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In My Flourishing Era graphic. Credit: Allison Piwowarski

In Focus: Flourishing Mindfully

The transition to the Farm can be exciting, scary, overwhelming, inspiring, challenging, and so much more for new and returning students. Stanford can be a busy and fast-paced environment, but we have tips on how to live mindfully in the busyness. It’s easy to get lost in all the hustle and bustle, so it’s important to slow down and ensure you take care of yourself through it all. 

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Return to the Flourish, October 2024 Issue

Flourishing Mindfully

Everyone’s Stanford experience is unique, and whatever experience you find yourself in, mindfulness can aid you in finding flourishing. Mindfulness seems like a buzzword nowadays, so let’s ask ourselves first: what is mindfulness? 

In the words of Jon Kabat Zinn, the creator of the Stress Reduction Clinic and the Center for Mindfulness in Medicine, “Mindfulness is an awareness that arises through paying attention, on purpose, in the present moment, non-judgmentally.” This awareness can enhance an amazing experience or help pull someone out of a difficult one. When we can come back to the present, we are able to get out of our endless cycle of thoughts, which can bring stress, overwhelm, sadness, irritation, etc.,  and back to the here and now so we can appreciate the moment, slow down, and make calm and clear choices. 

Being present sounds great, but sometimes, it feels difficult to attain. Remember, it’s normal for humans to have lots of distracting thoughts. The practice of mindfulness is not to get rid of your thoughts but to simply observe them without judgment and bring your attention back out of them. It is a continuous practice that gets easier over time, like anything. This article will explore simple ways to become more present throughout your experience on the Farm and beyond. 

Take Care of Yourself

It seems seemingly simple, but sometimes, it’s easy to forget to practice self-care when busy. Here’s a few simple things you can do:

  • meditate
  • get into nature
  • walks
  • movement
  • healthy sleep
  • journal

Connection & community 

Explore and find spaces that feel nurturing for you. Spaces that uplift you and re-energize you.

Take breaks throughout the day 

Be sure to slow down. Going from class to class can be fast-paced and draining. Take a moment, look at the trees, sit on a bench, and just breathe and reset.

Write things down 

Make to-do lists; don’t store all your to-dos in your brain. When you write down what you have to do, it helps ensure those to-dos don’t overwhelm your headspace.

Seek support 

If you are struggling, know you are not alone and that it is okay to ask for help. Support is out there, and you can find resources linked below.

Written by: Cherrial Odell, Class of 2025

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Resources

Stanford Resources

  • Well-Being Coaching: A Well-Being coach can help you cultivate the internal and external resources to live a healthy, vibrant life, manage stress, shift your beliefs and behaviors, and form meaningful connections with others. Book a session today.
  • Community and Belonging at Stanford: Explore the vibrant student communities on campus, including Cardinal Recovery, Wellness Buddies, Stanford Mental Health Outreach, Centers for Equity Community and Leadership, the Office for Religious and Spiritual Life, Weiland Health Initiative, and more!
  • Mindfulness and Compassion: Learn how to incorporate mindfulness and self-compassion into your daily routine by exploring tips, videos, classes, and groups available to the Stanford community. Stanford Medicine
  • Stanford Living Education (SLED): Explore Wellness Courses offered through SLED to get you into the practice of mindfulness. Such courses include WELLNESS 99: Kinesthetic Delight: Movement and Meditation, WELLNESS 108: Leadership from Within: Meditation, Creativity, and Connection, WELLNESS 130: Meditation, and WELLNESS 131: Compassion Meditation.
  • CAPS’ Mindful Minutes: Check out a series of very brief mindful practices you can do anytime, anywhere. Counseling and Psychological Services

Additional Resources