Back to College Essentials: For the Soul

"Happiness is not found in things you possess, but in what you have the courage to release." - Nathaniel Hawthorne

As the first day of college continues to creep upon us all & the stresses of the ever-busy year continue to pile on us, I've come to find it very important to be able to take time out of each day for myself. Just to be able to go for a walk followed by some warm tea and a good read or maybe even just some simple heart-to-heart best friend session to help me unwind after a long day... But now the question comes to mind & you may be asking, "Yeah, but Lisa, what happens when I don't have time for all those things & I quickly become lost in my many anxieties and before I know it, I'm stuck in my head feeling far off on some unreachable island somewhere?" So I'm going to let you guys in on a few little secrets of mine that help me to get through the day so maybe (just maybe) they'll help you not just get through yours...

1. To start the morning off on a good foot... be sure to take some time to feed your soul with just the good stuff; journal, pray, meditate or even just sit and have a hot cup of coffee. For me, this is absolutely vital to be at peace in order to get ready for the day ahead of me.  

 2. Exercise! I know, I know..I'm hearing groans from all around.. one of those being myself included. If I'm being honest, I love to exercise (when I finally get motivated enough to do it consistently) but it's a struggle for me. If you didn't know this, exercising actually releases chemicals in your brain that literally can help you beat depression! And let me tell ya, just 30 minutes of exercise is cheaper than any anti- depressant I've ever seen. So instead of allowing college stresses to weigh you down... how about picking up an actual weight instead.

3. Breathe! Learning to breathe properly is absolutely essential in order to stay in the present moment. Let the past go & don't worry about the future, all will fall into place in due time. I'll let you in on a secret ... I actually "suffer" from bouts of anxiety and get symptoms of mild depression from time to time. I put the word suffer in quotations because in a lot of ways it's more of a blessing than a curse. It's forced me to become a lot stronger as a person & you can't grow unless you face your challenges, so for that I encourage all of you with similar issues to view your anxiety as an opportunity rather than a hindrance. 

4. Only dwell on things that make you smile and help you get to where you want to go. I especially love to think on 3 good things that happened to me during the day before I go to bed. This has helped me to develop an attitude of thankfulness. It's also helped me learn how to be on my own team..with all the negativity in the world it's easy to get swept up in it, so do yourself a favor & be your own friend. Check out Philippians 4:8 followed by Isaiah 41:10, and let that be something to think on at night instead of all the things you've yet to do.

5. Embrace change and try new things! College is the time to figure out who you are and who you really want to be. Take this time to really branch out of your comfort zone & you might just surprise yourself.

6. Treat others with love & kindness. Never hesitate to reach out  and embrace opportunities to learn & grow as a person. Showing compassion to others whether they be less fortunate or someone  who is exactly like you can always help you find moments of clarity, peace, and perspective. 

So there ya have it.. these are my tips to having not only a great school year, but my tips to having a better life. Remember that we all struggle..and that it's actually okay to; after all I mean, we're only human. But it's important to get outside your comfort zone.. because that better, amazing you you're looking for... can't happen if you stay right where you are.

So what did you think about these tips...were they helpful? 

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