
Mindfulness is a practice that involves being aware of the present moment without judgment. Slowing down and creating self awareness through mindfulness is a critical piece to reducing stress and living a balanced lifestyle.
1. WRITE IT DOWN
Mental overwhelm happens when our minds are too busy and we haven’t taken the time to disconnect from our environmental stressors and or digital devices. Using journaling as a way to release thoughts from your mind and create awareness gives you the chance to slow down and declutter the mind.
2. CONNECT WITH THE BREATH
The breath is a powerful thing in the human body as it is literally what gives you your life force. Creating an awareness to how you breath and the qualities of your breath (think depth and rate) promotes internal reflection. To optimally succeed at this one should pause, close the eyes (provided it is safe to do so) and become an observer to their breathing process. If you have a rapid breathing rate like when running or your breath is too shallow you can’t benefit from the full relaxation potential of this slowing down must.
3. STEP INTO NATURE
When life feels so busy or the mind feels too crowded taking in the great outdoors is a must for me. Walking barefoot in the grass, swimming in a lake, sitting by a campfire provides a sense of nurturing and grounding. To use mindfulness outside take a moment to notice how the grass feels between your toes, what smell is in the air, what birds are singing, how your body feels when immersed in water and what colours radiate within the flames of the fire.
4. DIGITAL DETOXES
Screens have become such a huge part of our daily lives and they keep us very much stuck in our heads. It is very hard to be mindful, aware or present in our body's if we are so distracted by our digital devices. This tip for slowing down is essential to calm the mind and reduce how much information we have to process from our various devices. Practicing time without phones etc. helps us to unwind and slow down which are so needed for balance and optimal health.
Until next time, Jenn
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