Look Up: The Power of Being Present
Written by: Farida Radwan, 4th Year, Faculty of Information and Media Studies (FIMS)
Photo by: Unsplash
University life is a wild ride. But if you don’t look up every so often, you might actually miss it.
In a world dominated by screens and constant notifications, the ability to be present is more powerful than ever. But what does it really mean to be present? And how can this transform one’s mental health, academics, and overall university experience?
Screens are everywhere, pulling us into a vortex of social media, texts, and endless scrolling. But have you ever stopped to think about how this impacts your mental health and academic performance? Studies show that excessive screen time can increase feelings of anxiety, reduce attention spans, and even interfere with sleep. This is especially true for students juggling academic pressures and social commitments. But I'm sure you're already aware of that, as it seems to be the main topic of conversation these days. Still, by being mindful and intentional with our screen use, we can rediscover the vibrant world waiting for us beyond our screens.
Why should I even be present?
When is the last time you think you were truly present?
The Internet offers a compelling escape. With a swipe, click, or scroll, it almost seems like the world is at your fingertips, because it really is. Some people might even wonder why they should bother being present in a (mundane) reality when there is world full of memes, TikToks, and binge-worthy series waiting to keep you entertained and distracted. Here’s the deal: when you’re present, you’re not just going through the motions—you’re fully experiencing life. Think about it: would you rather vaguely remember a fun night out because you were busy snapping photos, or create memories so vivid you can laugh about them years later without needing a camera roll refresher?
Being present also helps you form deeper connections. When you put your phone down and give someone your full attention, you’re showing them that they matter. You nod along, you maintain eye contact, you laugh, you immerse yourself in their experiences; something that is rather difficult to do when your attention is divided. It’s a small act that makes a big impact on friendships, relationships, and even networking opportunities. Think about the little things in life: walking to class, grabbing a coffee with a friend, hearing an important lecture. Would these moments feel as special if they were constantly interrupted by the urge to check your phone? Maybe not. When you’re fully in the moment, those small, everyday experiences take on a deeper meaning and become memories you’ll truly cherish. And let’s not forget the academic perks. Staying present during lectures or study sessions means you’re actually absorbing the material (wild concept, right?). No more re-reading the same paragraph ten times because your brain checked out to scroll through Instagram.
Let’s be present, together.
Set Boundaries with Technology: Establish “no-phone” zones or times, such as during meals or while studying. I like to set daily limits for my intake of media. I avoid going on my phone for at least 30 minutes before bed and find my sleep pattern to be significantly improving!
Engage Fully: When you’re with friends, put your phone away and truly listen. Turn it on Do Not Disturb if necessary to avoid being lured in by the ominous vibration of a notification. Have meaningful conversations with others that leave you walking away feeling fulfilled. When studying, focus solely on the task at hand. Sometimes, you may even catch yourself finding the course content interesting. Plus, it’ll take half the amount of time to study & review when the coursework has your full, undivided attention.
Take Breaks: Schedule short breaks to rest your mind. What does that mean? Resting your mind can look different for everybody. To rest one’s mind, you can choose to take a nap, to actually sit with your thoughts, to meditate etc. However you choose to rest your mind will help you recharge to help combat feelings of burnout or stress.
Being present isn’t just about boosting productivity; it’s about making meaningful connections and memories.
When you’re fully engaged in the moment, whether it’s a deep conversation with a friend or a lively campus event, those experiences become more vivid and fulfilling. You as a whole become more connected to yourself and the world around you. In a world that’s constantly vying for our attention, choosing to be present is a radical act of self-care. It’s about prioritizing what truly matters and letting go of distractions. By making small, intentional changes, you can improve your mental health, excel in your studies, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
So, look up, unplug, and embrace the power of being present.
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