Keystone’s graduation is right around the corner, and we could not be more excited to celebrate the achievements of our grade 12 graduating class at our new campus building!
That all being said, while graduation can be an incredibly exciting and exhilarating time, it is also one full of change. It is absolutely normal to feel overwhelmed by all the newness surrounding you during graduation time, with decisions about post-secondary life finally being made and that walk up the stage to collect your diploma looming over you.
So, what are some things you can do as a graduate to stay calm and centered at one of the most important times of your academic career (and, in fact, of your life in general)? Look no further than this blog post to find out!
Breathe Deep
One of the most effective tools for managing feelings of restlessness and discomfort is engaging in mindfulness and meditation practices. You might have explored these techniques already in our after-school yoga club, but if you didn’t have the chance to participate, you can always turn to other resources that are easily accessible and designed to get you started.
For example, the app Calm is incredibly popular among psychiatrists and people of all ages, and is readily available for download on your phone so that you can take it with you at all times. This app has a whole host of meditations of various lengths, and is also a good tool to have in your arsenal ready to go for those potentially stressful days in university or college.
You can also find other helpful resources online, like this article that discusses how to meditate if you are a full beginner. In this age of ours that is so focused on mental wellness, there are so many areas of the internet you can turn to for more information on how to prioritize your mental health. And remember, these resources will not only help you manage getting through your graduation ceremony and having the spotlight on you, but will also be useful for your final exams in the upcoming weeks.
No Water, No Flowers
Just like a garden cannot grow without rain, your mind and body cannot stay sharp and focused without hydration. This is why drinking enough water throughout your day is essential, not only to keep you physically healthy, but also to keep your mind calm.
Did you know that psychiatrists have found that drinking a glass of cold water can almost immediately relieve symptoms of anxiety and panic attacks? It’s true, and it is something that is so easy to do! So why not buy yourself an extra cute water bottle (maybe even a Stanley, who knows?) and rock it to each of your classes so that you can sip on it throughout the day. You can even have it with you at the graduation ceremony, on hand under your chair to provide a bit of extra hydration before your big moment! Might we even suggest one of these green ones that would match your Keystone cap and gown quite nicely?
Someone to Lean On
Finally, one of the best things you can do to maintain your mental health at this pivotal and incredible time of your life is lean on your friends for support. You aren’t graduating alone, and while all of your teachers will be behind you, cheering you on, don’t forget that your best friends will be standing beside you too. Graduation is a big deal, but it is also a party, a time to celebrate your massive accomplishments and take all those silly pictures you and your friends don’t have time for between classes.
Even better, why not spend the morning of graduation getting ready with your friends? There’s nothing like putting on an awesome playlist and hyping each other up for this special occasion! You might still feel a flutter of nerves at the thought of all that this occasion means, but at least you will be able to turn to look at your friends and remember that, just like you’ve been every day of school so far, you’re in this together!
All this to say, graduation is a huge milestone, but don’t forget that it is YOUR day! You’ve come so far and achieved so much, so this is your chance to shine and celebrate! Take it one moment at a time, breathe deep, and take to that stage like the star that you are!
We could not be more proud of you!
