03/18/2021
Practicing mindfulness can involve breathing methods, guided imagery, and other practices to relax the body and mind to help reduce stress.
Sometimes we can spend a lot of time time in our minds or head space trying to plan, problem solve, day dream, and even think about things that haven’t even happened...this can be very draining to our active minds and bodies. These draining thoughts and actions can lead to anxiety, stress and symptoms of depression.
Mindfulness can help pull us away from these unwanted actions and help us turn our attention inward and even help to engage with the world and space around us more intentionally. Key word here, INTENTION.
Mindfulness is also great for bringing in a deeper awareness of the self, improve attention, decrease burnout, and even improve sleep.
So where can you start? A sitting or laying down body scan. Focusing your attention slowly and intentionally on each part of your body- from head to toe. Being aware of sensations, thoughts, or emotions that may come up through this process. Remembering to continuing to breathe and maybe even try to lengthen your inhale and exhale.
Steps to start bringing in mindfulness to your day to day routine.
1. Simply focus on your breathing. Sit down, take a deeeepppp breath in and with your exhale let it all go. Relax and release. (Repeat as needed)🧘🏽♀️
2. Pay attention to your movements and surroundings. Take some time to slow down and experience an action or moment with intention. Take time to experience your environment with your senses- touch, taste, sound, sight, and smell. ✨🍃
3. Live in the moment. Easier said that done but try and find joy in the little things that bring you pleasure. ☀️
4. ACCEPT YOURSELF. Love your mind and body the way it in. Give yourself a hug and remember to give yourself grace- treat your mind and body the way you would treat a loved one. ❤️
