What is something you do to relax or take your mind off of things?

“There’s a couple of things I do. I definitely like to go for a drive, move my physical location so I can chance my mental space as well. That’s very helpful. Sometimes I go with friends, usually at least one, but occasionally I’ll go alone. I also definitely like spending time outdoors in nature. It really helps me calm down and let’s my mind be free. I do also dabble in meditation, but it’s mostly only if I really need it. I’m not really much of a regular ‘practitioner.’”

It sounds like mental health and soundness is really important to you.

“Absolutely. I think everyone goes through periods in their lives that are turbulent, or they struggle with some things and they really lose that mental clarity and relaxation aspect sometimes. I think that it’s really important to have systems in place in order to be able to preserve that, especially during those tougher times.”

Is there any kind of advice you could give to someone dealing with these sorts of things?

“I definitely think meditation is very helpful if someone is very particularly stressed. It definitely helps you in multiple ways. It helps you remove yourself from the stress in that moment. But it also gives you a bit of refresh, and allows you to return to your life with renewed energy, a clearer head and, hopefully, a better standpoint.”

Beneath The Crown was created by Nick Theisen (‘15). It is inspired by Humans of New York (HONY) and aims to bring the community of Gustavus Adolphus College closer together by providing the perspectives of the many different people who live and work at the school.