Mindfulness is a critical tool to helping us manage stress. It can be so simple yet hugely transformative when we need a little space.
Here are 6 ways to begin to create some mindfulness in your life.
- Conscious breathing…take 5 minutes and breathe in through the nose to the count of 4 then hold for the count of 2 and out through the mouth to the count of 4. This is a great way to create a deep sense of calm in a short period of time.
- Chew your food till it is soupy in your mouth. Not only will you have better digestion but you will get to taste your food.
- Try doing a body scan. Sit quietly in a chair and start at the head breathing in and creating awareness of tension and on the outbreath release the tension. Follow the body down; the neck, the upper body, the lower body, the arms and hands, the legs and feet. Pay attention to where you are tight and relax and release.
- Listen to a song or an album if you really have some time. Listen to it and how it sounds where it touches you and expands or contracts. If you float off come back to the sound and enjoy the sensory experience. You may be surprised at things you never heard.
- Take a seat and look outside at nature and really pay attention to what you are seeing. What are the colors and shapes, is it windy or still, is it dark or light? What colors do you see? It’s a wonderful experience that might surprise you with what you have been missing in your own back yard.
- Take a walk and pay attention to your body in motion. How does it feel to move? Be mindful of your feet and how your heel and toes hit the ground when you walk. What do your calves and legs feel like? How does the rest of your body feel? Relax and enjoy your body in motion. Settle into being right here, right now as you move.
Mindfulness is an excellent way to relieve some stress. Just take 5 minutes to become aware. You will be surprised at the spaciousness that exists here.
