By: McKena Pennington
Growing up, navigating college, and entering your twenties can feel overwhelming. It’s a
time full of change, self-discovery, and moments of uncertainty. You might struggle with
knowing your true self balancing mental and physical health while adjusting to a new social
scene away from home. Maybe you are too focused on the future career, goals, and the
life ahead- or even stuck in the past, wondering about how things could've been different. But, rarely do you find yourself in the present.
Here are five simple yet powerful ways to bring yourself back to the present and feel
more comfortable with who you are.
ONE: Journal Twice a Day
Find a journal that inspires you, whether it is a prompted one or one that is empty with
a cute cover. Spend 10 minutes each morning and night writing down your thoughts. This could include things you are grateful for, plans for today or the next, manifestations,
intentions, and even personal reflections. It is proven science that writing things down not
only helps manifest things but puts goals into motion. Journaling starts and ends each day with a clear mind and a grateful heart.
TWO: Time Limit on Social Media
It is very easy to get stuck endlessly scrolling, losing track of time, and, often, your
sense of self. Yet, whether you realize it or not, spending too much time on social media can
ruin your day. Leading you to compare yourself to others you see on your screen, wishing your life was different, and ultimately getting yourself stuck in a negative headspace.
Instead of Instagram and TikTok, spend more time on apps like Pinterest, to spark your
own inspiration and motivation. Building boards on Pinterest can help visualize your goals
and see your life in a more positive light. Even better, unplug completely, open a new book, or try a new recipe. At the end of the day, your real life is what matters most, and it's one of the few things you can truly control. Don't get caught in a false reality for too long, and start
building a life you are happy about.
THREE: Take Color Walks
When life gets busy, especially in college and your 20s it can feel impossible to prioritize
yourself. Taking a simple 20-minute walk each day is an effective way to reset. To make it even more engaging, pick a color to focus on and throughout the walk look for things in that color. A walk like this helps you tune into your surroundings, calm your mind, and be present in the moment. Fresh air, movement, and sensory awareness have the power to make you feel more at ease, and positive, and set yourself up for a productive rest of your day.
FOUR: Keep Note of the Little Things
Seeing the beauty of each day is key. Being grateful for each breath, interaction, and
moment helps you stay present in each day. Noting the little moments from a funny
conversation, to an amazing coffee at breakfast, to how the sun feels on your skin, helps keep your mind positive. Instead of focusing on what you lack, shift your attention to everything you do have. This positive mindset not only helps you stay present but also attracts more positivity into your life like new opportunities and new connections.. The present moment is all we truly have, so don't waste time dwelling on the past or the future, especially when you can’t control it.
FIVE: Do Things That Make You Happy
It's so easy to get caught in following the crowd and do whatever one else is doing
because it almost feels like you have to. Yet, college and your 20s are all about exploring yourself and finding things that you genuinely enjoy. Once you find those things, you will naturally attract like-minded people and build the connections you are striving for.
While it might seem hard, sometimes it's okay to say no to the night out and take a
personal night full of journaling, coloring, reading, watching your favorite movie, cooking, or
working out. Sometimes your social battery needs to charge and taking time for yourself allows you to continue showing up as the best version of yourself. True friends will not only respect but support your choices.
So, try new things, explore, take big risks, read more, and do things that make you
happy. You have time, there is no rush, be present, and make YOURSELF proud.
Comments