steady the mind.

Approach situations with ease by forming your own coping mechanisms. Start by making a list and writing down at least four self-care exercises that work for you. These may be listening to music, going to a bookstore, studying, making a meal, or even watching a nostalgic movie.

Take at least 20 minutes to unwind each day. Photo by Toni Reed on Unsplash.

By planning ahead, when difficult moments arise, they will be more manageable. With a set plan of action, you are well-equipped to bounce back when curveballs are thrown your way. From this, you will build resilience, inner confidence and perseverance.

Please note that there is no one perfect way to begin your mindful self-care journey. In reality, every person will have something different that works for them. In addition to the self-care options mentioned above, there are a variety of nontraditional coping practices you can try out in your student life.

Whatever you choose, remember to focus on what lightens your load and makes your experience a gentler one. May you come across much fulfillment in your endeavors.