Ever since starting this exciting and tumultuous journey called college, there has been a whirlwind of all kinds of emotions. Because students are living on their own without the guidance of adult supervision from their parents, it can sometimes be difficult for them to manage their time. One minute they are having a swell time hanging out with their friends. Then, the next minute, they need to finish a five page paper that is due the next day. It is important to construct a schedule in order to manage social life and school life. However, for disorganized, scatter-brained procrastinators like me, (maybe I'm being a little too harsh on myself, but oh well...I know it's true :D) this can literally take forever-and by forever, I mean, days to figure out. In fact, I still haven't figured it out. During midterms week, my Co-Ed section mates literally knew I was going crazy from all my overwhelming anxiety after leaving all my important assignments and studying to the last minute (aka Thursday night). Anyway, for many individuals, success begins by having the right mentality. For those who put off their homework to the last minute, it can be difficult to compose yourself in such time-constrained situations. Nevertheless, they have no choice but to get their tasks done. This means having the correct driven mindset in order in order to complete essential responsibilities. One helpful way to do this is simply to meditate. Personally, I have never had the patience to sit quietly and meditate, but I am working on that. According to my competent friends, there are three specific mental benefits of meditating including...

1. Reducing Stress

Because school can sometimes feel like a burden, (especially when procrastinating) one cannot help but feel stressed. It is a natural body reaction that is difficult for individuals to control and painful to live through. It can sometimes feel as if is taking over you. However, meditating can be helpful because it allows your mind to slow down, reminding yourself that the world is a calm, beautiful place where you can achieve anything. You will also realize that you were essentially freaking out for no reason and all the anxiety was just building up in your head. By stepping outside of your perspective, it can be easier to achieve tasks you thought were impossible. Meditating can also reduce the social anxiety that makes people so hesitant to interact with others. They do not have the pressure of trying to match a certain standard to be accepted because they are comfortabel in their own skin.

2. Having Better Time Management

One of the main reasons why students often feel like completing countless amounts of homework is impossible is because they do not know how to manage their time. In reality, if people did their homework in tiny increments over time, they would not be running into the problem of scrambling to finish it. Trust me. It is NOT fun. As people are meditating, this can be a time for them to organize their life plans and how they want to execute them. It can be a time then they can forget about moving along the current of life, and learning the necessary steps to become successful in life. People will be at peace with themselves because they will have developed a set schedule that makes them get everything done on time.

3. Becoming More Positive

When meditating, people are able to have a more positive outlook on life. Instead of looking at the negative side about their current situation, people have the ability to look on the bright side. By allowing yourself to meditate, it can help you develop a soothing, relaxed mind which will naturally make you become more positive. This can certainly help you reach new endeavors because many individuals, including myself, are often afraid to try new things. In a way, this ties into the idea of finally achieving happiness. There is a famous saying that states, "bad things happen to good people," and although we do not like to admit it, this is sometimes the case. Meditating has shown to increase the amount of endorphins and serotonin that allows people to become happier.