As a university student, life can sometimes feel like a whirlwind. Amidst the chaos, meditation can serve as an anchor, helping you stay grounded and focused.
That’s why we’ve created a short guide on the benefits of meditation, why you should try it and how to get started.
What is meditation?
Meditation is a practice where you focus your mind on a particular object, thought, or activity to achieve mental clarity and emotional calmness. It’s not about shutting off your thoughts, but learning to observe them without getting caught up in their intensity. Meditation is a skill that trains attention and awareness – something that anyone can pick-up and learn at any time.
The goal? To quiet the mind and find a state of inner peace.
Why should you meditate?
Studies have shown that consistent meditation can positively impact your health and wellbeing. For example:
- Reducing your stress: Meditation helps reduce stress by promoting relaxation and lowering cortisol levels – the hormone associated with stress.
- Improving your focus and concentration: Regular meditation practice has been shown to enhance cognitive function, making it easier to focus, remember information and stay organised.
- Improving your emotional wellbeing: Meditation helps in cultivating emotional stability by encouraging mindfulness, which allows you to process your emotions in a healthier way.
- Get a better night’s sleep: By calming the mind and reducing stress, meditation improves sleep quality, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep.
- Increase your self-awareness: Meditation encourages introspection, helping you to develop a better understanding of yourself. This self-awareness can lead to improved decision-making and a stronger sense of purpose.
Ready to get started? Here’s a simple guide on how to meditate mindfully
If you’re new to meditation, it can be challenging to know where to start. Here’s a short guide to help you begin!
- Find a quiet space: Start by finding a quiet, comfortable place where you won’t be disturbed. It could be your bedroom, a quiet corner of the library or even a spot in one of our themed gardens on campus (the spiritual garden located between Building 307 and 308 is especially serene!).
- Set a timer: It’s a good idea to set a timer for your meditation. Start with just five minutes and gradually increase the time as you become more comfortable with the practice. Even the smallest amount of time dedicated to the practice is worth it.
- Sit comfortably: Sit in a comfortable position with your back straight. You can sit on the floor with your legs crossed, in a chair with your feet flat on the ground, or even lie down if that’s more comfortable for you.
- Focus on your breath: Close your eyes and begin to focus on your breathing. Notice the sensation of your breath as it enters and leaves your nostrils, or the rise and fall of your chest or abdomen.
- Observe your thoughts: As you meditate, thoughts will inevitably pop up in your mind. Rather than trying to push them away, acknowledge them and then gently bring your focus back to your breath. The goal isn’t to stop thinking altogether but to observe your thoughts without getting attached to them.
- Be patient and kind to yourself: Meditation is a skill that takes time to develop. Don’t get discouraged if you find it hard to focus at first. With regular practice, it will become easier to quiet your mind and enter a state of relaxation.
- End slowly: When your timer goes off, slowly bring your attention back to your surroundings. Take a few deep breaths, stretch and take a moment to appreciate the calm you’ve cultivated before resuming your day.
Incorporating meditation into your daily routine can be a game-changer. Whether you’re looking to reduce your stress levels, improve your focus or simply find a few moments of peace amidst the busy-ness of uni life, meditation can help! Start with just a few minutes each day, and gradually, you’ll start to notice the positive impact it can have on your wellbeing.
Want to try a guided meditation? Visit the Curtin Life YouTube and browse our playlist.
Three quick tips for meditation beginners
Be consistent!
Select a time to meditate every day – first thing in the morning, late in the evening or at lunchtime. If you miss out on a day or two, don’t be too hard on yourself. Just pick it up again the following day.
Anchor your practice to your normal routine.
If you find it hard to find time to meditate throughout the day, or don’t know where to start, try to anchor your practice to another task in your routine. For example, before or after you brush your teeth in the morning.
Put meditation reminders around you.
If you know planning out your time is something you struggle with, put a reminder in your phone or add it to your Google calendar. You might even want to write it on a sticky-note and pop it on your fridge or bathroom mirror.
