College is not only a place for learning, socializing, and preparing for the “big job,” it is, for many students, a big test of survival. College life is no joke. Constantly cramming for exams, writing term papers in the double digit numbers, becoming involved in too many extra curricular activities so that you can “look good” on your resume, and trying to work for (or keep enough) money to have some fun with friends can quickly become a recipe for S-T-R-U-G-G-L-E. That is: survival through rough undertakings, goals and gains lacking enthusiasm!
Life on campus doesn’t have to be a “struggle to get through the day.” It can be an experience of high energy, reward, and purpose. The key is to learn how to manage your energy in the midst of it all. Let’s face it, the work loads, campus activities, term papers and exams will probably never go away but, you can learn how to manage your level of stress in a way that actually gives you more energy than you imagined. Here is the first strategy to help boost your energy the natural way:
Focus on your breath
Most people take their breath for granted; we just don’t think about it. When you are stressed your breathing pattern changes because you hold your breath without realizing it. Can you think about all of the times you probably hold your breath? Here are some possibilities:
- When you wake up late and it’s 10 minutes before class starts,
- When the final exam is next week and you still don’t understand some of the material,
- When someone tells you that they saw your boyfriend cheating with one of your friends,
- When you are the resident assistant and someone has broken every rule on the floor and in the dorm and YOU are responsible because you are in charge!
These scenarios are perfect times for you to consider the idea of focusing on your breathing. It is important to create a consistent breathing rhythm during stress because it helps you stop holding your breath, boost your immune system, calm your nerves, think more clearly, and boost your energy. Your breath is not only air for your survival; it provides a calming energy for your entire body.
Implement the following 5 minute strategy during class, after the bad news about the boyfriend, just before you start studying, or just after you find out about the disruptive dorm resident. Fully inhale to six counts and fully exhale to six counts without force. Repeat until you experience a sense of calmness and peace.
When you decide to focus on your breath, you regain control over your life by not allowing “the stressful stuff” to ruin the rest of the day or week for you. You may not be able to change some of your outer experiences on campus, but you certainly have the choice to manage your “inner” ones. Make the decision to start boosting your energy today, the natural way!
Take Care of Yourself,
Felicia
About Felicia Harlow
