Take a Break from the World

I am big on using StumbleUpon to escape from all the work that I have to do.
Some time ago I came across a website, The Quiet Place, where I could take a second to avoid all the Facebook notifications, tweets and text messages.

Why It Is Great

The Quiet Place takes the audience to a place where forgetting the world is not a bad thing. It was built to remind people of simpler times, when we weren't constantly checking Facebook or tweeting about the funny thing that just happened. It explains to ignore your cell phone during the short running time of the program.

I have used it to help me focus before finals last semester and to keep my focus now.
Sometimes we forget to take a second and mentally stop. In this fast-paced world, we sometimes forget to slow down and enjoy the little things in life that can make us the most happy.

For Example

I take a walk/run (depending on the day) on the Allegheny River Valley Trail. As the Spring brings new life to to the trees and the forest floor, the trail have a different view every day. You meet friendly people who are doing the same as you. On occasion, you can find a person fishing on the banks of the river. Simply taking a walk around campus can help to get your focus back.

Or sometimes there are simple things you can do to take your mind off the world (that don't involve technology). 

1. Yoga: it may seem like the obvious answer, but since you are focusing on your inner balance, you are not worried about anything else.
2. Read a Book: it will take you out of this world entirely, and into a totally new world where people you don't know are taking care of the problems.
3. Origami: it is a great stress reliever. As you are focusing on folding the paper the correct way, you are not worried about the things going on outside.
4. Doing/Folding Laundry: it is extremely relaxing. The aromas after pulling out a batch of freshly laundered clothes stimulate relaxation. Not to mention how warm and soft everything is when it comes out of the dryer.
5. Take a Nap: there's simply nothing simpler. 

Remember that the world's problems aren't yours. You have to remember to enjoy the little things in life or else your problems weigh down on you. Don't stress. 

If you haven't seen the movie Zombieland, I urge you to. It is extremely funny. Just some advice on how to survive a zombie apocalypse (that fits in this case). 

Courtesy of http://www.xpressoreads.com/2012/02/zombie-apocalypse-are-you-ready-guest.html