Kaitlyn's Korner: A way to stress less

By Kaitlyn Delaney
Associate Editor/Photo Editor

It’s getting near the end of the semester, so I feel like I can safely say I’m not the only one who’s at least slightly stressed. Thankfully, if you are looking for something to help, I may have what you are looking for.

It has been said many times, at least around me, that meditation can help with the feelings of stress. I never really thought much of it, but decided to give it a try earlier this year.

Honestly, it has actually helped me more than I thought it would. I have a moment in my day, typically toward the end, where I know I can just take a moment to breathe.

I usually meditate before I go to bed. Knowing that I will have the ability to just sit for a few minutes, listen to something calming, and not have to think about all my worries has genuinely been helpful, especially as we have approached the end of the school year.

There are many different ways that you can meditate. It doesn’t have to be just sitting in silence in one place. Meditation can look like whatever it needs to for you.

I’ve always been better if I have had something to guide me, whether it is someone walking through a relaxing breathing exercise, or just having a prompt of something to think about. Meditation also isn’t something that I always found easy.

Like many other things, it can take time and practice to actually get to a point where you feel comfortable. But trust me, when you get there, it can actually help more than you realize.

Again, meditation can look like anything for anyone, so maybe give it a try if you are feeling stressed this month. Even if you just take measured breaths for a minute and feel silly doing it, you may find in the long run it is actually more helpful than it seems.

There are many places you can look to for help or ideas online. YouTube has many great “beginner” videos, and even just looking up something that sounds like it may work for you can lead to many useful tools.