The Overlooked Aspects Of Health: Find Your Peace

I think a lot of times we are moving so fast and cutting up our energy and attention into a million things at once that we forget to give attention to ourselves for once. And I mean full attention- concentrated and wholly- on our health. A lot of times we see health as a physical thing, a burden, a commitment, an escape, or a whole other plethora of adjectives. However, health is a trifold experience. It is a cohesion and understanding between the mind, body, and spirit.

source 

When you get caught up on an assignment or a goal or a need for some aspect of the triad, it is easy to neglect the other elements for a period of time. The problem with this is a logical one, and I understand the struggle people may have because it is also a human problem attributed to our need to be doing every single thing all at once all day long. You may be thinking that this is the unavoidable expectation of a college student, and in a lot of ways you are right. In between a full course load, approaching deadlines, group projects, clubs and activities, socializing, eating, working out, and working, the cards are stacked up against the average college kid who is lucky to get a few hours of sleep at night. Our demanding lifestyles, with their deadlines and packed schedules, can rob us of that peace that is vital for us to maintain wholeness- a healthy balance between mind, body and spirit.

While it may be more difficult to imagine a balance between the three elements of health at all times, it is possible. The most important element, however, tends to be the one that I see people overlooking time and time again (myself included). Mental health. From my own experiences and observations of others, I believe college is a really tricky time and a true test of mental toughness. The three-fold experience of health essentially values all of the pillars equally, but I believe wholeheartedly that being sound mentally and taking time for yourself is such a crucial put of the experience. What is the point of being really strong physically if it means neglecting your inner-peace?

I find that everyone has a niche, a go-to that keeps them center. Finding that little piece of peace on campus or in yourself is just as important as drinking water or going to the gym or making overnight oats. Everyone walks a different path so this aspect is really a personal journey. Whether it helps to journal your thoughts and goals, go for walks, have coffee with friends, get your nails done, watch a favorite movie, or call your parents- it is crucial to not neglect the part of you that needs "me-time" and attention. Even in the busiest schedule it is possible to find a moment of peace to breathe and collect. Always remember focusing on yourself is not, and never will be, selfish. When you need a moment to yourself or a day of relaxation, what do you do? Is there anything you think you could start doing that would help?

source