By Megan O'Connell, Student at UW-Platteville

Amid the chaos of our crazy day-to-day lives, it is very important to remember to schedule "me time." Meditating is a great way to clear your mind, relax your body and reconnect with yourself.

According to Shambhala.org, "Meditation is based on the premise that the natural state of the mind is calm and clear. It provides a way to train our mind to settle into this state."

You can browse the Internet for how-to’s, but from my own personal experiences, meditating is a very "me-based" experience. Place yourself in a quiet and peaceful environment, close your eyes, slow your breathing, focus on your breaths and let your thoughts be. Don’t worry about time; just bring yourself back to awareness when it feels comfortable for you.

OK, you’re probably thinking that meditating is a crazy idea; you don’t have the time, it would be extremely embarrassing if your roomie walked in on you, etc. The benefits of meditation will soon replace your apprehensiveness if you give it a try.

According to WildMind.org, “Meditation is to the mind what aerobic exercise is to the body.” It’s important to remind yourself to not only stay in good physical shape but also to stay in good mental shape.

Meditation is a good way to keep your mental health in check. Being too busy is a great reason to try meditation, and if your roomie walks in on you and thinks you're nuts, make her try it as well!

According to The Art Of Living, the mental and physical health benefits of meditating include an improved immune system, a decrease in tension-related pain, a reduction in anxiety attacks, an improvement in emotional stability and an increase in happiness and creativity, just to name a few!

So go sit by a river, light a stick of incense and get your “ohmmmm” on! Besides, being a hippie is kind of "in" these days.

“To enjoy good health, to bring true happiness to one's family, to bring peace to all, one must first discipline and control one's own mind. If a man can control his mind he can find the way to Enlightenment, and all wisdom and virtue will naturally come to him.”- Buddha