College life can sometimes cause serious mental health issues for young students. Hectic schedule, sleep disorders, constant academic pressure, social isolation, peer pressure, finances, sometimes ragging and bullying too. All these issues sometimes can cause some chronic mental illnesses like insomnia, depression, anxiety, BPD, eating disorders, and in extreme cases, suicidal tendencies are also seen in students. 

An average amount of stress is good for better performance and constant improvement. But extreme stress is harmful. About 63.5% of Indian students reported stress above average due to academic pressure. This situation is alarming. 

(Source data; Times of India)

 

Let's have a look at the data: 

As per the data from the Ministry of Education, 122 students of IITs and IIMs have died by suicide in the last seven years.

According to a report recently published, seven students of IIIT Nuzvidu have killed themselves in the last 5 years. Reason: Unable to cope with the changed medium of study, heavy competition, homesickness, and tough exam pattern. 

(Data source; Times of India)

 

What is the solution? 

We all know due to the constantly increasing population and limited access to resources competition is going to be tougher in the future. It would be a better idea that we make our students capable to deal with such high levels of stress and pressure. In light of this lots of government and non-government organizations have come forward. 

One of the most ancient and widely practiced ways to control emotional turbulence, stress, and mental pressure is mindfulness meditation. 

The origin of meditation can be traced to Hindu and Buddhist religious texts. Originally it was practiced to gain spiritual knowledge. But in the recent world, people are practicing it more and more to gain emotional stability, stress management, and self-awareness. 

 

Now how students can benefit from mindfulness meditation? 

Mindfulness meditation offers a pathway to a calmer and more centered existence. This technique enables the person to be more calm, composed, and focused. In recent times lots of colleges and educational institutions have included mindfulness meditation in their curriculum programs. Students can also reach lots of non-government organizations for guidance and help. http://glexpace.in/

 

Mindfulness meditation involves various techniques and variations. The best thing about mindfulness meditation is that it is the easiest and most easily customizable method to control stress. There are no reported side effects. 

Students having busy schedules can easily practice mindfulness meditation as it takes just a few minutes of their whole day. 

 

Different types of mindfulness meditation 

There are lots of techniques and variations of mindfulness meditation, some of which are mentioned here for readers' guidance. One can practice any technique or combination of techniques. 

 

1. Breath Awareness Meditation

 

This technique involves conscious breathing practice. Slow and controlled breathing helps to gain more focus. 

2. Body Scan Meditation

 

This technique involves a conscious body scan. A person has to feel all of his/her body parts starting from the toe to the head. Constant and consistent practice helps in better self-awareness. 

 

3. Loving-Kindness Meditation

 

It is a kind of gratitude practice. The person feels empathetic towards himself and others. 

 

4. Mindful Walking

Walking barefoot on the grass usually in the morning and evening. The practice helps to feel grounded and makes us more empathetic. 

 

5. Noting Thoughts and Emotions. 

 

This involves journalling and writing our thoughts on paper. This practice helps a person to recognize his emotions and to be in the present. 

 

6. Guided Meditation

 

Guided meditation is practiced under a guide or a teacher or a coach. This technique is usually helpful to gain spiritual knowledge. 

 

7. Musical Meditation.

This meditation involves practicing deep conscious breathing along with a body scan with calm background music. This meditation is widely practiced for stress and anxiety management. 

 

 

8. Chakra Meditation. 

This is a kind of guided meditation helpful in balancing all the chakras of our body. 

 

A study conducted by Stanford University School of Medicine found that 10 days of guided meditation can reduce stress by 14% and reduce irritability by 27%. Three weeks of use was shown to increase compassion by 23% and reduce aggression by 57%. 

 

Mindfulness Meditation removes the accumulated stress in a person's body. Regular practice along with medications can even help in successful recovery from chronic stress, anxiety, insomnia, and depression. 

It is time that we as responsible guardians, parents, coaches, and teachers of our young students teach them the art of mindfulness meditation. Remember as A.C Bhaktivedanta Swami said, 

"You should not be carried away by the dictation of the mind, but the mind should be carried by your dictation"

Meditation helps us to take control of our mind. Meditation teaches us to take ourselves less seriously and live in the moment. 

 

 

 

 

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