By Estenia Elisevich, MSW Intern

Upcoming exams, assignments or deadlines can cause us to stress about the future. During times of stress, practicing mindfulness can help.

Mindfulness is the ability to be fully present and aware of where we are and what we're doing. Focusing on the present can bring forth the feeling of happiness and connection to ourselves and our surroundings.

Here are some tips and resources on how to practice mindfulness:

Make time to do what you enjoy

Try this six-minute breathing meditation to cultivate mindfulness

Check out your phone's app selection for free mindfulness apps

Take three minutes to watch this Body Scan Meditation video

Connect with your surroundings by trying the 5-4-3-2-1 technique:

What are five things I can see?

What are four things I can touch?

What are three things I can hear?

What are two things I can smell?

What is one thing I can taste?

Don't forget, CAPS is here for you! You can also reach out directly to Counselor Patti Dixon at 313-577-3243 or PatriciaDixon@wayne.edu. If you need help after hours or on the weekend, call CAPS at 313-577-9982.

WSU Applebaum offers dedicated Counseling and Psychological Services support to students on a group or individual basis. To get started, visit caps.wayne.edu and complete the initial consultation form, making sure to note that you are an EACPHS student.