It is just about to be the middle of the semester and I am sure that many are starting to realize the strain that is already making itself apparent to many, whether or not there are midterms and applications for scholarships, diplomas and those last minute college transfer applications.

Amid all that stress, there is one way that I find that helps make me feel a lot better, and I would like to share that with anyone who cares to read this. It is quite simple and a lot of people don’t recommend it, however it has been one of the best ways for me to relax.

All that needs to be done is detach from this reality and create another one that is more peaceful.

I do it all the time, and yes, some people think I am a bit of a space cadet because I am always in my own mind, however, I can calm myself, forget about my problems or just hang out in my own reality devoid of all problems that exist in this world.

The way to achieve this is to simply take a few deep, calming breaths, and if necessary close your eyes. Then think about whatever makes you happy, be it a place you visited, an event in your life, or even a person, although that might be a little weird, even for this exercise.

The point is, take that place, event or person, and make it bigger, create an entire world out of it, it doesn’t have to be big, just something that will make for a relaxing place to collect yourself. If you practice this, eventually it will become strong enough where the feeling of this alternate, serenity will stick around all day, and then nothing can stop you from doing the best work possible, completely stress free.

People may be skeptical of this practice; however, I can safely say that this sort of extreme meditation has worked for me, without fail, whenever I have needed it.

So the next time there’s too much stress to handle and the next extended weekend is still a distant bleep on the horizon, take a step back from this reality and create one of your own.