Five ways to practice mindfulness at University

University life will equip you with the skills needed to better your future, build your career, establish yourself as a professional in your field, build character and allow you to make some lifelong friends. 

But with so much to take in, and the fast pace at which everything is expected of us these days, it’s more beneficial than ever to slow down and take a moment…

By which we mean, quieten our minds and take note of the present moment. Mindfulness and meditation are great ways to do this, by reducing stress and bringing you back into the present moment. Your room at Bailrigg Lancaster student accommodation should become a haven to slow things down. When practiced correctly and frequently, mindfulness can improve cognitive function, help you to manage symptoms of anxiety and emotional reactivity, as well as improve relationships. 

Here are 5 simple ways you can implement mindful practices into your daily life. 

Breathing

We’ve talked about breathing and the benefits of mindful breathing before. And with good reason. It’s free, discreet, and can be done anywhere, anytime. From a biological perspective, slowing your breathing sends signals to your body to relax. Having time to yourself, however small it may be allows you to settle in your surroundings and feel comfortable in your Lancaster student living. Taking conscious breaths - in slowly through your nose, exhale slowly from your mouth - is said to reduce stress, increase alertness and boost your immune system. Breathing can also help bring you into a state of meditation as the concentration on your breath will help to quiet your mind. So next time you’re feeling overwhelmed, just breathe…

Visualisation

Visualisation is a mindfulness practice advocated by some of the world’s most successful athletes, sportspeople, and CEOs. It involves visualising the desired outcome, for example, winning a race, landing a new job, or acing a presentation. If you’re particularly nervous about an up-and-coming event, visualisation can help you regain a sense of confidence and assurance. Use your mind to see and feel the event taking place just the way you want it to. Imagine every vivid detail as well as you can, from the clothes you would be wearing to how you would interact with those around you. Being in a new city with so much character take a hold of this and The technique is said to be extremely successful as it can increase your focus on the task at hand, decreasing anxiety and improving performance.

Mindful walking

This one is pretty self-explanatory. But instead of plugging into a podcast or calling a friend on your next walk, go out tech-free. Make a conscious effort to pay attention to each step you take. Smell the air, look at the sky, and nature (or the cars on the road!). Wherever you decide to take your next walk, make it a mindful one. You’ll start to realise how easy it is to implement mindfulness into everyday activities and get used to slowing your mind on demand.  

Guided meditation

If you’re really new to meditation and mindfulness, guided meditation is perhaps the best way to begin your journey. Simply search ‘guided meditation’ on Youtube, or download an app such as Headspace, or Calm which all include guided meditation plans. Guided meditation simply means you’ll have words (either spoken or written), to guide you through the mediation practice. So, even if you start with little preparation or knowledge, your guide will explain how to tune into your breath and exactly what to do next to reach a meditative state. 

Senses

This is a very simple meditation and mindfulness practice that you can tap into wherever you are. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, simply take your mind to each of your senses. So tune into one, two, or even three things you can hear, feel, see, taste, smell… etc. You get the idea. This can be applied to situations where you find yourself overthinking or becoming quickly stressed or anxious. 

If you’re otherwise experienced with mindfulness and meditation, we’d love to hear your tips and techniques in the comments below.